> WHAT TO EXPECT (Food, Solo, Crew, Instructors)
> DIVERSITY & NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
> ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR WILDERNESS-BASED COURSES
We look forward to having you on course with us soon! If you have questions about the application process, submitting forms, or anything else, you may contact your student services representative directly, call the Student Services General Line ,(800) 878-5258 or email us at, studentservices@ncobs.org.
Now that you have enrolled, this Course Page is your “go to” location for all forms, gear lists and information specific to your course. Bookmark it for future reference! Below you will find the page divided into 5 blue tabs. Each tab has multiple expandable sections. Familiarizing yourself with the information on this Course Page is an essential part of preparing for course.
It is natural to have questions when preparing for the adventure ahead. Many answers to your questions can be found on this Course Page or within our Frequently Asked Questions. Additionally, you can always contact the Student Services Department.
We look forward to seeing you Outward Bound!
Please review the Application & Cancelation Policies.
If your payment is not received by the due date listed in your Application Portal, you will risk losing your position on the course and your $500 deposit.
BACKPACKING
Activities during this phase will include the following:
Skills: map and compass navigation, expedition planning, Leave No Trace minimum- impact techniques, first-aid, emergency procedures and weather forecasting.
SOLO
Solo typically occurs more than halfway through your course and may last between 24-72 hours. Your instructors will assign each participant an individual campsite within a designated area. Your instructors will teach you procedures to follow during solo and monitor you during this experience. You will know the location of your instructors’ campsite should you need to contact them; otherwise it is essential that you remain in your designated area. If your course has an overnight solo you will have your clothing, food and water. In addition, you will have Outward Bound issued gear: including rain gear, shelter, sleeping bag, compass and whistle. Due to a decreased need for caloric intake, you will have less food available than you would have during your other course activities. Solo is a not a “survival test.” You will not be physically active during solo, as solo is a time for rest, recharge and reflection. Solo is also a good time to write in the journals we provide. If you have questions or concerns, please discuss with your Student Services Representative or your instructors.
SERVICE
Service will be a continuous theme throughout your course. The ethic of service is practiced through Leave No Trace camping techniques, reaching out with compassion to your fellow crewmates and working together as a team to overcome the challenges of Outward Bound. On your course, an ethic of service is practiced in greater depth. Our service projects are ever changing: building fences, painting homes, harvesting fruit and building structures are some of the projects we have done in the past. No matter what project you work on the ethic of service is in everything that we do; helping people while expecting nothing in return for our labor. There is much to learn from the local population’s strong cultural traditions of a simple lifestyle, emphasis on family, close ties to the earth and the natural reward of working with your hands. Alert your instructor AT COURSE START if you need written verification or documentation of service project hours.
FINAL CHALLENGE EVENT
At the end of your course, you will participate in a personal challenge event. This is a great time to see how much your physical fitness and endurance have improved since you began your course. This event will be a running activity. It is not a race. Your instructors set a certain route for your crew and you complete the route at a level that will challenge you the most.
PATAGONIA, SOUTH AMERICA
One of the least populated regions in the world, Patagonia is a semi-arid plateau that covers over 250,000 square miles in South America located mainly in Argentina but extending partially into southern Chile.
Patagonia’s unusual wildlife has attracted many scientific expeditions over hundreds of years, including those of Charles Darwin. The terrain is incredibly diverse with snow-covered volcanic peaks flanked by glaciers, ice slopes and permanent snowfields. The Patagonian steppe is one of the windiest and driest climates in South America, a sharp contrast to the western slopes of the Andes that receive some of the highest rainfall of anywhere in the world. <Click to learn more about this course area.>
Dear Students and Families,
This letter is to introduce you to international travel services and medical benefits that are included when you enroll in an Outward Bound course with program components outside the United States.
As part of our commitment to students participating in course-related foreign travel, Outward Bound has invested in global medical and security assistance through a group membership with On Call International.
Member services and related benefits that are included with your enrollment:
Not included under this membership:
As a member of our Outward Bound group you have access to pre-trip medical, security, and personal safety advice and services. Examples include up to date advice on: recommended vaccinations, food and water safety, and security risks.
While on course outside the US, should health issues arise, or in the unlikely event of serious injury, illness or a security crisis during your course, On Call International provides expertise and resources to help us select the best options to manage the situation. For example, if you lose your medication, need to see a doctor, get pick-pocketed and lose your passport, or have an incident resulting in illness or injury, you and your Outward Bound instructors would work with On Call International to determine the best course of action. The On Call International network of medical and professional service teams operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, all over the world.
