Course Information
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z(NOT IN USE) Superior Hiking Trail Backpacking & Rock Climbing - 12 day
For your convenience, you may pay the balance of your tuition online through your invoice or make a payment by phone.
Please have the student's name, course number, course start date and balance due when using this payment option.
In most cases, a $500 deposit has been paid when you applied. Please refer to your Registration Email to confirm your balance*. If you are unsure of your balance due, please call (828)-239-2376 or email student.services@vobs.org.
If your payment is not received by the due date listed in your Registration Email, you will risk losing your position on the course and your $500 deposit. Please review the Application & Cancellation Policies.
| Tuition: | $2,900.00 |
| Tuition Deposit: | -$500.00 |
| Remaining Balance Due*: | $2,400.00 |
In addition to the expedition itself and all of the skills and learning associated with it, Outward Bound’s time-tested curriculum includes education on the many aspects of personal growth and learning that can be found in each activity you undertake. You will learn four important Outward Bound Core Values:
- Compassion
- Integrity
- Excellence
- Inclusion and Diversity
You may find that the most important lessons you take home are learning about yourself and your community while acquiring backcountry skills and having an adventure.You’ll learn to protect and appreciate the unique, unspoiled environments through which you travel.
Successful completion of your course demands mastery of skills, trust, fitness, confidence, tenacity, leadership, initiative and compassion. The promotion of these qualities and the discovery of what’s in you is the purpose of Outward Bound.
Superior Hiking Trail, Minnesota
On the southern edge of the massive Canadian Shield, a granite rock formation that runs from Minnesota to Hudson Bay and the Northwest Territories, sits the largest freshwater lake in the world, Lake Superior. The Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) follows the northern shore of the lake from Duluth, Minnesota to Canada covering almost 300 miles along the low-lying Sawtooth Mountain range. The trail meanders through dense boreal forest, sustains across awe-inspiring overlooks, and plunges into pristine river valleys. Well-marked trails, designated campsites, and challenging terrain make the SHT a great introductory backpacking experience.
Near the southern terminus of the Superior Hiking Trail is a rock-climbing location called Shovel Point, which features 80- to120-foot vertical granite cliffs towering above the lake. The dramatic vertical rock face combined with the dazzling, emerald-colored lake ensures a memorable day for the novice and experienced rock climber alike.
Solo – Weather and time permitting, an Outward Bound Solo experience provides an important break from the rigors of the expedition and gives students the opportunity to reflect on their Outward Bound experience. The duration of Solo depends on the course length and type as well as the competency and preparedness of the student group. Students on a 1-2 week course typically spend 2 hours to half-a-day on Solo. All students receive sufficient food, water, and shelter to keep them safe and healthy during Solo. Instructors choose Solo sites to offer as much solitude as possible while retaining some proximity to the whole group. While students spend the majority of their Solo time alone, Instructors do check on each student as often as needed, usually 1-2 times, to ensure that each student feels safe and comfortable. Instructors work with each student individually to structure a successful, unique Solo experience that meets their specific needs. Solo is purposefully scheduled near the end of the expedition so students have plenty of time to acclimate to their new environments beforehand.
Students often have mixed feelings leading up to Solo. Inevitably, students feel some nervousness and hesitation but are also excited to rest, reflect and test their new skills after spending many days in the wilderness. Students often find that Solo provokes profound and powerful learning in a short period of time and Solo often becomes one of the most memorable parts of their Outward Bound experience.
Rock Climbing and Final Challenge Event - Time and weather permitting, Voyageur Outward Bound School courses end with a Final Challenge Event, a final individual physical push. Depending on where the course ends, students participate in their Final Challenge Event by rock climbing at Shovel Point on Lake Superior or Taylor’s Falls along the St. Croix River. Outward Bound chooses rock climbing sites that provide a number of different route options including cracks, sheer faces, and chimneys. Regardless of a student’s rock climbing background, everyone is sure to find something that will both challenge and encourage them. All Outward Bound rock climbing experiences are heavily supervised and employ safety systems that are compliant with national standards.
During climbing days, students learn about general rock-climbing equipment, safety and etiquette, belaying techniques, and climbing rescue techniques. Encouraged and supported by their group, students push their perceived limits and expand their comfort zones in a non-competitive environment. Students set their own goals and work toward them to see how their mental and physical stamina has grown as a result of their wilderness expedition.
Backpacking – The Superior Hiking Trail is a 300+ mile trail located in the densely wooded hills of the Sawtooth Mountain range overlooking Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake in the world. From hilltop views, Voyageur Outward Bound School backpacking expedition students look out at what appears to be an ocean - water as far as the eye can see.
