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Blue Ridge Mountains Backpacking and Whitewater Canoeing for Veterans

Location

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.>

Activities

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!

BACKPACKING

Specifics: During your course, you will be backpacking up to three days.

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.

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.

WHITEWATER CANOEING

Specifics: Weather permitting, you may spend up to three days canoeing on the French Broad or Tuckaseegee Rivers

WHITEWATER PADDLING

Weather permitting, you may spend up to two days whitewater paddling.

CANOEING – up to 1 day

Weather permitting, you may spend up to one day whitewater canoeing. We use tandem (two person) canoes. Some of the topics you may cover during this portion of the course include:

Basic water safety and rescue techniques.
Identification and use of paddling equipment.
How to work with your paddling partner to successfully negotiate class I - III rapids.
Advanced skills including flatwater and whitewater paddling strokes and maneuvers.

RAFTING – up to 1 day

Each raft carries 4-6 participants and an instructor. You and your crewmates will learn or practice:

Basic water safety and rescue techniques.
Identification and use of paddling equipment.
How to work with your paddling partners to successfully negotiate class II and III rapids.
Whitewater paddling strokes and maneuvers.

WATER COMFORT ASSESSMENT

It will be necessary for you and your crewmates to perform a rapid swim assessment; as well as a flip and swim (or canoe capsize) assessment in the river. This activity is closely monitored by your instructors and river specialists. It is critical for us to determine your whitewater paddling comfort as you and your crew maneuver challenging rapids. Even if you are a non-swimmer or weak swimmer, you will still participate in this safety assessment. All students will be wearing safety helmets and personal floatation devices (PFDs) during the assessment. Helmets and personal floatation devices (PFDs) are required apparel anytime students are on the water.

Background Reading

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

Shelter

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.

Sample Course Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary only:

DAY 1: Course start, duffle shuffle, camp craft, backpacking expedition

DAY 2: Backpacking expedition, navigation and risk management skills

DAY 3: Whitewater Canoeing

DAY 4: Whitewater Canoeing

DAY 5: Backpacking expedition

DAY 6: Personal challenge event, clean and de-issue gear, Breakfast Banquet, graduation ceremony. Course end.