Please take a few minutes to read the attached summary of services and benefits to ensure these are adequate for your individual needs. The Travel Insurance Plan includes a robust menu of benefits that are listed in the summary. This benefit package covers the majority of options one would find when purchasing travel insurance as an individual.
Please note that Outward Bound’s International Travel Program and related services and benefits, only applies to Outward Bound (“school sponsored”) courses and activities, travel related to a sponsored course or activity, and travel (directly) between the international course or activity location and the US. This program will not apply to any international travel you might choose that is unrelated to the Outward Bound sponsored course or activity. If you plan to extend your plans beyond your Outward Bound experience, we recommend you purchase separate travel insurance for any international travel planned outside of your Outward Bound course and sponsored activities.
We are pleased to be able to provide this level of service and benefits to our students and their families participating in International Outward Bound courses. If, after reviewing this letter and the summary, you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your course advisor, or refer to the website of On Call International , and enter the Outward Bound group ID 100109CPPD19.
Kind regards,
Student Services Department
North Carolina Outward Bound School
On Call International FAQs
What is On Call International?
On Call International (On Call) is one of the world’s leading medical and security assistance companies. Your complimentary membership is included when you enroll in an Outward Bound course with international components. The plan entitles you to a host of pre-trip and international travel assistance resources.
What are some of On Call International’s services?
A 24/7 Assistance Center for immediate access to worldwide medical, security, travel and emergency assistance.
Along with a robust list of pre-trip services, On Call provides medical evacuation and repatriation coordination; political and natural disaster evacuation coordination; including coordination of payment of overseas medical bills (where Guarantee of Payments are accepted) as benefits through HDI Global Specialty SE, UK Branch.
Transportation of a family member to join a hospitalized student (if they are hospitalized more than 3 days), accommodation while visiting a hospitalized student, return of dependent children, and return of a traveling companion are also services coordinated through On Call International.
Who do I contact if I have pre-trip medical or security questions?
By dialing the 24-hr Assistance Center or by sending an email to mail@oncallinternational.com, members have access to pre-trip medical, security, personal safety and travel advice and services. Examples include up to date advice on: recommended vaccinations, food and water safety, and security risks.
Outward Bound students and their families should visit the On Call International online portal to familiarize themselves with all the services that On Call offers, both pre-trip and while abroad.
Please go to mysearchlightportal.com and at the prompt for the Group ID website login, enter Outward Bound’s Group ID number: 100109CPPD19
If you have a medical or security related question or emergency during your course, the Outward Bound staff overseeing the course activities will coordinate contact with On Call International on your behalf.
Who do I contact if I need assistance when I’m on a course outside of my home Country?
Any contact related to initial coordination of services will be made by the Outward Bound staff overseeing the course activities. In the unlikely event that you are separated from the course and are alone and in need of assistance, you will have contact numbers for local staff and services as well as the 24-hour On Call International Global Response Center contact information 1-603-952-2669.
Do I get an individual insurance card?
No, you will not receive an individual On Call International insurance card. The Outward Bound staff overseeing your course will provide you with a briefing of expectations in the event of an emergency.
Travel and Medical Insurance Plan Benefits FAQs
What is covered under the International Travel and Medical Insurance Plan?
The insurance plan covers medical expenses, including hospital room and board, inpatient and outpatient surgical procedures, emergency outpatient care, labs and x-rays, inpatient and outpatient mental health, physician office visits and prescription drugs if in connection with a covered injury or illness. See policy summary below for a full list of benefits and limits.
The insurance plan also covers all costs related to services provided by or coordinated by On Call International as listed in the summary below.
Insurance Plan Design:
The insurance plan provides benefits (through HDI Global Security SE, UK Branch) for the reasonable and customary charges incurred by a participant for a covered accident or sickness up to a $500,000 maximum per person per occurrence. Coverage will be provided for each benefit or service as listed in the summary below.
