Course Information
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We look forward to having you on course with us soon! If you have questions about the application process, submitting forms, or anything else, you may contact your student services representative directly, call the Student Services General Line, (828)-239-2376 or email us at, student.services@vobs.org.
Click on the tabs below to find your packing list, travel information, and much more.
Under each tab you'll find a list of topics. Click on these topics to expand the information.
Boundary Waters Dog Sledding Weekend Adventure for Adults
Course Number
VMRD-2411
Date
February 09, 2024 - February 12, 2024
Your full tuition payment is due by the deadline in your applicant portal. Please make your payment by that deadline.
We hope you look forward to your Outward Bound course! Now let us help you protect your investment. We partner with InsureMyTrip to offer our students a travel insurance option that will help protect your course from several different disruptions. Together Outward Bound and InsureMyTrip will be here for you before, during, and after your trip. We strongly recommend that you purchase trip insurance to protect your investment in your course. Voyageur Outward Bound School tuition is non-refundable.
You may choose to purchase trip related insurance through InsureMyTrip or 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.
CLICK HERE TO RECEIVE A FREE QUOTE FROM INSURE MY TRIP
You can find additional information about InsureMyTrip in the cancellation policies.
In addition to winter outdoor activities and all the associated skills and learning, 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 engage 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 winter skills and having an adventure. You’ll learn to protect and appreciate the unique, unspoiled Northwoods winter environment.
Successful completion of your course includes learning new 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.
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW)
Over 10,000 years ago, continental-sized glaciers scraped their way across much of Ontario and northern Minnesota leaving deep ruts, ravines, and holes in their tracks. Eventually, as the glaciers melted, these ravines filled with water, creating a seemingly endless interconnected web of lakes and rivers.
In 1978, the United States designated over 1-million acres of this Northern Minnesota landscape as a protected wilderness area called the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). Because no roads, power lines, or motorized craft may enter its borders, the BWCAW has remained relatively unchanged since the glaciers receded. The BWCAW extends nearly 150 miles along the Canadian border and encompasses more than 1,000 lakes and rivers. Over 1,200 miles of navigable routes lead to over 2,200 campsites and provide an unparalleled opportunity to travel by canoe and dogsled.
In the winter, the BWCAW transforms into an even more severe and remote wilderness. While more difficult, winter enthusiasts’ travel over frozen lakes and rivers by dogsled, cross-country ski and snowshoe. Winter in the Boundary Waters is mesmerizing, peaceful, and exhilarating. It is a place of spectacular extremes, trackless snow, bracing cold air, glowing warm embers, and powerful silence.
Homeplace, Voyageur Outward Bound School Basecamp, Minnesota
Voyageur Outward Bound's basecamp, Homeplace, is located at the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in northern Minnesota. Situated where the Kawishiwi River meets Birch Lake, you will sleep in bunks in one of our cozy cabins heated by a wood stove. Our Sauna is mere feet away from the Kawsihiwi River where you can relax your muscles after a fun day adventuring in the wilderness. The surrounding boreal forest also makes Homeplace a great location for spotting moose, deer, woodpeckers, chickadees, and eagles. If you're lucky, you may even hear wolves howling as you gaze at the star-studded night sky after you sauna.
Dogsledding, Skiing, and Sauna - The small town of Ely, Minnesota, where the Voyageur Outward Bound School is located, is known as the dogsledding capital of the lower 48 states for good reason. Our base camp, affectionately referred to as Homeplace, is located in the Superior National Forest on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. This area is one of the most historically significant and remote wilderness areas in North America; as temperatures drop, winter transforms the wilderness into beautiful, snow-covered environments ideal for winter adventures. As you immerse in a winter experience, you'll travel through diverse forests and on frozen lakes and rivers while learning how to manage teams of huskies, cross-country ski, navigate with a map and compass, check ice-conditions, and generally stay comfortable in potentially sub-zero temperatures. The group will consist of a maximum of 10 students and 2 Instructors. Mushing is not a passenger sport and, depending on the snow conditions, often requires mushers to run and walk along with the dogs. Backcountry cross-country skiing involves making a trail through untracked snow; as you glide along learning new skills, you have opportunities to observe tracks of the smaller and larger animals who call this winter wonderland their home. In the evenings, you'll return to a rustic, cozy cabin on the Kawishiwi River. You'll enjoy filling, home-cooked meals and in the evening you'll have the opportunity to partake in the age-old tradition of a wood-heated sauna. After sitting in the sauna's heat, take a polar dip into the frozen river through a hole cut in the ice. The nearby Boundary Waters is a designated dark-sky destination; you'll have the opportunity to stand on the ice in the deep quiet of winter and gaze at the Milky Way and night sky.
