The tabs above will give you a overview of the course. Feel free to review it now, and know that additional details may be added in the coming weeks.
Big Bend region, Texas
The Texas course area, one of the most remote and geologically interesting in the Outward Bound system, lies along the US-Mexico border in southwestern Texas. The Rio Grande River carves a huge sweeping bend through the area earning its namesake, Big Bend National Park. This 750,000-square acre wilderness is an ideal setting for desert backpacking, canyoneering and rock climbing. Delicate desert flowers exist alongside fossilized trees millions of years old, mountain passes give way to steep-walled canyons and cliffs.
The Chihuahuan Desert of Texas is usually dry, warm during the day and cool at night. Students may encounter hot sun or a snow shower. Desert temperatures vary widely. Night temperatures are often cooler, averaging 20 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Voyageur Outward Bound School Basecamp, Texas
The Voyageur Outward Bound School Texas basecamp is located in Redford, Texas at the edge of the Western edge of the Big Bend Ranch State Park. Situated between the mountains of Big Bend to the North and the Rio Grande to the South, the Voyageur Outward Bound School basecamp provides an ideal location for launching/ending paddling and backpacking trips in Big Bend.
Rio Grande Canoeing - After learning basic whitewater strokes in calm currents, participants begin the expedition. The group will spend five to six days traveling downriver through sections of calm currents and whitewater. The whitewater of the Rio Grande offers beginning paddlers a progressive challenge, and a perfect place to learn and hone skills.
When the group reaches a set of rapids, the group will stop to read the current, deciding whether to run the rapids or portage around, examining the river for obstacles and current patterns. As a group, you'll decide the best route, and then plan and assign roles for a river safety system. While two paddlers maneuver a canoe through the rapids, other group members observe, ready to activate the safety system and paddle after floating gear, should a canoe dump or tip over.
Solo – Weather and time permitting, an Outward Bound Solo experience provides an important break from the rigors of the expedition and gives participants 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 group. Participants on a 3-week course typically spend 2-nights on Solo while those on a 1-week course may spend one night or even just a few hours on Solo. Regardless of Solo length, all participants 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 participants spend the majority of their Solo time alone, Instructors do check on each individual as often as needed, usually 1-4 times per day, to ensure that each student feels safe and comfortable. Instructors work with each participant individually to structure a successful, unique Solo experience that meets their specific needs. Solo is purposefully scheduled near the end of the expedition so participants have plenty of time to acclimate to their new environments beforehand.
Participants may have mixed feelings leading up to Solo. Inevitably, participants feel some nervousness and hesitation but are also excited to rest, reflect and test their new skills after spending many days in the wilderness. Participants 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.
Course End – All courses end with a shower, graduation ceremony and celebration dinner. Shower facilities are available at the course end location.
Day 1: Travel to El Paso, check into the Best Western Plus, and plan to meet your group in the lobby at 3:30 PM for a briefing by your VOBS instructors. Plan your flights accordingly. After the briefing, join your group and instructors for a fun dinner out at a restaurant in El Paso.
Day 2: Travel to Redford, work with your instructors to get your personal and group gear organized and travel to your first campsite on the river.
Days 3-5: After learning basic paddling and water safety skills, you'll spend the next few days paddling and exploring the Rio Grande. There will be time for a solo experience, along with exploratory hikes along the canyon rims.
Day 6: Paddle the final stretch of the Upper Canyons of the Rio Grande--Santa Elena Canyon. This jaw-dropping landscape is an incredible way to end your adventure on the Rio!
Day 7: You will be transported to the Lajitas Golf Resort where you'll spend the night and enjoy a celebratory dinner.
Day 8: Say goodbye to Big Bend and the Rio Grande! Depart the resort at 6:00 AM in order to make the long drive back to El Paso in time for flights departing anytime after 2:00 PM.
NOTE: VOBS will organize/book all hotel rooms and meals. We will place couples in rooms together. Individuals will have their own rooms. Participants are responsible for booking their own flights.
Wilderness Invitational Expeditions
4-7 day Invitational expeditions take place in a variety of locations in Minnesota and Texas. Each expedition focuses on a particular mode of travel suited to an amazing wilderness location. Invitational expeditions are designed to bring VOBS friends, family, and champions together for community and Outward Bound adventure. Participants travel in a crew, just like our traditional students, learning through the group and for the group, progressing through Outward Bound’s Theory of Change:
Learning > Leadership > Responsibility
Each participant has an opportunity to learn and execute a unique role each day in support of safe and successful group wilderness travel. Seasoned VOBS Instructors facilitate the Expedition and provide an authentic and accessible Outward Bound experience for all. Participants develop character and community together-- becoming more resilient and compassionate people, for a more resilient and compassionate world.
All Wilderness Expeditions develop key social-emotional skills across four Domains of Thriving, leading to vital character outcomes for success.
Domains of Thriving:
Belonging Courage Physical Engagement Reflection
Character Outcomes:
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.
In Texas the temperatures vary between 15-70 degrees during the winter. Typically there will be little to no rainfall during the desert portion of your course, though an occasional storm will happen. You may encounter hot sun or even a brief snow storm!
Cost Includes: