Can I come with a friend, family member or spouse?

Outward Bound is about stepping outside of your comfort zone. Being with people you do not know is part of the Outward Bound experience and there are great benefits to sharing your Outward Bound experience with a diverse group of people that you don't know. You may start out as strangers but after working, playing and living together in the wilderness, you most likely will leave course with deep friendships.

In a small group setting, friends or spouses may become too competitive or, on the other hand, too dependent on each other. For that reason, we encourage students to enroll on their own course and will direct friends/family members/spouses attending the same dates into different groups whenever possible (except Parent/Child programs). You and your friend may enroll in the same course, but you will be placed in separate crews, which allows you to enjoy the experience independently. If you feel we should make an exception in your case, contact us to see what your options are.

Can I get academic credit for my Outward Bound course?

Your school may offer credit for your North Carolina Outward Bound course, but you must arrange this with your school before your course begins. Check out the tab under our Wilderness Programs page regarding academic credit.

The Independent Study Guide is a great resource for setting up an Outward Bound independent study. Check with your advisor to see if your school will grant direct credit for your participation. If it doesn't, college students can obtain transfer credits from Western State College or Warren Wilson College. If it is required, we can provide a post-course verification to your school. Click to learn more about how to receive academic credit.

Do you offer scholarships or loans?

North Carolina Outward Bound grants nearly half of our students scholarships each year to help make our programs available to all who wish to participate. Scholarships are awarded to those with financial need on a first-come, first-served basis and as resources allow. We are not currently give out loans for our courses and scholarships will only apply to tuition, not to extra expenses (i.e. clothing, travel to and from course start, $125 Application Fee or $125 In-Course Transportation Fee).

Click to learn more about applying for a scholarship. 

Click to learn more about giving to North Carolina Outward Bound.

Click to donate online now!

Does Outward Bound have any professional affiliations?

North Carolina Outward Bound holds a number of memberships in organizations dedicated to preserving the environment and ensuring that everyone has a chance to experience the great outdoors:

Association for Experiential Education
American Whitewater

North Carolina Outward Bound also holds permits with the following land agencies:

US Forest Service Cherokee
USFS Pisgah
USFS Nantahala
USFS Sumter
USFS Chattahoochee
National Park Service, Cape Lookout National Seashore

How many people are on each course and how many instructors will we have?

A small group is esential to manage wilderness travel and to maximize learning for each individual. Each course is broken into a crew of up to 12 students with two or more instructors. You will laugh, cry, argue, rejoice, celebrate and share every moment of your course with your crewmates, developing close and lasting relationships.

I have a summer job. Can I still take an Outward Bound course?

Outward Bound is a very enriching summer experience. You develop or hone existing skills in leadership, goal-setting and problem-solving that will undoubtedly help you in all of your future endeavors, especially in school and the workplace. Universities and employers will appreciate seeing your Outward Bound experience on college applications and resumes. If necessary, you can always plan your course either early in the summer, or at the very end so that you can take an Outward Bound course and still have a summer job.

What is the food like?

You will help cook meals for yourself and your group while out on your North Carolina Outward Bound course. Our food is wholesome, simple and generally lightweight. With high levels of activity on our courses, carbohydrates are essential. With advance notification, we can accommodate vegetarian and many other special diets. We intentionally avoid prepackaged instant meals.

If you have questions about whether we can accommodate your special diet, contact us.

What is the gender make up of my course?

All courses are co-ed unless otherwise published as such (i.e. Girls Only courses). However, there is no guarantee that the course will attract a mixed gender group. If you have questions about the gender make up of a particular course, give us a call, we can share that information with you.

We often try to have instructors of both gender on course, but cannot guarantee this is always available.

Students on courses with a maximum age of 18 or younger will sleep in single gender groups with instructors in close proximity.

What will I be doing on course?

Each North Carolina Outward Bound course has a variety of activities and skills that you participate in and learn on course. Your course itinerary depends on weather, the skills level of your group or other conditions. Sometimes these factors can impact activities such as whitewater canoeing, rock climbing, ropes courses, peak attempts, etc. Changes in itineraries does not constitute a change in the promise of the product sold and will not result in a refund.

