COURSE OVERVIEW

VOBS / Insight SPPS Summer Series 2025

Make sure you register using the link above or in the Course Paperwork Tab. 

Then, utilize the blue tabs and drop down topics to learn more about what you'll be doing in Insight this year, what you should bring to each day, and how you'll get to and from your Insight days. 

 

Activities

Canoeing

Never paddled a canoe? Never been in a boat? Don't know how to swim? Don't worry-- we've got you covered. Everyone will wear a personal flotation device (PFD), and there's no experience necessary. VOBS instructors will introduce you to canoeing one step at a time-- we'll go at your pace. Our canoeing location will be local-- a calm lake that is close to home. You and one or two friends will learn to paddle and steer your own boat-- instructors will be right there with you. We'll build in fun (and lunch). As you practice and get more comfortable, we'll explore by water, and build in a little challenge.

Team Building Day

The Team Building Day will kick off your Outward Bound experience for the year. Our Instructors will meet you at a local park to get to know you and your classmates, facilitate some fun games and challenges for you, and help you get excited for the year ahead. This is your chance to get to know Outward Bound, your Instructors, and your teammates who will join you on Insight days for the rest of the school year. You won't want to miss this day of fun. If you aren't sure what to think of Outward Bound, this is the day to learn more and see what it's all about!

Outdoor or Indoor Rock Climbing

Today, you’ll climb in one of Minnesota’s most beautiful places-- Taylor’s Falls on the St Croix River. The rocks you climb are 3.5 billion years old-- some of the oldest on earth. You’ll climb in a sweet spot just above the T-Falls gorge, which is a gorgeous spot for scenery and wildlife. Today, you’ll bring ALL the skills to your climb-- confidence, compassion, voice and choice. Today is your day to lead with and for your crew. If the weather isn't great, you'll be climbing indoors at a facility in St. Paul or Minneapolis. Indoor climbing offers an array of challenges and fun, and is an equally great opportunity to build your skills and try something new! 

Sample Itinerary

Meet at school like you would for a normal school day. It's very important that you are on time! 

Travel via school bus to your Insight Day location around the Twin Cities

Meet your instructors, make sure you have everything you need for the day, and then start your activity! Each activity is outlined in the schedule above. 

Spend the morning working with your classmates to do something new and fun together. We will be outside the whole time. 

Lunch

Spend the afternoon continuing to build your skills in the day's activity and gather for a final debrief and reflection on the day

Travel back to school via bus. You will arrive back to school before the end of the school day so you can take your normal transportation home or to after-school activities. 

Course Progression and Curriculum
The Insight Series

Together, you will explore your strengths and build your skills with single-day adventures during the school year. Why? You are a leader, and we want to help you grow your leadership skills for life.

We’ll help you discover belonging, strength and purpose so you can:

  • find connection
  • build confidence
  • pursue your hopes and dreams

Each Insight Day will get you out to a near wilderness or urban location for a special adventure in the outdoors. No experience necessary! Just bring your curiosity and sense of adventure.

VOBS Instructors are friendly, fun and knowledgeable. They will invite you to try new things, and practice leadership, in a safe learning space.  

Outward Bound is a national leadership organization. We’ve been in America since 1963. There are 11 Outward Bound schools across the country. Your school is the Minnesota school-- Voyageur Outward Bound School (VOBS). Thousands of students go Outward Bound with VOBS every year.

VOBS isn’t a “school” in the traditional sense. Our classroom is nature. We teach leadership skills to people ages 12 and up. We specialize in working with young adults like you, to grow belonging, strength and purpose, so you can succeed at home, school and life. Outward Bound creates the conditions for learning and thriving.

 

Outward Bound Leadership Learning & You

Learning > Leadership > Responsibility

Each Outward Bound student activates peer and personal leadership through challenge, adventure, teamwork, trust and vulnerability. At Outward Bound, you and your crew develop character and community together-- more resilient and compassionate people, for a more resilient and compassionate world.

Outward Bound students practice and grow key social-emotional skills across four "Domains of Thriving," leading to vital character outcomes for success at home, in school, career and life. Outward Bound promotes belonging, strength and purpose for developing leaders like you through fun hands-on skill development with friends-- in your community, and in the wilderness. 

Domains of Thriving

Belonging, Courage, Physical Engagement & Reflection

Great outcomes for your leadership:

  • Teamwork
  • Self-Awareness
  • Social Responsibility
  • Assertiveness
  • Perseverance
  • Physical Confidence
  • Self-Regulation

 

Discover more about Outward Bound:

VOBS:  Twin Cities Center

Outward Bound's Educational Approach

Six Pivotal Points

Weather During Your Course

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.