Course Information
WELCOME TO YOUR JOURNEY
This is your Course Page.
Outward Bound offers an exciting opportunity for you to learn new skills, make friends and create memories that will last a lifetime. Our mission? To change lives through challenge and discovery!
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!
Blue Ridge Mountains Outdoor Educator
Course Number
NTQL-471
Date
March 06, 2024 - April 24, 2024
Blue Ridge Mountains Outdoor educator
As the oldest and leading provider of wilderness education in the world, Outward Bound provides training for thousands of outdoor educators. This 50-day course is for those wanting an introduction to the outdoor education profession. By learning ‘hands-on,’ students gain a better understanding of both the technical and teaching skills to prepare them for a career in outdoor education.
Please refer to your Applicant Portal to confirm your balance and make payment.
If you are unsure of your balance due, please call 1-800-878-5258 or email studentservices@ncobs.org.
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.
This course is designed to provide participants with a basic foundation needed for a career in outdoor and experiential education. The Outdoor Educator Course (OEC) combines the objectives of a traditional Outward Bound course together with professional development. As a student of the OEC, you are expected to participate in all scheduled and independent activities. You must commit to being a team player as well as respectful and supportive of your fellow students and instructors. While most of your course takes place in the wilderness participating in various outdoor activities, you should be prepared to spend a fair amount of time in formal, lecture-style presentations.
The following information describes the components of your course. These components may not follow the sequence as listed.
IMMERSION PHASE
You begin the Outdoor Educator Course as a student of Outward Bound. This experience includes expedition backpacking, travel on and off trail, navigation, Leave No Trace camping ethics and practices, campcraft, risk management, group management and group facilitation skills. You will see what we do best and enhance your development as an educator and professional. This phase of the program will include the following activities (length and depth will vary depending on your crew, weather and instructor planning):
BACKPACKING
While backpacking 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. 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 may hike 12 to 15 hours in one day to reach your destination or you could go three miles uphill one day and 12 miles over varied terrain the next day. The backpacks can weigh 55+ pounds. Remember, PHYSICAL PREPARATION IS KEY!
ROCK CLIMBING - ROPES COURSE
During this section you may spend one day participating in a climbing-related activity or ropes course.
SKILLS DEVELOPMENT PHASE
You practice being a student and teacher by giving and receiving peer and instructor feedback necessary to becoming an outdoor educator. This phase focuses on the essential skills of judgment and risk management and will include the following:
Rock Site Management: Knots, anchors, top rope and slingshot setup, belaying, equipment, site assessment and management, facilitation skills and multi-pitch climbing.
Ropes Course Management: High ropes course experience, harnesses, equipment, rescue techniques, self-belay systems and facilitation skills.
River Site Management and Whitewater Canoeing: River safety, strokes, ferries, eddy-turns, peel-outs, rapid swims, river reading, rope throws, river rapid classification, rescue concepts, hydrology and group management.
Workshops: Possible topics include: Outward Bound philosophy, adolescent skills games and initiatives, teaching styles and techniques, group facilitation and debriefing, diversity, educational philosophy and environmental ethics, leadership theory and conflict resolution.
WILDERNESS FIRST RESPONDER CERTIFICATION PHASE
Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification is recognized as the standard level of expertise in backcountry first aid. This nationally recognized, 80-hour, program trains participants to respond to emergencies in remote settings. About half of this program will be spent completing practical skills, case studies and scenarios designed to challenge your decision-making abilities. Students will develop the following skills: Patient assessment, knowledge of body systems, equipment improvisation, trauma, environmental medicine, toxins, wilderness protocols, backcountry medicine and wilderness rescue This certification is offered through a partnership with Landmark Learning, who is an accredited organization. After successfully completing the WFR and Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification students are eligible to apply for academic credit for this certification.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
SOLO
Solo typically occurs more than halfway through your course and may last up to 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, the ethic of service is practiced in greater depth and often includes a service project. Projects range from campsite restoration and maintaining hiking trails in the wilderness to supporting the surrounding communities by assisting families in need, sharing outdoor activities with disadvantaged children or helping in local wildlife restoration centers. Service projects typically last 6-8 hours. Alert your instructor AT COURSE START if you need written verification or documentation of service project hours.