Course End – All courses end with a shower, graduation ceremony, and celebration dinner. Shower facilities are available at the basecamp.
Day 0: Travel to Duluth
Day 1: 10 am pick-up at Country Inn and Suites Hotel. Transport to Homeplace. Course start, meet group, organize gear.
Day 2: Winter Immersion: Introduction to skiing, ski adventure, sauna.
Day 3: Mushing 101, dogsled adventure, sauna.
Day 4: Course end ceremonies, travel home.
Minnesota’s weather can be unpredictable with a wide range of temperatures. Between December and March Minnesota temperatures can range from -40 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit, but -20 to 20 degree nights and days are the most common. Days are typically very sunny with bright blue skies. Wind and snow are common.
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.
While you are not sleeping outside and traveling expedition-style, you will be physically active every day. For that reason, we recommend you prepare for the experience. Please utilize the resources below to physically and mentally prepare for your course. The more preparation you do, the better your experience will be!
Winter Course Life - A Student's Perspective
Physically Preparing for a Dog Sledding Course - A Staff Perspective
To participate in a Voyageur Outward Bound School course, each applicant must meet theVoyageur Outward Bound School Essential Eligibility Criteria.
During the enrollment process, everyone is required to each applicant 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, along with any additional forms that may be required of you, via email. Refer to your Registration Email for all your paperwork information, including DUE DATES.
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. You can find these items at camping, outdoor, 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 course 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 course. Your valuables and electronics will stay in your luggage for the duration of the course. These items will be returned to you at the end of the course.
Outward Bound will provide you with the following items:
- Inner and outer sleeping bags
- Sleeping mat
- Backpack
- Down Parka
- Anorak and outer-layer pants
- Winter boots
- Wool mitten inserts and outer leather choppers
- All traveling equipment
You only need to bring the items listed in the "Required Clothing & Gear" section, mainly your personal clothing, toiletries, footwear, and a few additional items. We strongly encourage the use of Voyageur Outward Bound School gear on our courses because of the heavy wear and tear. We feel confident that the gear 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.
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 & Hands
- 2 Warm Beanies. No cotton. Must cover ears.
- 1 Sun Hat. Baseball cap or wide-brimmed sun hat.
- 1 Neck Gaiter. Important for keeping all the warmth between your head and torso.
- 1 Pair Light Liner Gloves. Thin, lightweight, synthetic or wool gloves you will wear under bigger mittens. Will sustain heavy wear & tear so when in doubt, opt for less expensive options. See example here: Light Liner Gloves
- 2 Pairs Heavy Liner Gloves. Thicker synthetic or wool gloves to wear under bigger mittens. See example here: Heavy Liner Gloves
- 1 Buff. Versatile lightweight neck gaiter. Buff Example
Upper Body
- 2 Light or Medium Weight Long Underwear Tops. This can be fitted (not restrictive) because it will be the base layer next to your skin.
- 1 Medium-Weight Warm Top. This can be a polyester or 100 weight wool or fleece shirt. Usually comes with a ½ to ¾ zipper.
- 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--try these on together: the long underwear top (inner), medium-weight warm top (middle), and then the heavy fleece or wool (outer).