If you have specific questions about a sample itinerary for a course, please contact us at 1-888-75-NCOBS (1-888-756-2627) or info@ncobs.org

When can I buy my plane tickets?

We recommend that you delay purchasing nonrefundable airline tickets until your Application Packet has been approved and the course is confirmed. Occasionally we cancel published courses due to permit changes, low enrollment or other issues. When you are ready to purchase (you have been confirmed as approved and have checked that the course is a "go"), pay close attention to the start and end times and location of your course start/end before booking to avoid any costly mistakes with your reservation.

Why do age ranges overlap?

North Carolina Outward Bound offers courses with age ranges of 14-16, 16-18, 18+, 18-30, 20+, 23+ and 30+. The overlapping age ranges give individuals a wide variety of courses and dates to choose from. These age ranges also allow parents and students to choose the course most fitting based on age, grade level or maturity. If you have questions about what age range is most suitable for your, please call to speak with our Admissions Advisor at 1-888-756-2627 or e-mail at info@ncobs.org.

Will I be safe on course?

Since 1967, North Carolina Outward Bound has served tens of thousands of students on wilderness expeditions. Safety is of the utmost importance to us. We are proud of our excellent safety record over that time and frequently review and refine our safety policies to maintain that record. It is important to recognize that there are real risks associated with participating in outdoor activities. Learning to manage those risks is part of every course, and each student is expected to play a role in their own safety by adhering to the rules, policies and procedures set up by instructors and staff members while at Outward Bound.

Our risk management efforts include: internal and external reviews of courses and course areas, instructors who are certified as Wilderness First Responders (an outdoor education industry standard level of training), annual instructor assessments and training requirements and the development of comprehensive program plans.

Even with these measures, risk of serious injury, property damage and death cannot be eliminated. While we cannot completely eliminate these risks, our focus on risk management allows participants to face challenges, to travel into remote areas and to meet success.

Where do your courses/programs go?

Currently, we run our courses in the North Carolina mountains and Outer Banks, in the Florida Everglades and Ten Thousand Islands and in Patagonia, an area of Southern Argentina. Click to learn more about each course area.

Who are your instructors?

Whether it's leading a technical ascent or facilitating a group discussion, our instructors form the backbone, the heart and the soul of every course. North Carolina Outward Bound instructors are passionate about their work as educators and serving their students.

Our instructors know every nook of a rock face wall, every root on a trail and every rapid in the river. They are adventurous people with a breadth of life experiences, including broad knowledge of outdoor activities and group facilitation skills. Our instructors possess an undying passion for helping you develop your full potential in their favorite place- the outdoors. Many of our instructors are Outward Bound alumni and many have participated in our rigorous 50-day Outdoor Leadership Course. All of them are certified as Wilderness First Responders and have gone through extensive training prior to working with students. All our instructors participate in annual trainings that offer professional development for staff at all levels.

Click to learn more about who we hire.

Who comes to Outward Bound wilderness courses?

North Carolina Outward Bound courses are open to individuals, in reasonably good physical condition, who want to learn more about themselves. You must be at least 14 years old to enroll (Parent/Child courses are open for ages 12+). Overall, the male/female ratio is close to 50/50, although we cannot guarantee this will always be the case.

We also design courses for educators, professionals and organizations and schools & groups.

North Carolina Outward Bound also believes that working within a small group of diverse individuals builds life skills that make us all stronger. Communication, tolerance, problem solving, the ability to embrace differences and, ultimately, compassion are all skills practiced in our courses. Click to see more about our Mission & Goals.

We accept and enroll people of any race, color, sex, age, socioeconomic class, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, ethnicity, religion and family make-up.

What makes Outward Bound different from summer camps and other adventure programs?

North Carolina Outward Bound is not "summer camp." We offer a full wilderness experience, which is much different than summer camp. You sleep outside under the stars each night in different spots along a National Forest, you cook meals outside on a camp stove and learn how to use a map and compass as well as other camping and technical skills.

