Be a Sponsor and Change Lives Through Challenge and Discovery!

Philadelphia Outward Bound School (POBS) is a Pennsylvania 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization with a mission to change lives through challenge and discovery .

In 1992, Philadelphia leaders, including former Mayor Michael Nutter, established POBS to help our region’s young people succeed in school and life through outdoor education programs that build powerful social-emotional and leadership skills. Over the past 30 years, POBS has delivered Outward Bound’s internationally acclaimed programming to over 75,000 students in one-day programs at our locations in Philadelphia and multi-day expeditions along the Appalachian Trail and the Delaware River.

Most of our students attend School District of Philadelphia middle and high schools, and over 80% come from low-income households in the Philadelphia region. Support from individuals and organizations helps underwrite our programs and impacts thousands of students every year.

Corporate sponsorship affords your organization the opportunity to build brand awareness around this high profile event while supporting the mission of the Philadelphia Outward Bound School , a leading youth-serving nonprofit in the region. Not only will you be giving back to the community, you also receive the ultimate perk of participating in the 30-story rappel!

Download Sponsorship Packet

Contact Lori Salganicoff at lori@pobs.org to learn more.

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THANK YOU TO OUR CURRENT SPONSORS!

BUILDING SPONSOR

TREELINE SPONSOR

EXPEDITION SPONSORS

TRAILHEAD SPONSORS

IN-KIND SPONSORS

Mark Sellers

Frequently Asked Questions

The Basics

• What is Building Adventure?
  Building Adventure is Philadelphia Outward Bound School’s signature fundraising event where participants rappel down the side of a skyscraper in Center City Philadelphia. It’s 30 stories (315 feet!) of excitement, and it supports outdoor leadership programs for thousands of local students.
  
  
• Why rappel down a building?
  Because it’s an unforgettable way to push yourself outside your comfort zone - just like Outward Bound students do on course. It’s not about being a thrill-seeker; it’s about discovering you have what it takes to meet a challenge while raising money for a cause that changes young lives.
  
  
• What is a team?
  A team is a group of three or more rappellers - friends, family members, or coworkers - who sign up together. Each person fundraises individually, but the group’s total is what matters. Teams also get a discount on the fundraising minimum and the fun of sharing the adventure side by side.
  
  
• How much do I have to raise to secure a rappel slot?
  For individuals, the suggested amount to raise is $1,750 for your rappel spot.
  
  
• How does it work for teams?
  • Teams consist of three or more individuals.
  • Every team member should register and raise funds for their team
  • Receive $100 off the individual fundraising minimum ($1,750) for every person that you recruit, up to seven members.
  • Once your team’s collective fundraising minimum is reached, all team members will be able to rappel. 

Donate FAQS

• What is the tax status of my donation? 
  All contributions are tax-deductible as are all contributions from non-rappeller donors.  
  
  
• Will I receive a receipt?
  Yes - All payments will be confirmed with a receipt. The tax status of payments or portions of payments will be noted. The online giving system automatically generates and emails them.  Payments by check will receive an acknowledgment letter in the mail. 

• Can I make a donation to a team?
  Yes. You can make a donation to a fundraiser on a team or you can make a general team donation.

•  Can I make a general donation to the overall event?
  Yes.

• What address should I use if I want to mail a check?

Philadelphia Outward Bound School
3401 Reservoir Drive
Philadelphia, PA  19121

• How should I make out my check?

  Please make all checks payable to: Philadelphia Outward Bound School.  Write "Building Adventure" in the memo line and the name of the fundraiser to whom the donation should be credited.

   

• How do I find a participant's personal fundraising webpage?

  Click on the home page and begin typing the first or last name. Your options will display as you type.

   

• How quickly can I expect an online donation to post to a participant's fundraising account?

  Any donation made online should post immediately. If an online donation does not post within 5 minutes, please contact us.

   

• What happens if I check the checkbox to "cover processing fees"?

  If you check this checkbox, you will be charged the amount indicated next to the checkbox. This amount will also be visible to the nonprofit. However, on the fundraising page, your initial donation amount will be displayed (processing fees do not count towards your fundraising goal but we so appreciate you covering them!).

   

• Do all donors who mail their donations receive a receipt?

  Any donor who mailed their donation and provided an address will receive a receipt via mail once the donation has been processed. If you made your donation in installments, you will receive a receipt each time a monthly payment is processed.

   

• Do all donors who contribute online receive a receipt?

  Yes, anyone who donates online, regardless of the amount, will receive a receipt via email.

   

• What is Philadelphia Outward Bound School's Tax ID number?

  A Tax ID number identifies Philadelphia Outward Bound School as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The Philadelphia Outward Bound School Tax ID number is 56-2472884.

• How do I add a dedication when I make a donation?
  
  When you make a donation online, you can designate what you want to appear as your recognition name on the participant's page. This may be your name, or it could be something such as "From the whole Wolf family" or "in memory of Aunt Cathy."

Fundraising FAQs

• What can I do if a check is written out to me personally?

  If a donation check has been written out to you personally, you may endorse the back of the check, write "Pay to the order of Philadelphia Outward Bound School" below your signature, and mail it in to Philadelphia Outward Bound School (See address above).

   

• Can I mail in a cash donation?

  It is not a good idea to send a cash donation in the mail. You may drop off the cash at Philadelphia Outward Bound School along with your information or you can deposit the cash into your checking account and send us a personal check.

   

• How quickly can I expect an online donation to post to my page?

  Any donation made online should post immediately. If your donation does not post within 5 minutes, please contact Philadelphia Outward Bound School at ba@pobs.org.

Event Day FAQs

• When is Building Adventure 2025?
  Date: Friday, October 17, 2025
  Time: Your time slot will be assigned to you and/or your team. The event will run from 8am-6pm.
  
  
• What if it rains?
  The event will be held rain or shine. In the case of heavy rain or high winds, rappelling maybe temporarily suspended until the weather clears.
  
  
• Where is Building Adventure?
  Two Commerce Square
  2001 Market St.
  Philadelphia, PA 19103
  
  
• How long is the rappel?
  The rappel distance is 315 ft and it takes about 10-20 minutes to get down based on each individual's speed in rappelling.
  
  
• Is there an age requirement for rappelling at Building Adventure?
  There is not an age requirement for Building Adventure, but there is a weight requirement: participants must be between 100-300 pounds. Please reach out to ba@pobs.org if you have any questions or concerns.
  
  
• Are there any skills required to participate?
  There are no skills required for folks to participate in Building Adventure. We encourage people of all skill levels to join us. Participants will receive instructions from our skilled volunteers and staff prior to rappelling.
  
  
• Do I need any equipment? What should I wear on the day of Building Adventure?
  There is no specialized equipment needed from participants. All equipment will be provided. We ask that participants wear close-toed shoes and dress comfortably while rappelling. There are no other clothing requirements. Some folks wear a superhero or other costume to make it more fun! Be mindful that you will have to wear a helmet and harness while rappelling.

 Still have questions? Email us at ba@pobs.org.