- 1 Synthetic Puffy Jacket or Fleece Vest. Having a vest or a thin synthetic “puffy” jacket will help to keep you warmer in a variety of conditions. If you buy a synthetic jacket, a hood is recommended. Vests are a less expensive option.
- 2 Sports Bras. Should be appropriate for athletic activity. Many people will use this as a swimsuit top with Quick Dry shorts. You do not need to bring a swimsuit if you plan on using this combination.
Lower Body
- 2 Medium Weight Long Underwear Bottoms. This can be fitted (not restrictive) because it will be the base layer next to your skin.
- 1 Fleece Pants. Should be made out of Polyester Fleece and loose enough to fit over a pair of long underwear or shorts.
- 4 Pairs of 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.
- 1 Swimsuit. You may choose to bring a swimsuit or use a pair of shorts and a sports bra for swimwear. You will use this to take a Sauna.
Feet
- 3 Pair Heavyweight Wool Socks. These socks are thicker than the medium weight and most likely will have expedition or mountaineering in the name. Must be wool. See example here: Wool Socks
- 2 Pair Liner Socks. Lightest-weight, synthetic socks to wear under your wool socks. See example here: Liner Socks
Personal Gear
- 2 Bandanas. These will be helpful in multiple different ways and will likely get ruined during your course. Bring old or cheap bandanas that you are not attached to.
- 1 Pair Sunglasses w/ Keeper Strap and Hard Case. Essential for protecting your eyes in a highly reflective environment. A keeper strap is important so they don’t fall into the water and sink.
- 2 Water Bottles. Must be a 32 oz. wide mouth Nalgene-style bottle with a plain lid.
- 1 Small Headlamp with Extra Batteries. This is a hands-free flashlight. It is either an LED or halogen headlamp that uses a minimum of three volts (two or more AA- or AAA-batteries). Halogen bulbs are bright but consume more battery power. LED lamps are bright and consume very little battery power. Bring one extra set of alkaline batteries per week of course.
Toiletries & Other Personal Items
- 1 Sunscreen. Waterproof, SPF 30 or greater. Stick-type sunscreen (Dermatone) works better in the cold.
- 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.
- Feminine Hygiene products. Pack plenty of supplies. Changes in activities can cause irregular periods.
- 2 Sets of Prescription Medications. If you use prescription medications, including inhalers, 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. 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 backcountry. 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.
- Contacts and back-up glasses, if needed. We strongly recommend contacts over glasses for use during the day because glasses will fog up. Bring plenty of supplies and at least one set of backup glasses with a hard case. Because sterile lens care is more difficult while on a course, long-term use contacts are 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 sauna and shower. Bring whatever shower supplies you normally use, ideally in travel sizes, and a towel (any cotton towel).
- 1 Pair Flip Flops. One pair of sandals to wear in the shower.
- 2 Sets Clean Clothes. You’ll want clean clothes for your departure day. Be sure to think about warmth and layers when packing and don’t forget to include socks and underwear.
Travel
- Money. Think about bringing $15-$20 for meals for your arrival and departure travel days. Also, bring a little money if you think you’d like to purchase a sweatshirt, t-shirt, map or cap from the Voyageur Outward Bound School store after your course. The school store accepts cash or check only, no credit or debit cards.
- 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. However, please note that upon arrival you will be asked to turn off and store your phone in your luggage, which will be locked in a secure area while you are on course.
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.
- Fleece Shorts or Down Skirt. While this item is optional, we HIGHLY recommend it for any courses in January and February. This extra layer helps protect your butt, thighs, and other sensitive areas against wind and cold. It should be sized to fit over two layers of base-layer pants.
- 1 Pair Down/Dacron Booties. Also optional but those who bring them are always VERY happy to have them. Nice to wear in and around your sleeping bag at night. Booties with sturdy soles are best.
- 1 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 is great, but you’ll need to take extra precautions to protect it. 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.
- 1 Small Journal. Small and sturdy. Please bring pens and put in a Ziplock bag.
- 1 Hand Lotion. Travel-size bottle. Dry weather can be hard on your skin.
