> 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, [email protected].
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!
BACKPACKING
Specifics: During your course, you will be backpacking up to three days.
During your course, you will be spending the majority of your time backpacking. During this component, you learn safety precautions for backcountry foot travel, how to find campsites, how to navigate terrain as well as how to use a map and compass. Equally important will be time spent learning conflict resolution, communication styles, leadership and team building. After practicing these skills, your instructors will step back and let you and your crew work together to collectively navigate through the wilderness.
Since your crew’s navigation depends on individual and group decision making, your crew could make some navigational errors along the way. You will be carrying a backpack that may weigh 50+ pounds. The weight is manageable, as the packs (when fitted correctly) will rest on your hips not on your back or shoulders. You may end up hiking long hours to reach your destination. You may expedition three miles uphill one day and eight miles over varied terrain the next day. Therefore, we want to remind you that physical preparation is very important!
ROCK CLIMBING
Specifics: Weather permitting, and due to the course length, you may spend a day either rock climbing, rappelling or on our high ropes course.
With a focus on the practice of safety, your lessons will start with the basics, such as working with ropes and learning to tie knots used for climbing and rappelling.
SOLO - SELF REFLECTION
Solo typically occurs more than halfway through your course and may last up to 24 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. 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.
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.
BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS, NC
Because the Appalachians were once one of the largest mountain ranges in the world they have many different geologic landforms, climates and soils. This long evolutionary history and temperate climate create an area which is teeming with life. Participants can expect to share the wilderness with over 700 different kinds of trees, more than 50 types of mammals, 150 different types of birds and about 40 species of amphibians.
This course area is situated within a million acres of national forests, federally-protected wilderness areas, and other public lands. Its diverse landscapes have been featured in many motion pictures, including The Hunger Games and The Last of the Mohicans. <Click to learn more about this course area.>
While in the mountains, each crew will be given large tarps to set up as shelters. You will also be given a ground sheet and a foam sleeping pad to place under your sleeping bag.
Here are some books that we encourage you to read as you plan for your course:
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 caffeine drinkers: If you drink coffee or caffeinated teas you will have access to these items on course. However, they will not be available in the amounts that you may be used to. You may want to cut back a bit before course because you will not be able drink these beverages on your regular schedule.
Note to tobacco/nicotine users: Please review the information in the Nicotine & Tobacco Policy tab below.
SPECIFICS
Mail delivery is not available on 4-9 day 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.
If a family emergency occurs while the course is in progress, emergency messages can be relayed by calling our toll-free number (800-878-5258) on weekdays 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM eastern time. Prior to course start, you will receive an email that provides an after-hours and weekend emergency phone number.
North Carolina Outward Bound School provides:
We also provide activity-specific items based on your course type:
Please refer to the Packing List below for the items to bring to course.
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!
Please review the video How to Pack for Course Without Breaking the Bank below.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
YOUR COURSE WILL BEGIN AT THIS LOCATION WHETHER YOU ARE ARRIVING BY PLANE OR CAR.
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) – www.flyavl.com
61 Terminal Drive – Fletcher, NC 28732-9442
Vehicle Arrival/Departure – Interstate Travel Delays and AVL Airport Parking
The Asheville Regional Airport facilities and primary local interstate, I-26, are both under construction. I-26 E & W is regularly backed up due to commuter congestion and this ongoing construction.
Additionally, parking at the Asheville Regional Airport may be limited, especially during peak travel times. Please include additional travel time to allow for predictable delays. Use the links below to plan ahead.
TRAVEL DELAYS
If you are delayed while traveling, contact us:
Weekdays 8:30am – 5:00 pm EST
After Hours & Weekends
We work diligently to accommodate unforeseen travel delays. However, in certain cases of extreme delay, it may not be possible for you to join the course.
EXPULSION OR EARLY DEPARTURE
If you are expelled or choose to leave your course voluntarily you are responsible for paying any change fees or increase in air fare required for you to return home.
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