On a Voyageur Outward Bound School backpacking expedition, students hike within dense forests, across wide-open ridge-tops and through exquisite canyons, tracing rivers that plummet to Lake Superior. Groups work together to carry everything they need in large backpacks while hiking from campsite to campsite, anywhere from 3 to 10 miles a day, depending on terrain. Groups tend to camp near pristine rivers and lakes each evening to resupply with water. Students learn how to filter and purify their water for drinking and cooking, prepare meals over a fire or stove, set-up shelters and navigate with a map.
Service – Service is a cornerstone of every Outward Bound experience. From the seemingly small daily acts of service to the environment to the regular tasks of being part of an expeditionary team, students have ample opportunities to experience the value of giving back to the larger community. On the expedition, students are encouraged to practice environmental stewardship in the form of Leave No Trace ethics - leaving campsites, trails and waterways in better condition than they found them. Students also practice regular acts of service for their team including preparing and serving meals, helping others put on or take off packs or setting up shelters for the entire team.
Final Expedition – Outward Bound believes that an appropriate amount of independence is a powerful educational tool. In order to deliver that benefit, Outward Bound purposefully and gradually transfers certain leadership responsibilities to the students culminating with our “Final Expedition.” Near the end of course, if you and your group have demonstrated the necessary leadership, team problem-solving and wilderness living skills, you may be given the opportunity to travel without your instructors immediately present. Students on courses designed for ages 16 and older may travel without instructors immediately present (although they will be near the group for safety reasons) for one to five days depending on course length, student age, staff assessment of students’ abilities, and terrain. Many of our students feel this phase of the course is the most rewarding as the group learns to work together, problem solve, and accomplish a goal independently while utilizing all the skills they have acquired.
Course End – All courses end with a shower, graduation ceremony and celebration dinner. Shower facilities are available at the basecamp or final campground location.
The following is an example of what your course itinerary may look like. Your actual itinerary will vary according to weather, student skills and abilities, and instructor preferences.
Day 1: Meet the group and transport to the Superior Hiking Trail; possibly start at Gooseberry Falls. Meet your Outward Bound Instructors, organize your equipment and learn how to pack your backpack. The group will hike a short distance to the first campsite, set-up camp, eat dinner and sleep in tents on the very first night of the course.
Day 2: Wake, have breakfast, learn how to read maps and begin hiking. Travel until it’s time for lunch and then continue until it’s time to set-up camp, possibly at the Split Rock River. Learn to set-up camp and cook over a fire. Eat and participate in an evening activity before heading to your tent for the night.
Days 3-7: Continue backpacking from campsite to campsite, possibly camping at Christmas Tree Ridge, as you refine your wilderness skills and get you know your group. Weather and time permitting, participants will rock climb at a site along the Superior Hiking Trail, possibly Carlton Peak.
Day 8: Participate in a morning service activity somewhere along the trail. Service activities might involve trail maintenance, tree planting or invasive species removal. Experience Solo in the afternoon. Take time to rest and reflect at a quiet spot along a nearby river.
Day 9-10: Begin the Final Expedition which involves less oversight from your Instructors and more group responsibility.
Day 11: Continue the Final Expedition until you reach your rock climbing site, possibly at Tettegouche State Park. Finish the expedition with the final Rock Climbing Challenge Event, clean equipment, shower, enjoy a celebratory banquet and participate in a graduation ceremony.
Day 12: Eat an early breakfast and depart for the airport to travel home.
Minnesota’s weather can be unpredictable with a wide range of temperatures. In the summer the temperature tends to stay between 60 and 85 degrees. Summer brings occasional thunderstorms and rain showers. Expect cooler evenings, misty mornings, occasional rainstorms, and hot days perfect for swimming.
Weather is always a factor when traveling in the wilderness and it adds an exciting element of challenge to each course. Learning to handle varying weather conditions is essential to a successful wilderness course.
To participate on Outward Bound, each applicant must submit all requested medical information, the signed liability release form and if applicable, be interviewed by a student services representative. You will receive these forms, as well as any additional forms that may be required of you, via email. Refer to your Registration Email for all your paperwork information, including DUE DATES.
Wilderness travel means you can and, for your comfort, should carry a lot less than you do in the regular world. Most experienced wilderness travelers will tell you that they bring about the same amount of gear on a three-day trip as they would on a three-week trip. This packing list has been refined over 50 years of Voyageur Outward Bound School expeditions. Please stick to it closely. It is designed to ensure that you have everything you need to be safe and comfortable during your expedition.
