COVID-19 HEALTH & SAFETY PRACTICES

Your expedition starts now. The moment you decide to go Outward Bound you’re tasked with responsibilities that impact not only yourself, but also your crew. This includes taking the necessary precautions to mitigate risks, including those associated with COVID-19. 

Outward Bound is actively monitoring COVID-19 throughout our program areas, and following the guidance issued from the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health authorities. The wellbeing, health and safety of our students and staff is a top priority, and VOBS is working diligently with local public health authorities and medical advisors to maintain recommended mitigation controls and procedures in alignment with current data and science. The risk of contracting COVID-19 prior to or while participating in an Outward Bound program can be reduced but not eliminated. As with all aspects of your Outward Bound course, our staff will teach you what you need to know to be active in mitigating risks.

Below are enhanced health and safety practices we ask of every student prior to arrival and while on course.

VACCINATIONS

Voyageur Outward Bound School strongly recommends that all students be 'up to date' with their COVID-19 vaccinations, prior to arrival for their course start.

We use the CDC's definition of 'up to date,' which you can find via their website: Stay Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines

PRIOR TO COURSE START

Participants should take a COVID-19 test 2-3 days prior to traveling to VOBS for their course. VOBS will not be collecting these results. We request that all students:

• Wash and/or sanitize their hands frequently
• Avoid contact with people who are sick
• Follow current recommended guidance and requirements from the CDC
• Monitor for COVID-19 symptoms
• VOBS strongly recommends getting a flu shot prior to course start - this is particularly important if your course takes place during cold and flu season

Testing Recommendations & Requirements

Testing for COVID-19 is part of Outward Bound's comprehensive plan for minimizing the risk of spreading the virus.

• Participants are strongly encouraged to test for COVID-19 within 2-3 days prior to the course to ensure that they show up for course healthy & ready to participate!  
• VOBS will administer a COVID-19 antigen test on the participants course start day
• If a participant tests positive on their course start day, they will not continue their Outward Bound course (families are expected to have a plan for picking up their child in the event of a COVID+ test result)

Health Reminder

Do not travel to course if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, if you have been or presumed to have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, or if you have tested positive for COVID-19. In these cases, please contact your Course Advisor immediately to work through your options.

DURING COURSE

• VOBS will administer a COVID-19 rapid Antigen test to any person displaying symptoms of COVID-19
• Certain circumstances, such as exposure to a COVID+ or symptomatic individual, could lead to an adjustment in masking & social distancing protocols
• If a participant tests positive on the course, VOBS will follow CDC guidelines and make decisions about continued participation on an individual basis