Course Opening and Closing

Purpose

• To share how Outward Bound started and its mission.

• To mood-set on participants’ behavior and attitude during the course.

Content

1. Welcome all on behalf of Executive Director (OBS)

2. Introduce schools / organisations present at the opening

3. Introduce yourself

4. Brief History of Outward Bound

(This part could be covered in their pre-course briefing. Check with Client Manager on what was covered.)

• Founder of Outward Bound

• History of Outward Bound: WWII, survival of old versus young sailors

• Definition of the term Outward Bound

• Outward Bound motto: “To Serve, To Strive and Not to Yield”

• Outward Bound philosophy (e.g. 4 Pillars, 5 Qualities, 6 declines) 

5. Brief History of Outward Bound Singapore

• Inauguration of Outward Bound Singapore

• Outward Bound Singapore under National Youth Council

• Outward Bound Singapore mission statement

• What can you gain from this course?

6. Course objectives 

7. How to benefit from an Outward Bound course?

• Participate enthusiastically

• Commit to do one’s best

• Share your experiences

• Work together and motivate each other

• Be safety-minded

• Cooperate fully with the staff of OBS and adhere to safety regulations

8. Introduce Instructors and the name of their Watch. Share the significance of the Watch name

9. Any other emphasis e.g. Disciplinary Issues, fasting during Ramadhan.

10. End the address with a quotation. (e.g. A Ship in harbour is safe but that’s not what ships are built for.)

Purpose

• To wrap up the course and address issues that might arise during or after the course. 

Content

1. Express that OBS has been glad to have the school / organization for the duration of the course and hope that it has been a fulfilling / enriching experience. (e.g. Can give time for some participants to share their experience or share their learnings in pointers.)

2. Inquire about the participant’s wellbeing / health. 

3. Shared about the final medical check by Outdoor Nurse Practitioner. To follow the medical advice given. 

4. Explain that the activities in OBS are conducted by trained instructors and should not be replicated on their own, without proper supervision.

5. Do not exaggerate situations or share untruths about OBS. (E.g. Incidents or even the distance they paddled)

6. Inquire if there are any outstanding queries that are pending / need to be answered.
   
   

7. Introduce different courses provided by OBS. Check the OBS website where they can glean further information should they be interested. Follow OBS on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, where they can leave a feedback. 

8. Emphasize on proper out-process attire and to ensure that they safe guard their belongings. (E.g. Have Certificate on hand to clear Security Check)

9. Inform participants to inform their parents or guardians if they are not returning home immediately. There are cases of concerned parents contacting OBS after the course to ask of their children’s whereabouts.
   
   

10. Tell participants how they can go home from Punggol Jetty/ ECC, especially if they have no transport to go back.

10. Final closing quotation / story

Click here to view the Word document for Guide for Opening and Closing Address