Because our courses are characterized by unpredictable weather, obtaining the proper clothing is crucial. Please bring all the items as described on the "Required Clothing and Gear" list below. We have shared links for some items to show you examples. You also find required clothing & gear items at camping, outdoor/ farm stores, Army/Navy surplus, and thrift stores. Clothing and gear can be expensive—shop around before you buy and keep these helpful tips in mind:
- Start at the thrift store.
- Buy last year’s model.
- Don’t worry about colors or style.
Your choices should be governed by whether or not the piece of clothing or gear will meet our requirements, not if it is the best looking or newest! Consider leaving the tags on any new items you have purchased and saving the receipts; in the event that an item is not needed for your expedition or you do not use it, you should be able to return it when you get back home.
NOTE: When you arrive for course start, you will not have an opportunity to purchase forgotten items.
If you are looking to shop online, many students use the following websites to find their clothing and gear:
On the first night of the course, your instructors will issue you the equipment provided by Outward Bound and assess all of the clothing/equipment you’ve brought in order to ensure that it meets the requirements of the expedition. You’ll repack exactly what you need into packs provided by Outward Bound. Everything you don’t need during the expedition, including your shower supplies, clean clothes for the trip home, valuables, and electronics will stay in your luggage and be stored in a secure location for the duration of the course. These items will be returned to you at the end of the trip.
Outward Bound will provide you with these items:
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping mat
- Backpack
- Rain gear
- All group camping, cooking, and traveling equipment
You only need to bring what’s on the Required Clothing and Gear list, mainly your personal clothing, toiletries, footwear, and a few additional items. We strongly discourage the use of personal camping equipment on Voyageur Outward Bound School courses because of the heavy wear and tear. We feel confident that the equipment we provide will best serve your needs on the expedition; it will keep you safe, warm and dry. If you have questions about using a piece of personal equipment normally provided by Outward Bound, please contact your course advisor to discuss. If you do decide to bring a piece of personal equipment, your instructors reserve the right to inspect it and ensure that it will adequately serve your needs during the expedition. If they do not think it will work, you can leave it with your luggage at the basecamp during the expedition.
Our packing list is based on layering principles; dressing in several light layers rather than one heavy layer allows you more flexibility as the weather and your exertion levels change. When shopping or packing, it is a good idea to try on all of your layers at once to ensure that they fit over one another. Read the information below to get a better idea of what we’re talking about.
- Inner Layer: This is usually called the wicking layer (long underwear, liner socks, and sometimes gloves) – Moisture is the enemy of warmth. Sweat from physical activity like backpacking, paddling, or climbing is your body’s attempt to cool itself off. Synthetic long underwear pulls moisture away from your body, so your sweat won’t cool you down too much and make you cold. This layer is worn next to your skin. Cotton items retain moisture and exaggerate sweat’s cooling effect, which is why we’ll sometimes ask you to avoid using cotton clothing.
- Middle Layer: This is usually called the insulation layer (fleece tops, wool socks, and sometimes fleece pants) – This layer should be thick and fluffy like a fleece or wool sweater that will trap and store the heat your body is producing. This layer is worn over the top of the base layer. Your packing list might require more than one “insulating layer” like a medium weight fleece and a heavier wool sweater. You can put on several "insulating layer" pieces at a time, so be sure to try them on over the top of your inner layer and over the top of each other to ensure you still have mobility and things aren't too tight.
- Outer Layer: This is usually called the wind/shell layer (jackets, pants, and rain gear) – Adding an outer windproof layer prevents the wind from stealing your store of built-up heat. The third layer is worn on top of the base and insulation layers. This layer will take the most wear and tear and look the most weather-beaten by the end of the trip. For dogsledding courses, we provide all outer layers for you. For all other courses, rain gear is provided.
Head
- 1 Warm Beanie. Used on colder days and evenings. No cotton.
- 1 Sun Hat. At a minimum, it should shade your face like a baseball cap. Having a brim all the way around is even better. Made out of something that can get folded up and packed.
- 1 Buff. Versatile lightweight neck gaiter. Buff Example.
- 1 Hijab if needed. If you wear hijab please bring a non-cotton one for your course
Upper Body
- 1 Light or Medium Weight Long Underwear Top. Not cotton.
- 1 Long Sleeve Sun Shirt. Loose, lightweight, and light-colored for sun and bug protection. Options include sun hoodies or an old button-down men's dress shirt. Many instructors use "sun hoodies" that offer protection for the neck and ears. Example. Will get dirty.
- 1 Short Sleeve Shirt. Quick-drying fabrics, not cotton.
- 1 Medium-Weight Warm Top. This can be a polyester or wool fleece or sweatshirt.