PERSONAL 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.
TRANSITION DAYS
Transition days are spent packing food, showering, planning the next section of the course and often include an evening meal prepared by our staff in the base camp dining hall. Due to a full schedule, there will be only one scheduled morning or afternoon visit to town. You will be able to send emails, make phone calls, do laundry and buy items that you may need. This is the only time you will be able to send emails and make phone calls.
This is only a SAMPLE itinerary only. Adjustments will be made due to weather, programming area availability and group dynamics.
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:
- The Outward Bound Wilderness First-Aid Handbook by Jeff Isaac
- Leave No Trace: A Practical Guide to the New Wilderness Ethic by Annette McGivney
- Knots & Ropes for Climbers by Duane Raleigh and Mike Clelland
- The Outward Bound Backpacker's Handbook by Glenn Randall
- The Outward Bound Map & Compass Handbook by Glenn Randall
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 smokers and caffeine drinkers: If you smoke, it's essential to quit before you arrive. Using your course as a means to quit smoking 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. If you drink caffeine, it is also essential to significantly reduce your level of consumption prior to your course start. Caffeine withdrawal may cause severe headaches which can hinder your progress on course.
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.
PREPARATION FOR WATER ACTIVITIES
Endurance train at least three times a week on a rowing machine. If a rowing machine is not available, supplement with strength training three times a week by including sit-ups, pull-ups, push-ups or weight training that concentrates on your shoulders, stomach and back.
As always cardiovascular exercise like running, walking, swimming or riding a bike will get you heart pumping and set you up for success on course!
PREPARATION FOR ROCK CLIMBING
Climbing indoors at your local rock climbing gym is the best way to prepare for climbing outdoors. If climbing at a gym is not available, substitute pull-ups, sit-ups and strength training with weights. On course, you will practice knots, climbing and belay techniques as well as safety procedures.
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, coffee, pastries and other junk foods. Moderating caffeine, 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.
MEALS AT OUTWARD BOUND
The following list represents common meals at Outward Bound (this is not a menu)
Breakfast
- Bagels and cream cheese
- Pancakes with butter and syrup
- Cream of wheat
- Grits with cheese and dried fruit
- Grapenuts or Granola and soy milk or cow’s milk
- Oatmeal with raisins and brown sugar
- Huevos Rancheros: eggs, salsa, cheese and black beans on tortillas
Lunch
- Peanut butter and Jelly on tortillas
- Pizza: pepperoni, mozzarella, tomato paste, pita bread
- Hummus with carrots, cheese and crackers
- Salami with cheese and crackers
- Beans Galore: black beans, red beans, white beans, corn, onion, Italian dressing on tortillas
- Tuna and cheese on pita bread
Dinner
- Pasta Alfredo: Rotini with alfredo sauce and mushrooms
- Burritos: refried beans and rice with salsa and cheese
- Tuna Mac: Macaroni with cheese, parmesan cheese, tuna and milk
- Stir Fry: Rice and chicken with vegetables, coconut milk and curry powder
- Veggie Chili with rice, cheese, onion and cornbread
- Tacos: Natures Burger with tomato paste, cheese, onion and Tortilla
Drinks (other than water)
- Cocoa
- Tea
- Drink mix
Snacks
- Fruit (oranges, apples)
- Trail mixes (many varieties)
- Goldfish crackers
- Pretzels
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
Cell phones, tablets, GPS devices and all other electronic devices (exception-digital cameras) are not permitted on course. Electronic devices can be distracting and disruptive to the wilderness experience. Stepping away from these devices encourages participants to focus on their experience and their crewmates.
Cell Phones: Although cell phones are not permitted on course, traveling to and from your course with a cell phone and a charger is encouraged. At course start, you will be asked to turn off your cell phone and store it in your personal luggage. Your luggage will be locked in a group storage bin at our facility while you are on course.
Cameras: Cameras are welcomed at North Carolina Outward Bound. We recommended waterproof disposable cameras. If you elect to bring a non-disposable camera, we advise that you store it in a small “dry bag ” or plastic zip lock-bag. Our courses are rigorous and there is a risk of losing or damaging your camera. Cell phone cameras, tablets and any other Wi-Fi enabled electronic devices with built-in cameras are not permitted on course.
Depending on the length of your course and course area, mail may be delivered to you. Delivery can take up to one week from the time it reaches our base camp. Please do not have packages sent to you unless they contain emergency items - no candy or food please! All correspondence must be clearly addressed with the participant’s name and course number. Letters received near the end of the course may not be delivered on time and will be returned to sender. You will be notified of your base camp mailing address and emergency numbers prior to your course start. If your course allows for mail delivery (criteria below), remember to bring postcards with stamps attached as you can write to family and friends while you are on course.
SPECIFICS
Mail can be sent and received in the NC Mountains. Delivery may take up to one week from the time it reaches our base camp. You will receive address information prior to your course start. Remember to bring postcards or stationery and envelopes with stamps attached so you can write to your family and friends while you are on course.
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.
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.
The Clothing and Gear list is the result of many years of staff and participant feedback. Please read and follow these suggestions and the check list closely.
WHAT WE SUPPLY
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.
WHERE TO SHOP
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:
- Goodwill, other thrift stores, consignment stores
- Walmart, Target, Amazon, Old Navy, other large chain stores
- REI Co-Op
- Eastern Mountain Sports
- Sierra Trading Post
Plan ahead! When you arrive for course start, you will not have an opportunity to purchase forgotten items!
PACKING AND STORAGE
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:
- Assessment of your clothing and gear with the route and the anticipated weather in mind. (Tip: save the tags from new purchases so you can return any unused items after course end.)
- Issue Outward Bound items you will use during course
- Stowing personal items not needed while on expedition such as travel clothes, cell phones, electronic devices, and wallets back into your travel luggage.
- Luggage will be transported to our facility and placed in locked storage until course end. Please leave any expensive or valuable items at home.
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:
- Changing weather conditions may require the use of all of the items on the list. However, keep receipts and tags from new purchases so unused items can be returned after course.
- Most athletic/fitness clothing will be appropriate for course.
- Check clothing tags to confirm fabrics details.
- Fabrics such as polyester, nylon, fleece, acrylic, rayon, wool, or name brands like Polartec™, Thinsulate™, COOLMAX®, Smartwool, and Capilene are a few favorites of outdoor enthusiasts.
- Cotton clothing loses its insulating properties when wet and does not dry quickly. For these reasons, do not bring items made with cotton unless otherwise noted.
- Also, not bring denim or down clothing (unless otherwise indicated).
- Wearing white or light-colored, loose-fitting clothing keeps you cooler and attracts fewer biting insects. Dark colors are acceptable for insulating attire.
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:
- Be listed in the applicant’s medical information
- Be approved by our Medical Screener prior to course
- Accompany the participant on course
- Be in the original medication container with the prescription label intact
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:
- Starting a new medication
- Stopping an existing medication
- Dosage change of an existing medication
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.
You must notify Outward Bound should any medical, psychological, behavioral, or legal situations occur after the application and medical review process have been completed. Certain situations may affect the applicant’s course status.
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.
PRESCRIPTION EYEWEAR: GLASSES & CONTACTS
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.
SKIN CARE
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.
HAIR CARE
Here are a few tips caring for long, kinky, or curly hair while on course:
- Bring a comb, brush, or pick
- Protect your hair by covering it with a hair bonnet, silk scarf, headwrap, durag, loc tube, bandana, etc.
- Use a bandana, head wrap, hair scrunchies, etc., to keep hair out of your face
- Bring 3oz hair oil
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:
- Box Braids
- French Braids
- Feed-in Braids
- Cornrows
- Faux Locs
- Two Strand Twists
- Plaits
- Flat Twists
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:
- Menstruation products such as tampons, pads, panty liners, and menstrual cups. Bring more than you would typically use. Absorption underwear is not recommended.
- 1 small travel pack of disposable wipes or bandana. Our instructors will teach appropriate backcountry techniques for basic cleanliness.
- 1 small travel-size bottle of hand sanitizer
- 1 to 2 extra pairs of underwear
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.
Please review our comprehensive information onTick and Mosquito-Borne Disease Facts and Prevention.
In preparation for your upcoming course, we remind you to adhere to the clothing and gear list. We encourage parents/guardians of our youth participants to have a conversation regarding the importance of wearing long sleeves and long pants even when hot and humid to reduce the chances of bug bites, including mosquitoes and ticks. It is crucial that all students understand the need to follow the instructions of our staff in all regards, including expectations of self-care.
You should bring extra money to course, actual cash and other payment methods (such as a debit card/credit card), to cover any expenses you could incur. You will need money for airline baggage fees, laundry, extra batteries and any meals or miscellaneous items you choose to purchase during town visits or travel days. You may also encounter food and lodging expenses before and after your course. You may also need to pay for replacement costs of damaged or lost North Carolina Outward Bound gear.
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:
- light to medium weight with ankle support.
- hard rubber sole
- Waterproof
Do not bring:
- mountaineering boots
- tall boots that constrict the calf
- Timberlands, Doc Martens, or Blundstones
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.
- Test 1: With the boots unlaced and your toes touching the front of the boot, the boot should be large enough to place your forefinger between your heel and the boot’s heel.
- Test 2: With the boot laced, your heel must be firmly lodged in the heel cup with very little lift when you walk.
- Test 3: The boot should fit snugly around the ball of your foot so that when you twist your foot, it does not move or slip inside the boot.
- Test 4: When on a steep incline or tapping the front of your boot against the floor, your toes should not hit the end of the boot.
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.
- 1 lightweight synthetic long underwear top
- 1 medium weight synthetic long underwear top
- 1-2 long sleeved, light colored button up shirt that are loose fitting
- 2-3 synthetic t-shirts
- 3 sport/jog bras (if applicable)
INSULATING ITEMS
These garments are essential pieces that will provide extra warmth during backcountry travel. Insulating garments should comfortably fit under rain jacket and have a hood.
- 1 medium-weight synthetic fill jacket with hood. Look for fills such as Polarguard 3D, Primaloft, or 3M Hollofill. This garment is an essential piece that will provide extra warmth during backcountry travel. It will keep you warm in camp when you are not active.
- 2 medium-weight fleece jackets or pullovers (200 weight fleece). Comfortable, breathes well, insulates when wet. A sufficiently warm wool or wool/synthetic sweater may be substituted. Examples: Patagonia R1 Melenzana). Having a hood is preferred, but not required for this item.
WATERPROOF RAIN GEAR**
**NCOBS can provide rain gear if you do not already own these items.
- Rain Jacket: Two or Three-layer Gore-Tex or similar high quality waterproof breathable jacket with a storm-proof hood. Reinforced shoulders will help protect the jacket from the rubbing of your backpack. Examples: Outdoor Research Furio Jacket, Patagonia Triolet, Black Diamond Liquid Point Shell. Other brand to look for are: Marmot, Mountain Hardwear, ArcTeryx, the North Face or Mountain Equipment Co-Op.
- Rain Pants: Full zip (preferred though not mandated) Gore-Tex or similar high-quality waterproof-breathable pants. Look for reinforced knees and seat. The same brands as above are recommended.
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.
