Appalachian Mountains Backpacking & Service

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Course Description

For years, Outward Bound has been committed to giving back and serving the communities near to which it operates.This course takes this to the next level by dedicating 25 hours, over the course of four or five days, to service-learning, more than any other course we offer. After a challenging and awe-inspiring backpacking expedition through the beautiful southern Appalachians, where you will learn to dig deep and see what you're made of, you'll have a chance to get to know the other side of the mountains, the people and places that need your help.

After long days of challenge and adventure, you'll be rewarded with skills that last a lifetime. You'll develop teamwork while working together to navigate your way through rhododendron thickets using a map and compass, to set up camp each night, to cook your own meals over a camp stove and to learn Leave No Trace techniques to minimize your impact on the land.

Students must be at least 16 to apply for this course.

Service-learning at Outward Bound
Service-learning is the act of learning while performing acts of service. As a participant in this course, will have the opportunity to discuss the role of service, learn about and sometimes see the people and places that will be impacted by your efforts and, finally, reflect upon the impact that service has, upon the giver, the receiver and the community. Projects may include trail work, a river clean-up, organizing food for the local pantry or other projects. Student should bring any required paperwork to course with them from their school to receive credit for the service hours.

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. Other 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
• Conflict resolution
• Communication styles
• Leadership and team building
• Working with ropes
• Knot tying for climbing and rappelling
• 25 hours of service hours (over several days)

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 will not exceed 36 hours.

Itinerary
This course includes four to six days backpacking, 25 hours of service over four or five days, rock climbing or ropes course possible for up to one day, between 24-36 hours of solo and a personal challenge event.
 

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 the history, mission and principles of North Carolina Outward Bound.
• Click to read more 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.
• 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.