- 1 Heavy Fleece or Wool Top. Must have good breathability and dry quickly when wet. This can usually be found at a thrift store. Must fit over all other layers.
- 1 Wind Jacket. Nothing fancy, basically an old-fashioned windbreaker. This can usually be found at a thrift store. Must fit over all other layers.
- 2 Sports Bras if needed. Should be appropriate for athletic activity.
Lower Body
- 1 Light or Medium Weight Long Underwear Bottoms. Not cotton.
- 1 Quick Dry Pants*. Lightweight nylon fabric wicks moisture, dries quickly, and is easy to pack. Should be loose fitting to aid in movement and protect against bug bites through the pants (no yoga-style or tight pants). If durable, one pair will last the trip. One pair can be zip-off pants, in which case you do not need Quick Dry Shorts. No cotton. *Could also be a long non-cotton skirt if you prefer that for religious reasons.
- 1 Quick Dry Short. Lightweight nylon fabric wicks moisture, dries quickly, and is easy to pack.
- 3 Pairs Underwear - Quick Drying or Cotton. Quick drying underwear is usually a blend of Nylon and Spandex that breathes well, wicks moisture, and dries quickly. Quick Drying is recommended, but cotton is okay as well.
Feet
- 3 Pair Hiking Socks. Medium weight wool hiking socks. Sock Example.
- 1 Pair Hiking Boots. Sturdy, lightweight hiking boots with ankle support. See “Footwear” section for more information.
- 1 Pair Camp Shoes. Lightweight, sturdy running shoes. Not fashion or skateboarding type sneakers. An old pair of running shoes is just fine.
Personal Gear
- 2 Bandanas. These will be helpful in multiple different ways.
- 1 Pair Sunglasses w/ Keeper Strap and Hard Case. Essential for protecting your eyes in a highly reflective environment. Keeper strap is important so they don’t fall into the water and sink.
Toiletries & Other Personal Items
- 1 Lip Balm. 30+ SPF or greater.
- 2 Hand Sanitizers. Pocket-sized squeeze bottles of hand sanitizer.
- 1 Toiletries Kit. Toothbrush, small toothpaste, comb or brush. Students who have periods: Bring plenty of supplies. Change in activities can cause irregular periods.
- 2 Sets Prescription Medications. If you use prescription medications, please bring enough for the entire course. If possible, bring a backup set. If you use an inhaler or have a prescription epi-pen, you must bring two. Clearly label everything with medication names, dosages and when you take them. Instructors administer medications for students 21 and younger and will ask for them upon your arrival so pack medications in an accessible place in your carry-on. Outward Bound should be aware of any medications you are bringing, if not, please contact your course advisor immediately.
- Inhalers. If you use an inhaler you must bring two. If you use an albuterol Rescue inhaler please bring a spacer. If you do not currently have one please get one prescribed by your doctor to bring along on the trip. Spacers allow the medicine to get into your lungs faster and play a key role in managing asthma in the back country.
- 2 Pair Glasses or Contacts, if needed. Both glasses and contacts are acceptable. Stick with whatever you normally use. Bring plenty of supplies and at least one set of backup glasses either way. Because sterile-lens-care is more difficult on the trail, their use is not encouraged. Daily disposable contacts are a good option that will help you avoid dirt and dust build-up that might cause damage to your eyes.
- 1 Medical Insurance Card. Please bring your Insurance card, or a copy of the front and back of the card, if you are covered under any medical insurance. The actual card is preferred.
- 1 Towel and Shower Supplies. You’ll have a chance to shower after your expedition. Bring whatever shower supplies you normally use, ideally in travel sizes, and a towel (any cotton towel). Pack these items in their own kit so it’s easy to find when you return from the expedition. These items will not go on the expedition with you.
- 2 Sets Clean Clothes. After you finish your expedition and shower you’ll want clean clothes for traveling home. Don’t forget to include socks and underwear. Please bring clothes that cover your stomach and upper legs and take into consideration cultural differences and social expectations.
Travel
- Money. Think about bringing $15-$20 for meals during your arrival and departure days.
- Travel Information. Carry a copy of the Outward Bound Travel Information for your course (on the tab next to this one) with the Outward Bound phone number in case of travel delays. See this information for directions on what to wear to the start of your course.
- Cell Phone and Charger. It’s a good idea to travel with a cell phone in case of travel delays. Your phone will be stored in a safe place during your expedition and returned to you after the trip.
Camp Shoes
Your Camp Shoes are worn each evening and morning at your campsite. They get packed away in a safe spot while you travel so they remain dry. Camp shoes should be lightweight, sturdy running shoes, not sandals. Full coverage shoes are required while you’re cooking and working around the campfire to protect your feet from hot embers and boiling cooking-water.