HEAD
- 1 medium weight fleece or wool hat that covers your ears and the back of your neck
- 1 wide-brimmed sun hat or baseball cap
- 1-2 bandannas (used to shield your head, neck or face from insects and sunburn)
- 1 bug head net (mesh needs to be small enough to protect against no-see-ums and mosquitoes)
- 2 reusable face masks (due to COVID-19)
EYES
- 1 pair sunglasses
- Prescription eye wear and/or contacts (if applicable) Bring an extra pair in case of loss or damage. If you have limited vision without your glasses, bring prescription sunglasses.
- Retainer straps (make sure they fit your glasses tightly and have an adjustable strap)
- Hard cases to store glasses
HANDS
- 1 pair of medium-weight warm fleece or wool gloves
- 1 pair of lightweight fleece gloves
- 1 pair medium weight synthetic or fleece pants (200 weight fleece)
- 1 medium weight synthetic long underwear bottom
- 1 lightweight synthetic long underwear bottom
- 3-4 pair of quick-dry, loose fitting nylon trekking pants (1 of which can be the type that converts to shorts)
- 1-2 pairs of quick-drying nylon shorts (no “short shorts”)
- 4-6 pairs of synthetic, quick-dry (not cotton) underwear or boxer shorts
FEET
- 1 pair of light to medium-weight hiking boots (see Hiking Boots section)
- 1 pair of lightweight running shoes (see Additional Footwear section)
- 1 pair of river cross shoes (see Additional Footwear section for important information on what is acceptable)
- 1 pair of camp shoes (see Additional Footwear section for important information on what is acceptable)
- 3-4 pairs of medium weight wool or synthetic socks
- 3 pairs of lightweight cotton socks
- Cash, an ATM card and/or a Credit Card (we recommend bringing up to $200 in cash for travel incidentals or for lost/damaged Outward Bound gear)
- Prescription medication (if applicable)
- 1 LED style headlamp with 1 spare set of batteries (recommended) OR 1 standard headlamp with 3 sets of spare batteries and one spare bulb. Avoid halogen bulbs to prolong battery life.
- 1 small bottle of insect repellent (no aerosol or wipes)
- 1 Swiss Army type knife or multi-tool with locking blade and can opener
- 1 waterproof watch with alarm
- 1-2 tubes of sunscreen SPF 30+ (should be less than 1 year old)
- 1-2 lip balms SPF 30+ or greater
- 3 pens or pencils
- 1 old twin flat sheet (39 x 75 inches) or sarong (55 x 57 inches) or shemagh (44 x 44 inches) to cover up from bugs on hot nights and for discrete clothing changes
- 2-4 gallon-sized zip lock bags (for keeping items like notebook, camera dry and clean)
- Travel size toiletries for expedition: small toothbrush, small tube of toothpaste, comb or brush (we will provide you with biodegradable soap)
- Travel size toiletries that will stay at base camp: shampoo and conditioner, soap, towel, toothbrush, tooth paste, comb or brush (for town day and post course clean up.)
- 2 sets of extra clothes: casual and rugged for town, travel days and WFR class
It's nice to go light, but many past students also recommend bringing the following items:
- 1 pair climbing shoes*
- 1 sleeping bag*
- 1 climbing helmet*
- 1 backpack (70-80 liter capacity)*
- 1 climbing harness*
- 10-20 nutrition bars: you will be provided with all of the food and snacks you need throughout your course; however, many students also prefer to bring their own “power bars.” Power, Cliff, Luna and Balance are all examples of bars that are great nutritional companions in the wilderness.
- 1 Thermarest pad: You will be provided with a foam sleeping pad; however, many participants prefer an inflatable sleeping pad. Inflatable pads are a bit heavier and can develop leaks. If you bring one, bring a lightweight, ¾ length pad with stuff sack and repair kit.
- Trekking poles: Help distribute weight while hiking with heavy packs
- Crazy Creek camp chair
*Must be inspected and approved by instructors at course start
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:
- Croc-type sandals
- Keen sandals
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.