BENEFIT TABLE |
Covered / Not Covered |
Limits Per Insured Person |
Medical Evacuation and/or Repatriation |
Covered |
$500,000 |
Repatriation of Remains or Burial |
Covered |
$100,000 |
Security Evacuation |
Covered |
$100,000 |
Emergency Reunion |
Covered |
$20,000 when hospitalized for more than 3 days |
Emergency Assistance |
Included |
Included |
Medical Expenses and Hospitalisation |
Covered |
$500,000 |
Deductible: All Cause / Co-Insurance |
Covered |
0 / 100% |
Emergency Pain relieving Dental Treatment |
Covered |
100% of customary charges up to $3,000 for accidental injury and $500 for pain relief |
Prescribed Medicines by a doctor or specialist |
Covered |
Maximum of 60 days per subscription |
Prescription Drugs |
Covered |
100% of covered expense up to max limit |
Maternity |
Covered |
Serious Complications up to 26 weeks of pregnancy |
Outpatient treatment by a doctor or specialist |
Covered |
100 % of Customary Charges |
Treatment by physiotherapists and chiropractors as prescribed by an authorized physician |
Covered |
100% of customary charges if in connection with covered injury/illness |
Pre-existing condition Clause |
Covered |
Up to a maximum of $50,000 per lifetime |
Ambulance transportation |
Covered |
100% of customary charges if in connection with covered injury/illness |
Mental Health Disorder |
Covered |
Treated as any medical condition |
Personal Accident Accidental death, loss of sight, loss of limb(s), permanent total disablement |
Covered |
$25,000, no aggregate |
Personal Liability Physical injury and property damage |
Covered |
$100,000 |
Emergency Bail Bond |
Covered |
$1,500 |
Catastrophe Coverage |
Covered |
100% of customary costs up to $1,000 |
Search and Rescue |
Covered |
100% of customary costs up to $10,000 |
Loss of Personal Belongings |
Covered |
Up to $1,000, Max $100 per article |
Loss of checked in Luggage |
Covered |
$250 |
Luggage Delay |
Covered |
$200 |
Lost Documents, Equipment or Money |
Covered |
$200 |
Trip Interruption |
Covered |
$10,000 per person per occurrence |
Travel Delay |
Covered |
$100 a day; Max 5 days |
Extensions: |
|
|
Bereavement Reunion |
Covered |
$5,000 |
Return Home due to Felonious Assault |
Covered |
$10,000 |
Emergency Reunion due to Felonious Assault |
Covered |
$5,000 |
Pre-Trip Cancellation |
Covered |
$10,000 |
Chaperone Replacement |
Not Covered |
$2,500 |
Return of Dependent Children |
Covered |
$5,000 |
Hazardous Activities |
Covered |
For all Outward Bound sponsored activities |
Adventure Activities and Sports |
Covered |
For all Outward Bound sponsored activities |
Winter Sports |
Covered |
For all Outward Bound sponsored activities |
Who do I contact if I have questions about the policy, benefits or how the plan works?
On Call InternationalClaims Processing FAQs
Will I receive an insurance card?
No, you will not receive a separate insurance ID card. On Call International will simply confirm eligibility through Outward Bound after a claim is received.
If I receive a bill for services I received, what should I do?
When outside of the US, you, or Outward Bound on your behalf, may be asked to pay for medical care first and then need to seek reimbursement. If Outward Bound has paid on your behalf, they will submit bills directly to the Claims Administrator. If you have paid for covered services directly, you must submit the claim directly to On Call International. An On Call claim form must be completed in order to receive reimbursement for medical expenses. Please note, All Inpatient Hospital treatments or care, Surgery or Surgical Procedure, computerized tomography (CAT Scan) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Emergency Medical Evacuations and Repatriations, Repatriation of Remains and Burial, Emergency Reunions and Trip Interruption must be pre-authorized by On Call International and these are not reimburseable benefits.
Is any other information needed to pay a claim?
If the treatment you received was a result of an accident, you might receive a letter asking you for information about the accident, e.g., if it was the result of a car accident, from playing sports, etc. Your claim cannot be processed without this information, so please respond to the letter promptly.
Here are some books that we encourage you to read as you start planning for your course:
Technical Skills
Patagonia Culture/History/Natural Environment
While you do not have to be a gifted athlete or in peak physical condition to attend an Outward Bound course, you do have to prepare for the challenges of Outward Bound.
There are two kinds of strength necessary to complete your course; physical and mental. Your body needs to be strong, but you must also come with an open mind, willing spirit and a cooperative attitude. Whether you paddle a canoe or kayak for six or eight hours, expedition with a 50+ pound pack for 10 miles or scale a rock wall, you will be pushed and rewarded on many levels.