Some Voyageur Outward Bound School courses finish with a Challenge Event that often involves a running component, and some groups do morning runs or day hikes. You can use your camp shoes for these events. For this reason, you’ll need sturdy running shoes NOT fashion or skateboarding type sneakers.
Hiking Boots
Voyageur Outward Bound courses are rugged and the way you will travel is very unique. Your boots will be one of the most important pieces of equipment that you bring. They will need to be comfortable and perform well in a variety of different environmental settings. Follow the guidelines below to ensure that your boots fit well and meet the course requirements.
BOOT SPECIFICATIONS
Boots must have strong ankle support, a protective sole and be relatively waterproof. Full Gore-tex is not necessary. Consider getting a less expensive boot, or using an old pair of boots you already have, and treating them with a waterproofing sealant before the course.
Boots undergo extensive wear and tear during the course and may not be of much use after the course. For this reason, consider a less expensive boot.
BOOT FITTING
Start by trying on at least two or three different boot options. Put the first choice on one foot and the second choice on the other. Make sure that you’re wearing the same type of wool socks that you plan to wear during the expedition (refer to the packing list for more detail) and fully lace-up the boots. Start by standing on a downward slanting slope and try to jam your toes towards the front of the boot. Next, take a walk around the store.
- Your toes should never hit the front of your boot.
- Your boots should be comfortable with plenty of room to wiggle your t
- Your heel might slip as much as 1/8” to 1/4” in the back. Any more than 1/4” is too m
- You shouldn’t feel any obvious pressure points.
- If you don’t feel absolutely confident that your boots fit correctly, purchase them and wear them around your house for a few hours (not outside). Bring them back and look for different boots if you still have concerns.
BOOT CARE
Break in your boots before the course begins! Wear them around town, school and at home as much as possible (several weeks). This simple activity cannot be over-emphasized and is one of the easiest and most important steps in preparing for a successful and comfortable wilderness adventure.
None of these items are required and you will be fine without them. Please only buy them if you plan to use them again after your course or you think they will be of great assistance to you during the course. You may be asked to leave these items behind depending on pack-size and weight restrictions.
- 1 Bug Shirt. While this item is optional, we HIGHLY recommend it for any courses between June and August. Visit www.bugshirt.com to see exactly what we recommend. Do not bring the all mesh variety because they get ripped.)
- 1 Hair Bonnet. If you use a bonnet at home, feel free to bring it on course! It is a great way to protect your hair at night.
- Permethrin - Must treat at least 2-3 days before course-start. Again, this is optional, but the Voyageur Outward Bound School HIGHLY recommends that you treat your clothing* with Permethrin, which repels ticks and mosquitoes. Lyme Disease continues to spread and cases have recently been reported in northern Minnesota. Your Instructors will teach you how to minimize your risk of tick-bites. Treating your clothing with Permethrin will further lessen your risk. *DO NOT treat base layers (long underwear tops and bottoms for example), or any item that will cover your face (buffs, masks, etc).
- Camera. Waterproof disposables (bring a few) are great and you don’t have to worry about protecting them from the elements. A small regular camera would also work well, but you’ll need to take extra precautions to protect it. Ziploc bags work, or consider getting a waterproof case. For digital cameras, we ask that the memory card(s) be blank; please back up your photos and erase your memory cards prior to arriving for course.
- Ear Plugs. If you are a light sleeper, earplugs can be very helpful.
- One-gallon Freezer Ziploc bags: used to waterproof smaller personal items such as camera, journal, and headlamp.
i-pods, MP3 players, computers, i-pads, and GPS devices?
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.
You are, however, more than welcome to travel to and from your course with whatever technology you choose. When you arrive, we’ll have you turn off all electronic devices and leave them in your luggage. Your luggage will then be locked in a secure area during your course. At the end of your course, you’ll get everything back. Additionally, please do not bring any emergency response technology. Your instructors will carry emergency communication devices.
cameras?
Cameras are welcomed at Voyageur Outward Bound School. 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.
For digital cameras, we ask that the memory card(s) be blank; please back up your photos and erase your memory cards prior to arriving for course. Cell phone cameras, tablets, and any other Wi-Fi enabled electronic devices with built-in cameras are not permitted on the course.
my cell phone and use it as a camera?
No, if you’d like to take pictures, please bring a camera that does not have cellular capabilities. No cell-phones will be allowed on the expedition.
a book?
Unless it’s a natural history identification book, we’d ask you to leave books at home. You’ll be very busy during your expedition and will want to spend your downtime with other group members, sleeping, and just relaxing in nature. Books also get damaged easily. You can bring a book for your travel days but don’t plan to bring it on the expedition.
a pocket knife?