The information below explains how to make and submit your travel arrangements for Outward Bound.
ONLY MAKE TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS AFTER:
- You have been cleared to participate AND
- You are notified that your course has been confirmed as “GO.” In order for a course to be confirmed as “GO,” we must achieve a minimum number of firm enrollments. Firm = applicants who are fully paid and cleared to participate.
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.
All participants are required to follow our COVID-19 Program Protocols.
This is our only pick-up location/time. We are unable to accommodate pick ups outside of the info outlined below.
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) – www.flyavl.com
61 Terminal Drive – Fletcher, NC 28732-9442
- Airline Arrival 2:00 PM: Book your inbound flight to arrive no later than 2:00 PM on the first day of the course. Do not book arrival after 2:00 PM as we are unable to accommodate arrivals after this time. Itineraries booked outside of these times will require rebooking which can be costly and avoidable.
- Vehicle Arrival 1:00 PM: If you are arriving by car, arrive no later than 1:00 PM on the first day of the course. Enter the airport through door “0” (zero) which will lead you directly to the main seating area. Numbers are noted above the doors and door “0” is located towards the middle of the building.
**Based on limited non-stop flight availability to/from AVL and our arrival criteria above, please expect your itinerary to include a connecting flight.**
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.
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.
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.
***Please arrive to the airport having eaten lunch. For students arriving on flights, please review your vendor options before meeting Outward Bound.***
An Outward Bound representative will meet ALL arrivals in the main seating area in front of the security checkpoint; labeled as the “Grand Hall” on the map below.
North Carolina Outward Bound strongly suggests that you wear a mask while on planes and in other crowded, confined spaces during your travel.
Staff will be wearing an Outward Bound shirt or hat and/or carrying an Outward Bound sign. They will have a list of all student names and will note your arrival.
Our supervision officially begins when students depart the airport by NCOBS vehicle or charter transportation.
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Asheville Regional Airport main seating area in the Grand Hall – Outward Bound check-in location
YOUR COURSE WILL END AT THIS LOCATION WHETHER YOU ARE DEPARTING BY PLANE OR CAR.
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) – www.flyavl.com
61 Terminal Drive – Fletcher, NC 28732-9442
- Airline Departure 1:00 PM: Book your departure no earlier than 1:00 PM on the last day of the course. Itineraries booked outside of these times will require rebooking which can be costly and avoidable.
- Vehicle Departure 11:45 AM: The pick-up/vehicle departure time is 11:45 AM on the last day of the course.
***Based on limited non-stop flight availability to/from AVL and our arrival criteria above, please expect your itinerary to include a connecting flight.***
This is our only drop-off location.
Submitting Your Travel Plans
At least two weeks prior to course start, we will email a request for travel arrangements.
Be Prepared - Determine a Backup Travel Plan
Please reference our COVID-19 Program Protocols.
You MUST take a COVID-19 Antigen Test 24-Hours Prior to Course Start.
Participants will also take a COVID-19 test on course start day, administered by NCOBS Staff.
Should you need to depart Outward Bound due to a positive COVID-19 test result or other illness symptoms:
- on course start day - you must adjust your travel plans that day
- during course - you must depart within 48 hours
ADULT (Course age ranges 18+, 18-25, 30+): coordinate travel with a parent, family member or other trusted adult OR coordinate a hotel room and shuttle to the hotel, provided the participant meets the hotel’s age requirement for check-in.
- Clarion Inn Asheville Airport (Near the Asheville Regional Airport - AVL)
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport South (Near Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport - FLL)
Please reference the CDC recommendations for Protecting Yourself When Using Transportation and Considerations for Travelers.
Click Here To Receive a Free Quote From InsureMyTrip
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.
Emergency Evacuation Insurance
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 ASHEVILLE REGIONAL AIRPORT
Prior to booking, confirm any minimum age requirements and availability of shuttle service to/from the airport (if applicable).
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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