At North Carolina Outward Bound School (NCOBS), we strive to provide a wide variety of life-changing programs for students of all ages and life experiences. In 2019, 5,494 students participated in our diverse programs, representing 30,198 student program days. These students attended courses for the general public offered in our seven spectacular wilderness settings or participated in one of our custom programs for school groups and other unique populations. These are the different programs NCOBS provides:
Known as the 'original' Outward Bound leadership program, these expeditions take students into beautiful wilderness environments where they must dig deep and discover their hidden strengths. These courses are for students of all ages and backgrounds and teach communication and collaborative skills, confidence, self-reliance, and compassion. > More
Gap Year Programs are long courses offered in remote, rugged wilderness settings that broaden students' world views while building skills in teamwork and leadership. This program is an ideal alternative for college-age students looking for something beyond the traditional classroom environment and for those who want to learn by doing. No other Outward Bound experience is as in-depth, absorbing, or comprehensive as our wilderness semester courses. > More
Wilderness-based programs for struggling individuals and their families, designed to teach conflict resolution, goal-setting, communication, and decision-making skills. This highly structured and facilitated program removes students from the pressures and influences of home and school and instead presents them with the health risks and real challenges of the natural world. Students learn to examine the decisions that they have been making in their lives and practice new ways of setting goals and connecting decisions with consequences. > More
Tuition- and transportation-free wilderness expeditions designed specifically for veterans and active service members transitioning back to civilian lives. Veterans expeditions help to reinforce the gratification, confidence, and self-worth that comes with working within a group and build the skills necessary to successfully return to life after wartime service. > More
Custom-designed programs that augment leadership training and team development at the workplace for business professionals. The goal is to create positive, lasting change in the workplace through innovative programs that enhance the effectiveness of individuals, groups, and organizations. > More
Adapted from many of the "traditional" experiential learning lessons that Outward Bound is known for, these courses were created to confront the challenges brought forward by COVID-19. Lessons are strategically based on the needs of the clients but are always activity-based learning, followed by intentional reflection and guided conversation which leads to newfound knowledge for each participant. Virtual curriculums are offered for educators, business professionals, and students. > More
Short (4 - 7 day), wilderness-based, self-pay courses customized for intact groups from public and independent secondary schools, colleges and universities. These programs are designed to fit the needs and learning styles of the group and foster analytical thinking, effective communication, and responsible citizenship. > More
A year-long professional development program for traditional, charter, and independent school teachers that positively impacts classroom culture and curriculum through the wilderness, classroom, and online components. > More
A wide range of leadership development and team-building programs delivered to groups of elementary, middle, and high school students in Metro Atlanta and in the North Carolina mountains. > More
Wilderness-based high school program, with a school-based component, to empower young people of diverse backgrounds to become compassionate leaders of social change with a school-based follow-up component. > More