Every Outward Bound Wilderness course focuses on at least one physical
activity. While you are learning the basic skills and safety techniques
for that activity, you’ll be simultaneously faced with the
complexities of group dynamics and decision-making. You and your
team will begin to master the skills, experience some of the most
spectacular wilderness areas on earth, and slowly take over the
leadership of the course.
Check out the details of the activities that interest
you -
Backpacking— Your first challenge is to fit
all the food and gear you’ll need into an internal frame pack
the size of two shopping bags. Backpacking courses teach you the
navigation and camping skills necessary to travel through rolling
mountains, lush forests and intricate canyons.
Canoeing
— You’ll explore peaceful, remote
wilderness areas and view spectacular wildlife. You’ll master
paddling strokes, self-rescue skills, portaging, map and compass
navigation, and reading water hazards, levels and currents. Students
must be comfortable in the water to participate.
Canyoneering
/ Desert Backpacking — Travel
to remote areas where few have gone before and discover the secrets
and surprising beauty of the canyons and deserts. Learn about desert
safety and survival, map and compass navigation, route planning,
rock climbing and rappelling, expeditionary travel and more.
Dogsledding
— Experience the beauty of winter travel
on these challenging and rewarding backcountry courses. Learn how
to care for the dogs and run teams under a variety of conditions.
Gain winter camping skills, map and compass navigation, winter ecology
and snow shelter construction skills.
Mountaineering
— Come explore high mountain passes and
stand atop some of the highest peaks in the United States. Travel
on and off trail, above treeline, and on technical terrain. You
will learn and practice technical skills including wilderness navigation,
rock and snow climbing, belaying, rappelling, fixed line use, and
river crossings.
Multi-Expedition
— While most Outward Bound courses focus
on a single wilderness skill, multi-expedition courses offer you
the chance to change mid-course from one activity and environment
to another. These courses are perfect for those who want to try
out several activities and learn the basics of muliple activities.
Rafting
— Whether you are traveling by whitewater
canoe, kayak or raft, Outward Bound's whitewater courses give you
all the skills you need to travel safely through rapids and down
the river. These courses are run expedition style, moving your camp
further downstream each day. Students must be comfortable
in the water to participate.
Rock
Climbing — These courses provide
quality instruction, genuine challenges, and progression at your
own pace. Rock climbing consists of climbing up a rock face using
ropes and harnesses. You will learn technical climbing techniques
and safety skills, as well as rappelling, knots and rope handling.
Sailing
— Your home will be a 30-foot pulling
boat shared with 9 to 11 companions and 2 instructors. You'll learn
basic seamanship: sail theory, navigation, reading wind and tides,
sailing and rowing. Learn to sail in rough and calm seas, at night
and in the fog. Students must
be comfortable in the water to participate.
Sea
Kayaking — The size and agility
of a kayak allows you to go where other boats cannot. Explore intricate
coastlines and remote islands and view spectacular wildlife. Learn
paddling techniques, capsize and rescue procedures, weather forecasting,
navigation skills, and oceanography. Students must be comfortable
in the water to participate.
Snow
& Ice — With each snowfall
comes the promise of new adventure. It is the stuff of dreams, and
a frozen pile of challenges. On a powder-covered backcountry slope
or a sheer ice face, you will be tested like you've never been tested
before.
Backpacking
