You slice your paddle cleanly into the lake, leaving land behind. Here, as the sun is just reaching the horizon, the world is bathed in morning sunlight. Your group of canoes pauses in the middle of the lake to consult map and compass. Today, while wilderness canoeing, your journey is a 12-mile voyage through lakes and over some of the world's oldest exposed granite in Minnesota's Boundary Waters. The contrast between the rugged, rocky portage trails and the vast expanses of clear clean lakes is striking. With each passing day, you hone your paddling skills, gaining strength as you gain expertise. You feel vital, essential, whole in nature.
You may also choose to leave the calm waters behind and instead take on a skills-intensive trip in highly responsive whitewater canoes. You learn to read the river with skill and intimacy and take your turn paddling your canoe through sections of whitewater with burgeoning skill.
Maybe your canoe will take you to coastal regions of the US. In Florida, you work together to paddle a tandem canoe through mangrove tunnels. Navigate aquatic preserves, sharing the waters with dolphins, manatees and sea turtles. Sleep under the stars on white-sand beaches or atop a chickee. Learn about the Native American tribes and other settlers who ventured into this "last American frontier."
Come journey through some of the most remote rivers, lakes and marshlands in North America. Paddle rapids on Maine's Penobscot River. Navigate through the Ten Thousand Islands in Florida's Everglades. Surround yourself with dense forests, tall grasslands and abundant wildlife. You will find strength you never knew you had.
Join fellow educators on the scenic waters of Ross Lake for an Outward Bound expedition that will renew your spirit and refresh your teaching and communication style. Hurry, scholarships are available on a first-come first-serve basis!
Activities: Canoeing, Alpine Hiking
Lengths: 7 days
Ages: 23+
Special Focus: Educators
This two or three week course is an extended canoe expedition in one of the lower forty-eight’s last true wilderness areas. Rock climbing, a ropes course, service, solo, final expedition and a wilderness triathlon make this adventure rich with varied Description and challenge. This course is ideal for younger teens looking for challenge, self-reliance and accomplishment.
Activities: Canoeing, portaging, rock climbing and/or ropes course, solo, service, wilderness marathon and final expedition
Lengths: 15 days
Ages: 14-16
This is a whitewater river expedition through the forests of western Maine with lots of opportunities to climb at rock sites along the way. Whitewater canoeing is fun and challenging and rock climbing is exhilarating and enlightening. This course is ideal for teens looking for the thrill of whitewater paddling and the perseverance to climb rocks.
Activities: Canoeing, rock climbing, solo, service and final expedition
Lengths: 14 days
Ages: 16-18
