“Some positive highlights of my course were good times around the fire and being taught correct knowledge. I will tell other people that if you want to have a life changing experience (for the good) that will teach you more than school can, do Outward Bound.” – John, Alumnus
“The most challenging part of this course was waking up in the cold. I was not fully expecting that! Some positive highlights were getting to ride on the dog sled and getting to lead the ski team. This was an incredible experience that I think everyone should have.” – Mitchell, Alumnus
“Positive highlights were the dogs, the relationships made and what I am able to take away from this course. I saw a glimpse of myself as a person with compassion striving to help and serve others to reach a common goal. I now know what I can be, and walk my way there with confidence as I depart.” – Jacob, Alumnus
“I was pushed more than I expected. There was a lot of personal gain to be taken away if you put in the work. The Instructors were amazing. The Solo day was more than I could have ever hoped for, in terms of personal gain.” – Jon, Alumnus
Dogsledding is a centuries-old way of life that is more of an exciting art form than a passenger sport. It is both hard and rewarding work that allows you to travel to remote stretches of the wilderness where the only tracks you are likely to see are your own. On this 8 or 15-day expedition, your Instructors will help you develop the skills to stay warm and comfortable as you build self-confidence, self-reliance and perseverance in this magical winter wonderland. The team of dogs will provide inspiration for you and your group as you work together to travel across the frozen lakes, rivers and snow-covered forests. Work with like-minded adventurers to learn safety techniques as well as winter camping and problem-solving skills as you cook over an open fire and sleep under the stars. No prior winter travel knowledge or experience is necessary.
Request a call from a course specialist
COURSE # | DATES | DAYS | AGE | COST | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
VMTD-941 | 12.27.19 - 1.10.20 | 15 | 16 - 18 | $3,450 | APPLY NOW ALMOST FULL |
VMTD-921 | 12.28.19 - 1.4.20 | 8 | 16 - 18 | $2,050 | COURSE IS FULL |
This course starts within the next week. Please call us at 866-467-7651 to assess the possibility of applying for this course!
Are you ready to take a journey that will change your life? You won’t look at day-to-day drama the same way after you’ve conquered a high mountain ridge, made a boat obey your command in windswept waves or slept under the stars watching bats swoop overhead. Joining an Outward Bound expedition changes you. Your crew, your Instructor, your route and your adventures will have a profound and lasting impact on you as you rise to meet exhilarating natural challenges in some of the country’s wildest places.
After you come home, many of the character, leadership and service traits you uncovered on your expedition stay with you, helping you navigate your daily life with more resilience and success.
Together with a team of expert Instructors and lovable sled dogs, students experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect with nature, working animals and each other in this thrilling, challenging and utterly stunning wilderness environment. Using map and compass, students learn to navigate a route over frozen lakes, rivers and the overland portage trails between them. Students develop skills in dog mushing, cross-country skiing, ice reading, winter camping and sled dog care. Group members take turns mushing the dogsleds and skiing or snowshoeing throughout the course. Everyone cares for the dogs on a daily basis. Take part in a beautiful winter choreography as skiers serve as advance “scouts”—navigating, checking for safe ice conditions and tracking out a trail while mushers work with the dogs to help guide the loaded dog sleds to follow. The group comes together to maneuver the dogsleds over obstacles and steep terrain and make and enjoy camp at the end of the day.
Students learn what it takes to construct a winter camp and live comfortably in the depths of a Minnesota winter. Instructors teach students techniques for harvesting water from beneath the ice, dressing properly for freezing temperatures, felling trees for firewood, cooking over an open fire and setting up shelters and cozy winter sleeping systems. A hearty dinner and enriching conversation with fellow group members around an outdoor fire or the wood stove in a large, canvas wall tent rounds out each day. Students often enjoy clear evening stargazing before drifting off into a well-deserved sleep. Students learn that not only can they survive, but truly thrive in an extreme and remote winter environment.
Service is a cornerstone of every Outward Bound experience. From the seemingly small daily acts of service to the environment to the regular tasks of being part of an expeditionary team, participants have ample opportunities to experience the value of giving back to the larger community. On the expedition, participants are encouraged to practice environmental stewardship in the form of Leave No Trace ethics - leaving campsites and trails in better condition than they found them. Participants also practice regular acts of service for their team including the hard-working sled dogs by preparing and serving meals, securing drinking water, breaking trail and giving the dogs plenty of affection.
The Solo experience provides an important break from the rigors of the expedition and gives students the opportunity to reflect on their Outward Bound experience. Many students use this reflection time to make decisions about their future, journal and enjoy the beauty of their surroundings unencumbered by the constant external stimulation of modern life. The duration of Solo depends on the course length and type, as well as the competency and preparedness of the student group. With all the food, skills and supplies they need, students are given a secluded spot to reflect alone, and are monitored by staff throughout the experience to maintain safety. Students find that Solo provokes profound and powerful learning in a short period of time and often becomes one of the most memorable parts of their Outward Bound experience.
High school students will experience a sense of accomplishment as they learn about perseverance (or grit), risk taking, self-identity and self-reliance. Students will learn to trust themselves and push themselves harder as they own their choices and advance toward mastery in their skill development. Group adversity will teach each student critical thinking skills, collaboration and decision-making. They will experience leadership in action as they see their potential become reality while practicing empathy and compassion toward others.
Dogsledding, cross-country skiing and wilderness navigation techniques are great practice for the essential skills and habits that help prepare students for new challenges at school, work, home and in the community. Outward Bound expeditions encourage students to:
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Minnesota
Established in 1964, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is a labyrinth of lakes and rock that has been specifically protected as a true American Wilderness. No roads, power lines or motorized craft may enter its borders. Therefore, the Boundary Waters Wilderness has changed little since its unveiling when the glaciers melted 10,000 years ago.
Over one million acres in size, the BWCAW extends 150 miles along the Minnesotan/Canadian border. With over 1,200 miles of canoe routes, nearly 2,200 designated campsites and more than 1,000 lakes and streams, the BWCAW is a truly amazing place to experience the wilderness. It contains portage-linked lakes and streams, interspersed with islands, forests and crags. It has no piped water, prepared shelters, or signs to point the way. Within these borders you can canoe, portage, and camp in the spirit of the French-Canadian Voyageurs of 200 years ago. The Boundary Waters' paddling routes offer outstanding opportunities for solitude, remoteness, teamwork, adventure and challenge.
“Some positive highlights of my course were good times around the fire and being taught correct knowledge. I will tell other people that if you want to have a life changing experience (for the good) that will teach you more than school can, do Outward Bound.” – John, Alumnus
“The most challenging part of this course was waking up in the cold. I was not fully expecting that! Some positive highlights were getting to ride on the dog sled and getting to lead the ski team. This was an incredible experience that I think everyone should have.” – Mitchell, Alumnus
“Positive highlights were the dogs, the relationships made and what I am able to take away from this course. I saw a glimpse of myself as a person with compassion striving to help and serve others to reach a common goal. I now know what I can be, and walk my way there with confidence as I depart.” – Jacob, Alumnus
“I was pushed more than I expected. There was a lot of personal gain to be taken away if you put in the work. The Instructors were amazing. The Solo day was more than I could have ever hoped for, in terms of personal gain.” – Jon, Alumnus
If you are ready to enroll on a course click the enroll button next to the course you wish to select or you can enroll over the phone by speaking with one of our Admissions Advisors (toll-free) at 866-467-7651.
To secure your spot on a course you must submit an enrollment form and $500 deposit that is applied toward the total cost of the course and includes a $150 non-refundable enrollment processing fee.