Outward Bound is more than fun and excitement. It’s about challenging yourself to do things you never thought possible and discovering your true potential. It’s the beginning of a personal journey that continues for the rest of your life. The real power of Outward Bound is what you make of it in expanding your possibilities.  North Carolina Outward Bound courses are wilderness expeditions designed to propel students into character building experiences that require participants to dig deep and discover hidden strength. You will learn things on a course that you can apply to your daily life at home, school and work.

Do I get my Application Fee back if I cancel or if my Application is not approved?

No. The Application Fee is refundable ONLY if you:

• Apply for a Scholarship and don't qualify for, or do not accept, an award
• Are waitlisted and a spot does not become available for you on course
• Are listed on a course that we cancel.

Please read our Enrollment Policies & Procedures and Cancellation & Transfer Policies.

Does North Carolina Outward Bound have programs for at-risk youth?

While North Carolina Outward Bound serves a variety of people across the world, we do have limited programs for struggling teens and young adults and their families who may be struggling with certain risky behaviors, dropping out of school, delinquency or becoming chronic offenders.

Click to learn more about the Intercept Program offered through North Carolina Outward Bound.

Click to learn more about Intercept Program offerings at other Outward Bound schools in other parts of the country.

If you have questions as to whether or not you or your child fits within our guidelines, please don't hesitate to e-mail us at info@ncobs.org.

There is another program called Families in Need of Services (FINS), which is available for struggling teens in certain areas of Florida and Alabama. North Carolina Outward Bound runs the FINS program out of our Scottsmoor and Key Largo Basecamp. Alabama Outward Bound School runs all the FINS programming at their Five Rivers Basecamp.

Please see more information under the headings for the Intercept Program and FINS Programs on this FAQ page.

How do I enroll?

There are three ways you can enroll on a North Carolina Outward Bound course.

1). The fastest way to enroll, secure your spot on course and get your questions answered right away is to call us at 1-888-75-NCOBS (1-888-756-2627).

2). Or you can complete our online secure Enrollment Form linked in Step 1 of our Planning section.

3). The third, but slowest way, to enroll is to mail or fax in a PDF copy of our Enrollment Application. Please be sure to fill out all the information necessary asked for in the application.

 Please be sure to read our Enrollment Policies & Procedures and Cancellation & Transfer Policies before you enroll.

Mail to:

or fax:

828-298-8660 with a cover sheet

or E-mail:

studentservices@ncobs.org in PDF format (we do not accept attachments over 10 MB)

How much is it to enroll?

A Non-Refundable Application Fee of $125 must accompany each enrollment. This is a nonrefundable charge that does not apply toward tuition and is required at the time of enrollment. If enrolling more than 60 days before the course begins, students must pay a tuition deposit of $400. In addition to the Application Fee and tuition deposit, students are required to pay a $125 In-Course Transportation Fee upon enrollment.

The total payment due upon enrollment at more than 60 days before course start is $525 (which includes your tuition deposit and Non-refundable Application Fee).

Click to read about our Enrollment Policies and Procedures.

Click to read about our Cancellation & Transfer Policies.

If you are applying for a scholarship, you only will be asked to pay the $125 Application Fee at enrollment. See more about our Scholarships here.

What does tuition cover?

The tuition covers all food while on course, instructor salaries, land use permits and most of the equipment, including backpacks, sleeping bags and other technical gear associated with the activities you will participate in at North Carolina Outward Bound.

Students may need to provide their own clothing, footwear and some gear, such as a headlamp, and will be responsible for the costs of any physician's exam (if required) and travel to and from the course meeting site. A clothing and gear list will be provided to each student upon enrollment. You can always call us if you have questions about clothing and gear to help you make a decision about enrolling in a particular course.