Note to nicotine users: It's essential to quit before you arrive. Using your course as a means to quit nicotine is NOT recommended. You will be put in a number of stressful situations and a person suffering from nicotine withdrawal may not be able to effectively deal with those situations.
Note to caffeine users: All adult courses (including family courses) will have coffee and caffeinated (i.e., black and green) tea available in moderation.
MENTAL PREPARATION
Consider and be prepared for:
Teamwork: Be ready to be part of a team. Think about other team experiences you may have had in the past. Remember what helped your team be successful. Plan on being a positive contributor during your course.
Living with Less: Look around and think about what you have and what you truly need. Things we may take for granted like hot running water, upholstered furniture and sidewalks will not be part of your experience. When you get into the routines of wilderness living, you may notice that life in the wilderness and life at home are similar in that they are ultimately about food, clothing, shelter and the relationships you have with those around you. Because the wilderness lifestyle is simple, you will leave behind non-essentials like deodorant, make up, electronic devices and books.
Being Away from Home: Whether it is the first or the 20th time you have been away from home, you might not have been this “out of touch.” Don’t be surprised if you feel homesick at some point. Please use your instructors and teammates as resources for support.
Compassion: Compassion is a pillar on which Outward Bound was built. Compassion can be shown in kind, thoughtful actions and can be practiced during course through active listening and understanding of other perspectives. You may find that you need to make compromises as you support your team. It is always important to remember that your attitude and actions affect everyone.
Group Discussion: Your instructors will lead group discussions as you debrief each day. Through coaching from your instructors, your group will practice positive communication and conflict resolution techniques. These skills help your group maintain respect for individual opinions no matter how they may differ. Hopefully, these lessons will extend to your everyday life. Be prepared to share your perspective and gain insight from others during these discussions.
PHYSICAL PREPARATION
Have fun and enjoy the adventure of preparation while training for your course! This is an excellent opportunity for you to get outside, get fit and explore your neighborhood's parks and recreation areas.
Adopt Healthy Habits: A great way to physically prepare is to adopt healthy habits. Reduce consumption of fatty foods, excessive alcohol and caffeine as these substances require a lot of water and oxygen to metabolize. Eat plenty of unrefined carbohydrates (i.e. whole grains). Drink water regularly instead of juice or soda. If you drink or use tobacco or tobacco products, it is essential to quit before you arrive. And last, but not least, arrive at course start well rested.
FITNESS AND TRAINING
• You do NOT have to be an athlete or highly-trained to attend an Outward Bound course.
• You DO have to be physically capable and active. Our courses are demanding. You will use your muscles in new and challenging ways.
• It takes strength and fitness to paddle a boat for six or eight hours a day, carry a 50+ pound pack for 5-10 miles or climb a rock wall. If you aren’t already involved in a fitness program, now is the time to start. Your efforts will pay off in enjoyment, comfort and fun.
> View our suggestions for building fitness, testing your heart rate and an eight week fitness plan.
PREPARATION FOR BACKPACKING
Hike with a weighted backpack. Start with 20-30 lbs., then build to 50+ lbs. If you do not own a backpack, you may be able to borrow one from a friend, family member or rent one from an outdoor sporting goods store. If none of these options are available, try a smaller "book bag" style backpack with approximately 15 lbs. in it. Start out hiking just a couple of miles on hilly terrain or stairs and increase your intensity and mileage as you gain strength and endurance. On course, you can expect to carry a backpack that weighs approximately 40 to 55 lbs. and you may be hiking for distances of five to 15 miles per day.
Due to Leave No Trace camping ethics, we seldom build fires. You will be cooking on gas camp stoves. With coaching from your instructors, you learn backcountry cooking techniques and are responsible for helping with the preparation of all meals. Your diet will be a mix of dehydrated foods, fresh fruits and vegetables. We use rice, beans, tortillas, granola, oatmeal, crackers, salami, cheese, peanut butter, jelly, tuna fish, pasta and trail mixes.
The amount of physical activity you experience during your course demands a nutritious diet to help fuel your body. Junk food is not available on course. To prepare, we suggest you cut down on candy, soft drinks, pastries and other junk foods. All adult courses (including family courses) will have coffee and caffeinated (i.e., black and green) tea available in moderation.
Moderating alcohol and tobacco consumption will contribute to your fitness. These products will not be part of your Outward Bound course; a clear head and fast reflexes are essential to safety and success on course. If you are overweight, don’t go on a crash diet to shed extra pounds; you will only deplete the strength you want to develop. Please check with our Medical Screener to set a realistic goal for weight loss and stay committed.
The following list represents common meals at Outward Bound (this is not a menu)
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Drinks (other than water)
Snacks
The North Carolina Outward Bound School (NCOBS) strives to accommodate applicants who have dietary restrictions.
Our courses are backcountry, wilderness-based programs. We purchase our course food in bulk. Prior to course start, your instructors plan your crew’s meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks). We travel expedition-style with approximately a week’s worth of food at a time. All course food must be packable and non-perishable. You prepare and eat meals together as a crew in a camp setting, under the supervision and guidance of your instructors. You will not have access to a dining hall or cafeteria. We do not permit participants to bring their own food or snacks unless authorized to do so by NCOBS.
Be prepared to try new foods. It is imperative for your well-being to replenish the calories you are expending each day.
Please complete the Dietary Allergen Questionnaire to inform Outward Bound of any dietary restrictions. This information will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by our Medical Screener.
Food Allergies: Eight kinds of food cause most food allergies: cow's milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish and shellfish. Signs of a food allergy include a rash, or red, itchy skin; stuffy or itchy nose, sneezing, or itchy and teary eyes; vomiting, stomach cramps or diarrhea; angioedema or swelling; hoarseness, throat tightness or a lump in the throat; wheezing, chest tightness or trouble breathing. Some people with food allergies can have a serious reaction called anaphylaxis.
NCOBS cannot guarantee there will be no exposure to known allergens. If the applicant has had an anaphylactic response related to a dietary allergen, we must consider our remote wilderness area as we determine the appropriateness of our programs for the applicant.
Food Intolerance or Sensitivity: A food intolerance or a food sensitivity occurs when a person has difficulty digesting a food item. This can lead to symptoms such as intestinal gas, abdominal pain or diarrhea. If you are able to tolerate the food item in limited amounts, please let us know. It may broaden the range of foods we are able to provide.
Food Preference: Food preferences are choices that are made for reasons other than allergy, tolerance or sensitivity. We sincerely request that you think through your practice of limiting your food options while you are on course. Our primary goal is to meet students’ dietary allergies or intolerance/ sensitivities. The addition of food preferences could further influence the menu items we can provide.
Our staff members, who have had years of experience in the field, find that once students with food preferences engage in our rigorous backcountry, wilderness-based activities, those same students tend to (at least temporarily) broaden their food choices. We believe students may find these foods surprisingly appealing during their course due to their bodies’ increased need for calories.
Maintaining personal hygiene in the wilderness is important and is taught on every course. You will be outside while on course and won't have access to a shower or bath. You will be able to do basic cleanup every day: brush your teeth, wash your face and comb your hair. At the end of your course, you will be able to do a more thorough cleanup.
Since North Carolina Outward Bound is an outdoor program, you can expect to learn and use Leave No Trace camping techniques. Know that it is natural to have questions regarding sanitation in an outdoor setting. Your instructors will answer your questions and will teach you the hygienic and environmentally safe way to dispose of waste as well as techniques for basic cleanliness - don't hesitate to approach them with any questions or concerns
In our everyday lives, technology is always at our fingertips. By contrast, in the life of an Outward Bound participant, you have the unique opportunity to unplug and fully immerse yourself in the wilderness to connect with your crewmates and instructors.
Guidelines
NO:
YES:
Safety and Risk Management
Please review our Safety and Risk Management page.
Specifics: There is no mail delivery on Patagonia courses.
At all levels of our school, we demonstrate our dedication to participant safety by our words, actions and values. Outward Bound has been a national leader in wilderness safety for over 50 years and frequently advises and assists other organizations in outdoor adventure risk management. Living and traveling in a remote wilderness setting exposes you to risks different than those you may encounter in your daily life. We believe that accepting appropriate risks and training and preparing participants to manage those risks, provides invaluable life experience. Regardless of precautionary measures, risk and uncertainty are central to the concept of challenge and adventure. The intent is not to avoid activities involving risk but to recognize, prepare for and successfully manage risk. In order to identify any potential hazards and update best practices, our programs are regularly reviewed by outdoor professionals from inside and outside the Outward Bound system.