Please do not bring any knives with you to your course-start. Your instructors will provide knives as they are needed throughout the expedition.
my own camping gear (sleeping bag, tent, etc.)?
We strongly discourage the use of personal camping equipment on Voyageur Outward Bound School courses because of the heavy wear and tear. We feel confident that the equipment we provide will best serve your needs on the expedition; it will keep you safe, warm and dry. If you have questions about using a piece of personal equipment normally provided by Outward Bound, please contact your course advisor to discuss. If you do decide to bring a piece of personal equipment, your instructors reserve the right to inspect it and ensure that it will adequately serve your needs during the expedition. If they do not think it will work, you can leave it with your luggage at the basecamp during the expedition.
fishing gear?
Every day you will be traveling from campsite to campsite working your way back to the Voyageur Outward Bound School basecamp or your pick-up location. You’ll be very busy with the daily chores of traveling and living in a wilderness setting and there may not be time for fishing. For this reason, fishing is not a typical activity on most Voyageur Outward Bound School courses. However, if you are very interested in fishing, an exception is sometimes (not always) possible. In these cases, you will need to ensure that you have the correct permit/license, bring one small collapsible pole and one small (paperback book size) fishing tackle box. Outward Bound will provide a fillet knife. Call your course adviser if you are interested in fishing during your course, but please understand that it may not work-out due to other course goals and logistics.
over the counter medications?
Voyageur Outward Bound School Instructors carry an extensive First-Aid kit with ample supply of over-the-counter medications like pain relievers and antacids, among other supplies. Instructors also carry prescription epinephrine injections in case of an anaphylactic emergency. You shouldn’t need to bring your own OTC medication. However, if you frequently take something specific, please consult your course advisor to discuss whether you should bring it or not.
tobacco, drugs, or alcohol?
Tobacco, drugs, and alcohol are NOT permitted on course, this includes both time spent in the wilderness and at basecamp.
Please also DO NOT bring valuables, jewelry, makeup, candy, gum, or large amounts of money.
MEETING PLACE
Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport (MSP), Terminal 1, Baggage Claim Area Carousel 2
Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport (MSP), Terminal 2, Baggage Claim Area Carousel D
TRAVELING TO OUTWARD BOUND
Please meet at one of the three locations listed above. Look for an Outward Bound representative wearing an OB shirt and holding an OB sign.
- If you are arriving by plane, please plan to arrive before 1:00 PM on the first day of the course. We will be waiting for you in the Terminal 1 Baggage Claim Area Carousel 2 or Terminal 2 Baggage Claim Area Carousel D
- If you are arriving by car or staying in a hotel the night before your course, We will be waiting for you in the Terminal 1 Baggage Claim Area Carousel 2 at MSP. Please arrive between 11:00 am and 1:00 PM.
Please eat lunch and make any final phone calls before arriving at the meeting place. Expect to be in Minneapolis/St. Paul until your whole group has arrived, at which time we will transport you an additional 2 to 4 hours to your course-start location.
If you experience delays or cancellations on arrival day, please contact the Course Director at: 651-728-1143
With so many people traveling on the same day, we anticipate some hiccups. If your arrival is delayed, don’t worry too much. Contact our Travel Coordinator and we will do our best to coordinate an alternative pick-up with you.
- It is important for you to note if a student tests positive for COVID19 on their course an alternate travel plan will need to be made.
CLOTHING/DRESS ON ARRIVAL DAY – Please arrive at the meeting place already dressed in your expedition clothes. Your boots or tennis shoes, wool socks, quick-dry pants, underwear, t-shirt and warmer long-sleeved layer (accessible) work best on the first day. Please see the provided packing list for further information about appropriate luggage, clothing, and layering principles.
Outward Bound will transport you back to the Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport on the last day of the course, arriving around 11:00 AM. To ensure adequate time to check in and navigate security at the airport, please do not book any flights departing before 1:00 PM.
If you are picking up your student, please plan to meet them in the Terminal 1 Arrivals Area at MSP.
COMMUNICATION WITH YOUR STUDENT ON ARRIVAL DAY – It’s a good idea to send a phone with your student for use during travel days (don’t forget to include a charge cord). All electronics are stored in a secure location during the expedition and will be returned to your student on departure day.
Please remind your student to call/text you when they’ve arrived and met the Outward Bound representative. There will be time for this communication. If there are any problems or your student doesn’t arrive as scheduled, we will contact you right away. Otherwise, no news is good news! Your student’s course director will accompany their group to the start of their wilderness expedition and will contact you within 2-3 days to introduce themselves and share an update.
