Connections Family Portal

Connections for Boston Public Schools

Hello Parents/Guardians! Welcome to our Family Portal where you will find everything you need to know for your child’s upcoming trip to Cathleen Stone Island Outward Bound. We know that there are a lot of questions and unknowns that may come up as you prepare to send your child to the island. Whether they are coming to Cathleen Stone Island for our School Year Connections program with their class, or they are participating in our Summer Connections Expeditions, this portal has you covered! But first, a quick intro to Cathleen Stone Island:

• Cathleen Stone Island is one of 34 islands that make up Boston Harbor Island National and State Park.  
• Cathleen Stone Island Outward Bound’s flagship program model, Connections, combines hands-on science lessons with the best of Outward Bound’s approach to social-emotional learning, leadership, compassion, and service. 
• Students will board the Outward Bound ferry and take a 25 minute ferry ride to Cathleen Stone Island from our ferry dock located in South Boston. Directions to our ferry dock: https://cathleenstoneisland.org/visit 
• Cathleen Stone Island is one of the closest islands of all accessible Boston Harbor Islands and has beautiful views of the city (see pictures below)!
• Cathleen Stone Island is Boston’s largest outdoor classroom! When students step onto the island, they are immersed into experiential learning that focuses on who they are as learners, problem solvers, thinkers, teammates. This 240-acre island exists for your child to discover new parts of themselves and thrive in an outdoor environment that is close to home.
• All of our instructors are background-checked (including CORI & SORI screening) and are required to hold certifications in CPR/AED, and First Aid. Additionally, our instructors participate in staff training each season that includes Student Management Systems Training (mental health training).
• Cathleen Stone Island has running water, electricity, heated/ac buildings, dorms and a dining hall! There are 10 operating buildings and 2 waterfront pavilions.
• For serious emergencies, Boston Harbor Islands are served by the Boston Emergency Services (EMS) 

Our research-based middle school science curriculum aligns with the Next Generation Science standards and has been written in conjunction with certified Boston Public Schools science teachers. Researchers have documented that time spent on Cathleen Stone Island is expanded learning that works, laying the groundwork for students’ success in the classroom, workplace, and community. By the end of eighth grade, our students consider themselves scientific thinkers in their approach to solving problems and have both the drive and ability to lead constructive change in their communities.

Below are resources such as packing lists for our overnight and day programs, maps of our island, information about our free summer expedition programs, and videos/pictures that will give you a glimpse into how our programs unfold.