Outward Bound instructors receive regular training in the activities and environments in which we deliver our courses. They are trained to anticipate and manage risks inherent in remote areas. They are also trained in first aid, search and rescue and emergency management. Our instructors are certified Wilderness First Responders; some are Wilderness Emergency Medical Technicians or equivalent. Outward Bound maintains a minimum staff-to-student ratio of approximately 1:6. Instructors work in teams of two or three with six to 12 students. Instructor teams are usually co-ed but balancing skills and teaching styles is our primary staffing focus. One instructor in every team is a lead instructor with multiple seasons of training and experience. The lead instructor has single point accountability for the safety and effectiveness of the course in the field as well as mentoring their staffing team. For more information on our instructors, please check out our staff profiles page or our careers page for instructor requirements.
As a participant, you must take responsibility for yourself by following instructions and practicing the skills taught by your instructors.
Please also review our Safety and Risk Management page.
The Student Services Department of the North Carolina Outward Bound School is committed to supporting you through the enrollment process. If you have comments or feedback to share regarding your experience with us, please contact our Director of Student Services Erin Broome, ebroome@ncobs.org.
North Carolina Outward Bound School supplies the technical equipment needed for your, course. Depending on the course activities, we provide backpacks, canoes, sea kayaks, rock climbing gear, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, shelter, rain gear, compass, food, water bottles, cooking equipment, and eating utensils. Please refer to the Clothing and Gear List below for the items to bring to course.
Because our courses are subject to unpredictable weather, obtaining the proper clothing is crucial. Please bring the items on the Clothing and Gear list as described.
First, shop your closet or those of your family or friends - you might have many of these items already. Then start planning what you may need to buy, leaving yourself time to find sales or free shipping.
Many students shop for clothing and gear from the following retailers:
Plan ahead! When you arrive for course start, you will not have an opportunity to purchase forgotten items!
When packing, use a duffel bag or soft-sided luggage (if available) due to limited storage space at our facility.
When you arrive, your instructors will facilitate a process we call “duffel shuffle” that includes:
Our Clothing and Gear list reflects the layering principle. It is vital that all your clothing be comfortable, quick-drying, and warm. Several layers of light clothing keep you warm and can be adjusted to changes in both weather and activity. For example, wearing a long sleeve shirt, a fleece layer and a jacket allows you to adapt to changing conditions.
Points to keep in mind while planning and shopping:
Participants will not be permitted to begin their course without their required medications OR with new medications not approved by our Medical Screener.
All medications (prescription, non-prescription and over-the-counter) must:
Your medication container should not include other medications, vitamins or supplements. If possible, bring a double supply.
Do not bring non-prescription medications such as aspirin, Advil, etc., unless they are listed in your medical information. We have a medical kit that contains these medications.
Medication updates that occur after applicants are cleared to participate could affect their status on course. Please update the Student Services Department with any medication changes such as:
For participants on youth courses, our instructors carry all prescription medications, with the exception of birth control and emergency medications such as EpiPens or rescue asthma inhalers.
For participants on adult (age 18+) courses, we encourage participants to store their medication(s) container(s) in a zip-lock bag for protection. Pill sorters are not recommended.
Please bring your prescription eyewear to course and any applicable backup options. For glasses a retaining band is necessary to prevent loss during an activity.
For participants who wear contact lenses, you must bring your prescription glasses as back up. Be sure to bring enough contact lens solution so you can be diligent in your contact lens routine while out on course.
Please be aware that the use of contact lenses in the backcountry does carry more risk than when at home. A great level of diligence and hygiene is required in ensuring you do not damage your eyes.
You will be outside during your course. To maintain your health and comfort, the best protection from biting insects, skin irritation and sunburn is a physical barrier of clothing. Bring the required clothing and gear listed – it's essential to your comfort and safety.
It is your responsibility to follow your instructor’s directions and monitor how your skin reacts to the changing environment. Let them know if you encounter skin concerns before they present a barrier to your participation.
If you are traveling by air to your course, please review the TSA Carry-on Requirements for liquids.
Here are a few tips caring for long, kinky, or curly hair while on course:
Before course, consider putting your hair in a protective style, allowing enough time for your head to adjust prior to the start of your Outward Bound course. Be sure that your protective style will fit underneath a helmet. Suggested protective styles include:
Increased physical activity during Outward Bound may cause a change in your menstrual cycle. Prepare your menstruation kit using a zip lock bag even if you don’t expect your cycle during course.