UNACCOMPANIED MINORS
Unaccompanied Minor Service is often available and sometimes required when you purchase a plane ticket for a child traveling without an adult. Each airline has its own age restrictions and policies. You will need to be in touch with the airline directly to learn more about their policies and to determine if you are required to enroll your child in their Unaccompanied Minor Service. If your child is 14 or younger and traveling without an adult companion, you may be required to purchase this additional service. If your child is 15 or older, most airlines will not require you to use this service, but you can sometimes still elect to purchase this additional service if you have any concerns about your child traveling alone.
Unaccompanied Minor service does cost an additional fee. Please be sure to complete payment for both your child's arrival and departure flights. You will be required to provide the airline with additional information about the representative of our school who will pick the child up upon arrival. Please contact your Outward Bound course advisor to receive this information.
Please note that if you have neither paid an additional fee nor been required to provide the airline with our representative information, then your child is not flying as an unaccompanied minor and an Outward Bound staff will meet them in the baggage claim area.
IMPORTANT: Parents, if you purchase the Unaccompanied Minor Service, please contact your course advisor to receive the required additional information about the OB representative picking up your teen. You must inform your course advisor that your teen is arriving as a registered unaccompanied minor with the airline.
Important Note for Arrival: Students flying as unaccompanied minors are required to have someone at the arrival airport to pick them up. Because of this, students flying as unaccompanied minors cannot arrive the day prior to the course-start unless you have a family member or friend who is able to meet them and pick them up. Outward Bound staff will not be at the airport to receive students until the course-start date.
Important Notes for Departure: Parents /Guardians, you must check in your child for their return flight the night before their departure to return home. You must pre-pay their baggage fee. This is very important. Please remember to check them in for their flight and pre-pay their baggage fee the day before they fly home.
Also note, students flying as unaccompanied minors are not allowed by the airline to take the last departure flight of the day. Please ensure that your child is not on the last departure of the day or they will not be allowed to leave our company and board the plane.
DOCUMENTATION FOR FLIGHTS - Passports remain one of the accepted documents for identification while flying. Other accepted documents include (See more information here about acceptable documentation):
- Driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
- Beginning May 7, 2025, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license to fly within the U.S., make sure it is REAL ID compliant. If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles.
- State-Issued Drivers License or State-Issued ID
- U.S. passport or U.S. passport card
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
- Permanent resident card
- Border crossing card
- An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs).
- HSPD-12 PIV card
- Foreign government-issued passport
- Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
- Transportation worker identification credential
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
If you hold a driver's license and do not have a passport, please continue reading.Starting May 7, 2025, all U.S. travelers must have a REAL ID-compliant license or another accepted form of identification, such as a passport, to fly domestically.If your child doesn't have a passport, you'll want to begin that process now. Check your state’s DMV website for more information or to book an appointment and stay ahead of the deadline, as DMV appointments are in high demand.
What is REAL ID? It is a federally mandated security standard for state-issued IDs that sets minimum security requirements to improve the reliability of identification for air travel and other federal purposes.Helpful Resources: REAL ID FAQs for everything you need to know
MEALS AND MONEY ON ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE DAYS - Please bring a little cash for meals during your travel days. Outward Bound will provide dinner on the first day, breakfast on the last day, and some snacks on both of these days. There are minimal food options once you exit the security gate at the airport so plan to get something before you arrive or before you exit security. Remember to drink plenty of water throughout travel days!
MEDICATIONS – If you take a prescription medication, please ensure that you have enough to complete the entire course, and bring a back-up set if possible. If you use an inhaler or carry an Epi-pen, please bring 2 sets.
Remember to pack your medications and other important items (contacts, glasses, travel documents, money) in your carry-on luggage in case your checked bag is delayed or lost.
CLOTHING/DRESS ON ARRIVAL DAY – Please arrive at the meeting place already dressed in your expedition clothes. Your boots or tennis shoes, wool socks, quick-dry pants, underwear, t-shirt and warmer long-sleeved layer (accessible) work best on the first day. Please see the provided packing list for further information about appropriate luggage, clothing and layering principles.
Please familiarize yourself with the policies outlined in the Policies Page. By enrolling in Outward Bound you are accountable for and subject to the information contained on these pages.
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 mush a dogsled, you will be pushed and rewarded on many levels.
If a student’s family experiences an emergency and needs to inform the student while the program is running, the family should contact the On-Call number at 651-728-1143. Please know that communication with our staff and students in the field is not instantaneous. It may take several hours up to an entire day to establish two-way contact.
Please follow this link to read VOBS' Essential Eligibility Criteria.
