Blue Ridge Mountains Backpacking and Rock Climbing
| Available Dates | Course | Get Started |
|---|---|---|
Mar 9, 2013 - Mar 16, 2013 |
NRA1281 | Enroll Online |
Questions? Call 1 (888) 75 NCOBS for more infomation.
Course Description
Embark on an exploration of Pisgah or Nantahala National Forest, a place of densely forested hills, cool mountain streams that cascade into waterfalls and unique rock formations. You'll learn how to pack everything you need into your backpack, cook an excellent backcountry dinner and camp without leaving a trace of your presence. Acquire skills for rock climbing such as knot tying and belaying then put them to use over several days of progressively challenging climbs. You'll develop teamwork and leadership while working together as a group to meet your goals each day.
Adults participating in our 18+, 20+ or 30+ courses will revel in the spirit of camaraderie from a group expedition and go away with a renewed awareness of their inner strengths.
Successful completion of your course demands mastery of skills, trust, fitness, confidence, tenacity, leadership, initiative and compassion. No experience is necessary. You'll leave course with newfound strength that can help you through everyday situations as well as the unknown challenges to come. No experience necessary.
Skills you will learn and practice include:
- Safety precautions for backcountry foot travel
- How to find campsites
- How to navigate terrain
- Map and compass reading
- Working with ropes (knot tying and rappelling)
Solo
Solo is a time for reflection and an opportunity to rest after challenges are completed and recharge for the challenges ahead. You will be given shelter, food, water and a journal to record your reflections while on solo. Solo is not a "survival test" and you are not dropped in a remote area. Solo typically occurs approximately halfway through your course. The length of solo on this course is pre-determined by course length, but can also be dependent on group dynamics and weather. It may be overnight, but will not exceed 24 hours.
Itinerary
This course includes three to four days backpacking, up to three days rock climbing or repelling (weather dependent), up to 24 hours of solo and a personal challenge event. An ethic of service is continuous theme throughout this course.
Footwear
1 pair of medium weight, water resistant hiking boots; 1 pair of running shoes; optional pair of sport sandals.
Additional Info
- Click to read more about the history, mission and principles of North Carolina Outward Bound.
- Click to read the about the North Carolina Mountains.
- There may be photos, alumni testimonials or videos related to this course at the bottom of this web page
Considerations
- Recommended $50 for extra expenses (i.e. food at the airport or during an extra travel day before or after course or in case of any lost or damaged gear at de-issue).
- Applicants are required to pay a non-refundable $125 Application Fee and a $125 In-Course Transportation fee in addition to the listed tuition prices of each course. Please see our Enrollment Policies & Procedures before enrolling.
- Adults attending an international course or who are ages 50 or older are required to have a physician complete a portion of the North Carolina Outward Bound medical forms.
- North Carolina Outward Bound provides the technical gear required for course participation (i.e. backpacks, sleeping bags, tents or tarp, cooking utensils and supplied, food, rock climbing gear and whitewater canoeing gear). Tuition covers the usage of these items. We provide each applicant with a clothing list which describes the items that participants are responsible for supplying.