Items to include:
We practice Leave No Trace camping techniques. Therefore, we pack out what we pack in. Instructors will distribute small opaque zip lock bags and small stuff sack for your individual storage of used items.You will dispose of any used items either during re-supplies (approximately every three to seven days) or at course end.
Your instructors are experienced in addressing menstruation care questions or concerns while on course. Don’t hesitate to ask them questions.
Proper footwear is essential for your safety and enjoyment. Take the following information with you when shopping for boots.The best boot for our terrain for backpacking courses is described as:
Do not bring:
FITTING YOUR BOOTS It is essential that your boots fit properly and are comfortable. You are unlikely to judge this walking around a store. Some retailers will allow you to purchase your boots with the understanding that if you wear them indoors for several hours and they do not feel comfortable, you may return them. Fit your boots with the socks you will wear on course.
BREAKING IN YOUR BOOTS Begin wearing your boots long before your course starts. Wear them around town and at home as much as possible every day for several weeks. You should put 10+ miles on your boots to break them in, walking on both level and rough terrain. If you start feeling any hot spots, treat them immediately using moleskin to protect against the hiker’s worst enemy: the blister! Be kind to your feet.
WATERPROOFING YOUR BOOTS After you are confident your boots fit properly, make sure they are waterproofed. Some boots are already waterproofed when purchased; but if not, follow the sales associate or manufacturer’s recommendations concerning the type of waterproofing to apply.
HEAD
EYES
HANDS
WATERPROOF RAIN GEAR
If you own a high quality waterproof-breathable jacket and/or pants that are more than a year old, test them to see if they are still waterproof. Wear them over a dark t-shirt and dark underwear with the hood up and stand under your shower for several minutes. Make sure to thoroughly soak the entire jacket and pants, especially around the shoulders. If the items are no longer waterproof, leaks will show on the dark cotton fabric. If this is the case, treat your existing jacket/pants with a waterproofing product (available at many outdoor stores) or purchase a new jacket/pants.
FEET
It's nice to go light, but many past students also recommend bringing the following items:
Camp & River Crossing Shoe: This shoe will be used in camp as a break from hiking boots and for use when wading across streams and rivers. They WILL be completely submerged in water. They should be quick drying, fit securely, have a heel strap, be closed-toed, and protect most of the foot.
Popular choices for this shoe include:
Flip-flops, slides, aqua socks, diving booties, or other soft/neoprene-type footwear are NOT appropriate.
Sneaker, Tennis Shoe or Running Shoe: A sneaker, tennis shoe or running shoe is used for times when you won’t need hiking boots but do need a sturdy, closed toe shoe. Examples include running, group problem solving activities or camp chores. This shoe does not need to be brand new.
Each applicant has been sent a Welcome Email that contains an individual Applicant Portal link. Emails are sent from studentservices@ncobs.org. If you need this email re-sent, please email us at studentservices@ncobs.org with the subject line Resend Applicant Portal. Please also include in the body of your email you or your child's full name.
Once you have accessed your Applicant Portal, please review the Welcome Tab and then proceed to the Forms tab. All forms must be completed before your application will be reviewed. Your position may be released if required forms become past due.
ONLY MAKE TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS AFTER:
We typically need 6 firm enrollments in order to confirm the course as “GO.” If you purchase airline tickets before notified to do so, make sure you either purchase refundable/transferable tickets OR purchase trip insurance covering the cost of airfare in the event your course is canceled or if you are not cleared to participate. North Carolina Outward Bound is not responsible for refunding the cost of airline tickets, clothing and gear, etc.
ARRIVAL LOCATION/TIME
San Carlos de Bariloche Airport (BRC)
Ruta 237 S/N, 8400 San Carlos de Bariloche, Río Negro, Argentina
This is our only pick-up location/time.
OUTWARD BOUND CHECK IN LOCATION
An Outward Bound Staff representative will meet you in the lobby near the coffee shop.
Look for Outward Bound Staff wearing a shirt or hat with an Outward Bound logo and/or carrying an Outward Bound sign. This staff person will have a list of all course participants.
Our supervision officially begins when students depart the airport by NCOBS vehicle or charter transportation
TRAVEL DELAYS
If you are delayed while traveling, call us immediately at 800-878-5258. We work diligently to accommodate unforeseen travel delays. However, in certain cases of extreme delays, it may not be possible for you to join the course.
