At Outward Bound, participants learn through doing. We utilize
challenging activities in spectacular environments because the unfamiliar
stimulates dramatic learning. The activities are a means to an end,
the vehicle illuminating qualities of value to both individuals
and teams. While our programs are meant to be challenging, they
are well within the capabilities of teens and adults in moderate
physical condition.
Typical Expedition Design
(1) Participants learn basic wilderness travel and camping skills.
This includes everything from packing and carrying backpacks, to
tying knots, to reading topographic maps and compasses, to camp
cooking and lighting stoves, to erecting tents and tarps. These
skills are taught with environmental concerns and a healthy lifestyle
as the primary consideration and guideline.
(2) The course progression is designed to first build self-esteem
and self-confidence -- participants are led through several activities
in which they experience success in a new environment. With this
foundation they are asked to take on greater responsibilities and
stretch themselves in more difficult activities. As they work together
to overcome challenges, instructors provide opportunities for each
individual to lead the group and they focus discussions on leadership
skills and styles and personal and group interactions.
(3) A solo experience is generally included for participants to
have time to reflect upon accomplishments and integrate experiences
from the wilderness into their lives back home.
Rock Climbing and Rappelling (or Ice Climbing in the winter)
This day focuses on the value of: creating supportive environments,
risk-taking as it relates to personal growth, extending one's limits
and empowering others to do their best. Each person will learn safe
climbing techniques, and will have the opportunity to do two or
three climbs and a rappel. This is a powerful team building experience
as participants "belay" (manage the safety ropes) for
one another, promoting increased levels of trust, and encouraging
personal accomplishment. A thorough practice session alleviates
frequently held apprehensions regarding this high impact experience.
Backpacking
Traveling in the wilderness with all the necessary gear on your
back requires planning (what will you need), coordination (who carries
what), agreement about navigation, support for those who have less
balance or strength, and a willingness to manage unpredictable weather
and obstacles along the way. Perseverance is needed to cover the
miles between campsites and everyone must cooperate in the division
of labor for successful meal prep and camp setup. The rewards for
backpacking are spectacular scenery and escape into pristine solitude.
Sailing
Legendary Outward Bound boats provide an ideal environment for learning
sailing skills as well as life skills. Whether navigating the sea
or navigating life there are captains, bosuns and navigators. Prepare
for the unexpected man overboard or shipwreck drills. Close quarters
offer many facilitated learning opportunities. (Florida course include
snorkeling opportunities.)
Peak Climbs/Mountaineering
Groups explore wildflower-filled alpine valleys, cross high passes
and climb remote peaks. The ascents are truly challenging and call
forth determination and perseverance. The rewards of reaching a
high summit are without equal. Multi-day mountaineering expeditions
include all the aspects of backpacking described above with the
added technical features of snow crossing, rock scrambling, alpine
route selection, high altitude safety and rope usage.
Whitewater Rafting
A river expedition involves white water rafting, river camping,
and side canyon exploration. Participants are divided into crews
of 5-7, and each crew is assigned an instructor and a paddle raft.
The rapids are challenging, many requiring an overlook, a plan of
action, effective captaining, and full cooperation from all members
of the crew. On multi-day river trips, each person will have an
opportunity to captain the raft -- read the river, plot the course,
call the commands. At the end of the rapids or at the end of the
day, crew discussions draw correlations between decisions and actions
on the river and those in their own lives. (One day rafting is also
available in CA, CO and OR.)
Sea Kayaking
Camping on beaches and protected bays, participants learn paddling
and bracing techniques; navigation using nautical charts; open ocean
crossings; surf launching and landings; wind and wave theory; and
self, paired and group rescue techniques. Traveling by sea kayak,
close to the water, participants feel part of the marine environment
and have opportunities to view sea life close up and study natural
history.
Canoeing
From portaging canoes and gear to learning how to pitch a tarp to
taking a turn as leader, the opportunities for accomplishment and
success are endless on a canoeing program. Participants learn paddling
strokes for flatwater and whitewater, rescue techniques, river and
lake hydrology, wilderness campcraft, and map and compass navigation.
Dogsledding and Cross Country Skiing
Students learn all aspects of dogsledding from harnessing to driving
a sled. They mush their team of working dogs across frozen lakes
and on backcountry trails through snow-blanketed silence. When not
driving the sled, they stretch their legs skiing, learning how to
cover lots of ground with a kick and glide technique. They also
discover that it is possible to stay warm and set up a cozy campsite
in the middle of winter.
Solo
This is a time of solitude and reflection that occurs near the end
of an expedition. Each participant is asked to think about the Outward
Bound experience and to relate key lessons to their personal lives.
It is a rare gift for most to have the opportunity to step away
from the hustle and bustle of one's day-to-day activities and to
spend time personally reflecting in the wilderness.
Service
Service is an integral part of Outward Bound and an inherent part
of Outward Bound activities. Students are asked to embrace a philosophy
of service towards other members of the group throughout the expedition.
Formal service projects are also used as a vehicle to help students
explore and develop a service ethic.
Team-building Initiatives
These are carefully designed problem-solving activities which reflect
the challenges of working cooperatively to create and implement
solutions in any situation. After each exercise, Outward Bound instructors
facilitate discussions to help participants relate insights to relevant
circumstances in their lives.
Ropes Course (available for programs that begin or end
at a base camp facility)
This is an obstacle course rigged high in the trees which cultivates
enhanced self confidence as individuals exceed pre-conceived limits.
Participants draw lessons from this experience to inform their efforts
as they face challenging situations in the future.
Orienteering Course
Participants utilize map and compass skills to find designated locations
on an untrailed course. This challenge builds self and group confidence
as participants navigate in small groups across unmarked terrain.