VOBS regularly evaluates its programming. Students may be asked to complete 1-2 surveys at the end of their course to assist us in this evaluation. These surveys may include:
1. We ask all participants to complete an anonymous survey at the end of programming. Participants are asked to answer the survey items and to indicate their race/ethnicity, gender, and birth year. Completing the survey is optional. No identifying information is included as part of the survey or in any reporting. We also ask participants to provide a reflection of their course and other feedback. This information is used by the organization for reporting on program outcomes and for program improvement purposes.
2. Outward Bound is partnering with The PEAR Institute (Partnerships in Education and Resilience) on a research project to promote our students’ positive social-emotional development. As part of this effort, Outward Bound staff may invite you/your child to complete a brief survey at the end of your/their Outward Bound course. The survey includes PEAR’s Holistic Student Assessment (HSA) plus several additional questions about the student’s social-emotional development and experience while on the course. You/your child’s responses will be kept confidential, results will be reported as a group, and names will never be used in any reports related to this research. Data from this survey will be used for research and educational work and only designated Outward Bound staff and Outward Bound’s research partners will have access to the results.
For more information, including the opportunity to opt-out of the survey, click on the following link/s to download the English Language, English-Spanish Language, or English-CapeVerdeCreole Language versions of the consent form opt-out and return a signed copy to your Course Advisor.
Tick-borne disease is a risk in the areas where VOBS runs the majority of their courses. Fortunately, there are prevention steps that are very effective, and in the case of infection, treatment is relatively simple and recovery complete, so long as the diagnosis is made early. Students and their families should educate themselves on the risks, prevention measures, and signs and symptoms of tick-borne diseases by reading the information provided below.
Risks
Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne disease, but is not the only risk. Some of the other common tick-borne diseases reported include Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, Powassan (POW) virus, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Tularemia, and Anaplasmosis. There are treatments available for these diseases, but prevention is by far the best and first step!
*Lyme Disease Incidence Rates by State 2010- 2019 http://www.cdc.gov/lyme/stats/chartstables/incidencebystate.html
Prevention
- Staff will teach students to recognize ticks and remove them as soon as they are found. This is the BEST form of disease prevention. Removing ticks within 24 hours considerably reduces the risk of being infected with a disease-causing bacterium.
- When traveling or camping in areas with woods, bushes, high grass, or leaf litter, staff and students will check themselves for ticks at least once every day.
- Wear and use protective clothing/equipment (long pants tucked into socks, for instance). Light colors make it easier to see ticks.
- Use a chemical barrier. Some Outdoor clothing comes pre-treated with Permethrin, such as BugBeWear, Insect Shield, L.L. Bean’s No Fly Zone, and ExOfficio’s BugsAway. You can also treat any clothing and footwear (long-sleeve shirts, jackets, hats, gaiters, and boots) with Permethrin to repel and disable ticks. Two methods for treating your own clothing are to send clothing away to Insect Shield or to treat it yourself at home with a spray-on Permethrin solution available from Sawyer or Repel. This treatment will last up to a month. Follow instructions on the bottle for how to apply permethrin to clothing items. Clothing must be treated prior to traveling to course start. DO NOT treat base layers (long underwear tops and bottoms for example), or any item that will cover your face (buffs, masks, etc).
- Use a chemical repellent. Apply insect repellent containing about 30% DEET to exposed skin, according to the directions on the container. This lasts for a few hours before you have to reapply it.
You should include this with your child if it is on the course packing list. Insect repellent containing DEET will also be supplied on all courses where there is a significant chance of vector-borne illness transmission.
Signs and Symptoms
There are many symptoms associated with tick-borne diseases. Infected people may not have all of these symptoms and many of these symptoms can occur with other diseases as well. Some common symptoms of infection with tick-borne diseases include body/muscle aches, fever, headaches, fatigue, joint pain, rash, stiff neck, and facial paralysis. Seek medical attention if signs and symptoms of a tick-borne illness appear. Tick-borne diseases are diagnosed based on symptoms and the possibility that the person has been exposed to infected ticks. Most cases can be successfully treated with specific types of antibiotics.
Additional information
There are other vectors in addition to ticks that inhabit the areas VOBS travels in, mainly mosquitos. Some vectors may be capable of transmitting West Nile Virus, LaCrosse Encephalitis, Jamestown Canyon Virus, Lyme’s disease, Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Ehrlichiosis, Powassan Virus, Tularemia, and Swimmer’s Itch.
Additional information on vectors, vector-borne diseases, and their prevention can be found on the CDC, WHO, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Texas state department of health websites.
Safety is our number one priority. 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.
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