CELL PHONES
Traveling to and from course with a cell phone and charger is encouraged. Upon arrival and check in with our staff at the airport, we will remind participants to call their families immediately, as cell phones are not permitted once the course has officially begun. At that point, all cell phones will be turned off and stored in personal luggage until course end.
BE PREPARED
Be dressed in items from the clothing list, make all necessary calls and have eaten prior to departure from the airport.
Review current government regulations regarding carry-on items at www.tsa.gov. Many airlines charge for each checked bag. Check your airline’s baggage policy and pay any fees for you or your child’s inbound and outbound flights.
PASSPORTS
A passport is required for entry into Argentina. Passport applications may take two to three months to process so apply well in advance of your departure date. The passport application fee is $135 (subject to change). 2 Passport numbers must be submitted to Outward Bound no later than two weeks before the start of the course to ensure that we can complete permits necessary for traveling in Patagonia. Make four clear photocopies of your passport. Mail, fax or scan a copy to our office with your required forms. We encourage you to bring one copy of your passport to the course and leave one with your emergency contact at home.
ESSENTIAL CARRY-ON ITEMS
We advise that you pack all essentials from the Clothing and Gear list in a carry-on bag in case your luggage is lost or delayed. These items include:
More detailed descriptions of these items are available in the Clothing and Gear list. These items will outfit you during the first 24-72 hours of course if your luggage is lost or delayed. Include copies of your passport and your airline ticket itineraries. Be careful with your carry-on bag while traveling to avoid your bag being lost or stolen. We suggest using a money belt or traveler’s neck pouch for passports, cash, credit cards and airline tickets.
DEPARTURE TIME/LOCATION
San Carlos de Bariloche Airport on the day the course ends.
There are two airports in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
Some airline itineraries require a lengthy ground transport between EZE and AEP to/from San Carlos de Bariloche Airport (BRC). Other itineraries offer direct flights to/from EZE and San Carlos de Bariloche Airport (BRC), avoiding the airport-to-airport ground transport.
North Carolina Outward Bound recommends choosing a direct flight to/from EZE to BRC; however, flight availability changes regularly.
If your airline itinerary requires ground transportation between these airports, this transport is NOT included in your airline itinerary. You must arrange it separately before day of travel. If you choose this option, make sure your airline itinerary allows for 5 hours layover between the two airports. It will take significant time to clear airport security, get baggage, cross the city, check in and go through security again. Plus, there may be unforeseen delays due to traffic, road construction or weather.
Please refer to these websites to arrange ground transportation:
At least two weeks prior to course start, we will email a request for travel arrangements.
Please reference our COVID-19 Program Protocols.
Should you need to depart Outward Bound due to a positive COVID-19 test result or other illness symptoms:
Please reference the CDC recommendations for Protecting Yourself When Using Transportation and Considerations for Travelers.
Airfare, related travel costs, and non-refundable tuition payments are expensive. Insurance to protect your trip and course is not required but strongly recommended. If you choose not to purchase insurance and cancel your course or leave your course early you will be held to the terms of the Cancellation Policy (See above).
Outward Bound offers an option for insuring these costs from the third-party provider InsureMyTrip through its Academic Explorer Program. This program has coverage options that include your travel costs and the non-refundable tuition costs. A link to that program’s insurance coverage options is above. Alternatively, you may choose to purchase trip related insurance through a different insurance provider. In either case, the amount and type of coverage you choose is your responsibility and must be discussed directly with the provider.
You may also want to consider insurance for the cost of Emergency Evacuation. Health insurance often does not cover the cost of emergency evacuation by air or other means and these costs can be very expensive. North Carolina Outward Bound School will not be financially responsible for these costs in the event that your student requires evacuation.
The Academic Explorer Program offered through InsureMyTrip does not offer coverage for emergency evacuation. You will need to purchase that coverage from a different insurance provider.
Outward Bound makes no representations or warranties about these insurance options or how they handle claims.
HOTELS NEAR THE AIRPORT
If your travel plans require an overnight stay before the course start, here are some suggestions for places to stay in Bariloche.
If you are traveling by air, be aware of TSA guidelines. To avoid TSA taking items out of your carry-on luggage (like insect repellent and sunscreen), pack these items in your checked luggage or do not exceed size specifications. For more information please visit the TSA website: Transportation Security Administration - Carry-ons
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