Blue Ridge Mountains Backpacking & Rock Climbing for Veterans

This six-day backpacking and rock climbing course offers veterans a unique opportunity for self-discovery in some of the oldest mountains in the world.

Home to hundreds of waterfalls, over a million acres of national forest, park and public land, unique rock formations and the highest peaks in the Eastern United States, the Blue Ridge Mountains are a beautiful, challenging natural environment for veterans discover or rediscover their true potential. Participants backpack for four days, spend one day rock climbing and rappelling and spend one day on a high ropes obstacle course, weather permitting. In addition to learning new skills in backcountry travel and climbing, participants build trust with their crew, practice leadership skills and develop initiative and compassion. 

FIND COURSES

Veterans Courses

Outward Bound Veterans expeditions build on camaraderie and the challenge of the natural world as a pathway to healing. These expeditions encourage participants to connect with existing strengths and bond with fellow veterans in a safe, positive, mission-driven environment. As they harness the power of wartime experiences like carrying heavy packs, moving fatigued muscles and sleeping outside, these courses help build the self-confidence and sense of purpose veterans need to continue serving as leaders in their families, communities and the nation.

• Build core skills: Veterans receive hands-on training on expedition and personal skills. As part of an inclusive, supportive crew, they gain communication skills, establish trust and validate experiences among other veterans.
• Practice Outward Bound values: Instructors focus on Outward Bound core values like compassion, integrity, excellence, inclusion and diversity to help veterans reflect, share insights and live in the present moment.
• Process and Reflect: Journaling, one-on-one and group discussions help veterans understand how Outward Bound experiences might translate to coping skills back home.
• What participants learn: Veterans return home inspired, ready to tap into rediscovered strengths and eager to find new ways to contribute to society.

Backpacking

During this course, participants backpack in the Pisgah National forest of Western North Carolina. Participants learn risk management for backcountry foot travel, camp craft, how to navigate varied terrain, as well as how to do these activities responsibly using Leave No Trace principles. Equally important is time spent learning conflict resolution, communication styles, leadership and team building. After practicing these skills, instructors step back and let the crew work together to collectively navigate through the wilderness.

This course offers opportunities for veterans to:

• Take a break from their busy lives
• Challenge themselves in new ways
• Develop skills that will assist them in re-adjusting to life at home
• Candidly discuss obstacles faced by veterans and service members
• Enjoy a unique and inspiring adventure surrounded by fellow veterans and service members in the beautiful country in which they served. 

Rock Climbing

After having backpacked for a few days, students spend a day either climbing up a rock face or rappelling down one. With a focus on safety, this course activity starts with the basics, such as working with ropes and learning to tie knots. Depending on weather and group dynamics, the crew may even have the opportunity to experience a high ropes obstacle course. These activities push students to step outside their comfort zones and to communicate and trust one another. 

Course Area

Blue Ridge Mountains, NC

The Southern Appalachians, including the Blue Ridge Mountains, are one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world. While the mountains themselves formed over 250 million years ago, some of the rocks that underlie the region are over a billion years old.

The long geologic and evolutionary history of the Southern Appalachians has created one of the most biologically diverse regions in the temperate world. It is home to beautiful rushing rivers, hundreds of waterfalls, and some of the highest peaks in the Eastern United States—including Mt. Mitchell (elevation 6,684 feet), the highest point east of the Mississippi River. > Read more about this course area.