In addition to all the tuition prices listed for each course, there are two additional fees required:

1). $125 Non-refundable Application Fee

2). $100 In-Course Transportation Fee

The $125 Non-refundable Application Fee must be paid at enrollment with a $400 deposit to secure your spot on course if it is 61 or more days before your course starts. Full tuition and fees must be paid at enrollment if it is 60 or fewer days until your course starts.

Please also read Enrollment Policies & Procedures and Cancellation & Transfer Policies.

What is the purpose of the Transportation Fee?

The $125 In-Course Transporation Fee covers transporation to and from course start/end locations to the wilderness and other expenses related to maintaining a fleet of vehicles. Certain semester courses may have additional expenses for travel between locations.

Click to read our Enrollment Policies & Procedures and Cancellation & Transfer Policies.

Do I have what it takes?

Your success at North Carolina Outward Bound depends much more on your state of mind than how fast or how strong you are. You do have to embrace physical and mental challenge, be committed to discovery and have the motivation to take every step, even the ones that don't come easy.

No one else can complete a course for you, so you should bring determination, a willingness to learn, a spirit of cooperation and an eagerness for adventure and fun. If you are dedicated to giving it your all, Outward Bound will give you something to hold onto for the rest of your life.

Click to read more about physical and mental preparation for an Outward Bound course.

How challenging will it be?

North Carolina Outward Bound courses are both mentally and physically rigorous. Different aspects of courses challenge each student in different ways. Our courses are designed for people of average fitness; however, how well you prepare for course can greatly impact your success and enjoyment of the experience.

It is important that you be prepared to keep and open mind, be ready to embrace new experiences and to follow the guidelines you receive upon enrollment. Our Student Services Representatives will be there along the road to prepare you and to answer any questions you may have, all you have to do is call or e-mail us.

Click for more information on how to prepare physically and mentally for North Carolina Outward Bound.

What experience do I need?

No experience is necessary. You do not have to be an athlete or an outdoor enthusiast to succeed at North Carolina Outward Bound. In fact, we have many students who have never camped before. It is important that you phsyically prepare for your course.

Our Admissions Advisor can answer questions you have about what to expect. The best way to prepare yourself for course is to get active and commit yourself to giving your best effort. Once on course, instructors will introduce you to outdoor skills and address any concerns you have.

Click for more information on our to prepare physically and mentally for you course.

Can we go on vacation while my child is on course?

Since FINS means Families in Nees of Services, that means it is going to take the whole families support and commitment to make the program a success for the child. The student is not the only ones with responsibilities while on course. The parents also have to agree to participate with the program. We have a parent meeting that is ½ way through course that Parents/Guardians need to attend as well as a letter writing commitment, being available for the parent session at end of course and being at home visits. Parents need to commit to staying locally for the 20-day wilderness portion and during the follow-up phase until the student graduates.

How do I get my child signed up to attend a program?

The first step in the process is to fill out the application (please be sure to have a referring counselor fill out the portion on the first page. This could be a teacher, guidance counselor, private counselor, pastor, priest, or other professional) and medical information. The Second step is to mail or fax the application and medical record to us. Once we have a course opening available we will call you and schedule an interview with you, your child, and our Intake Coordinator. At the end of the interview, you will be told if your child has been accepted and which course they are schedule to attend. You can find this information on the individual pages for the Scottsmoor or Key Largo basecamps.

What are your course dates?

The schedule is available by calling 321-268-5666 for Scottsmoor or 305-242-4881 for Key Largo. Courses tend to fill quickly. Please call for availability.

What happens when the course runs during the school year?

Outward Bound Scottsmoor's FINS program is an alternative school in Brevard County, Florida. Outward Bound Key Largo's FINS program is an alternative school in Monroe County, Florida. While your child is with us, we will withdraw him/her from their current school and enroll them in ours. They will not receive tardy's or absents while with us. If they successfully complete the wilderness portion of the program, they will receive a letter grade or ½ credits in Life Management Skills. The day after Wilderness end, the parents will re-enroll them in their previous school. They will need to make up whatever course work that school deems necessary.

l

Who comes on Intercept Courses?

You can find out more specifics on Intecept Programs by visiting the course webpage.