- 1 Thermos. 1 liter or smaller stainless steel thermos. Must be well insulated, not a thin single wall.
- Ear Plugs. For sleeping.
- Digital Watch. Basic digital watch with an alarm. DO NOT bring any fitbits, apple watches, or other electronic watches equipped with GPS or messaging capabilities.
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 during the course.
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 course 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.
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.
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.
You will need to travel to Duluth the day before your course starts (Day 0) and book a hotel room for the evening. We recommend staying at the Country Inn & Suites as it is the meeting place for the course start.
Please meet in the lobby of the Country Inn & Suites in Duluth, Minnesota at 10 am the day your course begins (Day 1). Look for OB staff with Outward Bound signs. They will greet the group, give out important information, and set plans for the morning.
- If you are arriving by airplane: The Country Inn & Suites provides a free airport shuttle to the hotel. Call them at the number below and ask for a pickup.
- If you are being dropped off by car: Please meet at the Country Inn & Suites at 10 am for Day 1 transportation to VOBS Homeplace. Please arrive early so we can depart on time.
- If you are staying in a different hotel before your course: Please arrange for a shuttle service or cab to bring you to the Country Inn & Suites for the Day One 10 am meet-up. Please arrive early so we can depart on time.
Shuttle services are available between the Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport (MSP) and Duluth, which may be a good option for some travel plans. Services available include Landline Shuttle Services and Groome Transportation.
Outward Bound staff will pick up the group at the Country Inn & Suites at 10 am on the first day of the course and transport you to the course-start location. The drive will be about 2+ hours, so please be sure to have eaten a good breakfast beforehand.
If you experience travel delays that will affect the Day One 10 am meet-up, contact our Travel Coordinator at 218-491-6799 and we will do our best to coordinate an alternative plan with you.
Meeting Place Info:
Meeting Place
Country Inn & Suites
4257 Haines Road, Duluth, MN
Phone: (218) 461-3312
Shuttle Service: While making your reservation ask about the free airport shuttle to the hotel.
Other Arrival Day Information:
- It is important for you to note if a student tests positive for COVID-19 on their course an alternate travel plan will need to be made.
Students will be transported back to Duluth, Minnesota at the end of their course. If you are picking up your student you can meet them at the Duluth International Airport at 1:00 PM.
If you are choosing to book a flight home at the end of the course, please do not book any flights departing before 1:00 PM from the Duluth International Airport. If you're having difficulty finding a departing flight after 1 PM, please speak with your course advisor and we'll work to accommodate your request.
- It is important for you to note if a student tests positive for COVID-19 on their course, an alternate travel plan will need to be made.
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 dressed in warm layers suitable for below-zero temperatures. Boots or tennis shoes, wool socks, and comfortable/warm layers work best on the first day. Please see the provided packing list for further information about appropriate luggage, clothing, and layering principles.
As pick-up will be in the Country Inn and Suites Lobby at 8 am on Day 1 of your course, we recommend you stay at:
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Duluth North, MN: 4257 Haines Road, Duluth, MN. 55811
Phone: 218-461-3312
If you prefer different lodging, there are many options near the Duluth International Airport. You'll need to meet Outward Bound in the lobby of Country Inn & Suites on Day 1 of your course at 8am.
Other options:
- Days Inn and Suites: 909 Cottonwood Ave., Duluth, MN.
218-727-3110 - Call this direct line to make reservations. If you are staying between November and May they will offer a special VOBS rate.
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AmericInn by Wyndam Duluth: 901 Joshua Ave. Duluth, MN
218-723-8607 - Call to make reservations. A VOBS discount may be available depending on the time of year.
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.
If a student’s family experiences an emergency and needs to contact them while they're on course, the family should use the emergency response number at 218-491-6799 and listen to the voicemail message for instructions. Each student has a designated course director. The course director's contact information is emailed to families of youth courses on Day 1 of the course. The course director becomes the primary contact during the course; however, they may be out in wilderness and not immediately available.
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.
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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1650 Carroll Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55104
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