Course Information
WELCOME TO YOUR JOURNEY
This is your Course Page.
Outward Bound offers an exciting opportunity for you to learn new skills, make friends and create memories that will last a lifetime. Our mission? To change lives through challenge and discovery!
Now that you have enrolled, this Course Page is your “go to” location for all forms, gear lists and information specific to your course. Bookmark it for future reference! Below you will find the page divided into 5 blue tabs. Each tab has multiple expandable sections. Familiarizing yourself with the information on this Course Page is an essential part of preparing for course.
It is natural to have questions when preparing for the adventure ahead. Many answers to your questions can be found on this Course Page or within our Frequently Asked Questions. Additionally, you can always contact the Student Services Department.
We look forward to seeing you Outward Bound!
Please refer to your Applicant Portal to confirm your balance and make payment.
If you are unsure of your balance due, please call 1-800-878-5258 or email [email protected].
Please review the Application & Cancelation Policies.
If your payment is not received by the due date listed in your Application Portal, you will risk losing your position on the course and your $500 deposit.
BACKPACKING
Specifics: During your course, you will be backpacking approximately nine to 12 days.
During your course, you will be spending the majority of your time backpacking. During this component, you learn safety precautions for backcountry foot travel, how to find campsites, how to navigate terrain as well as how to use a map and compass. Equally important will be time spent learning conflict resolution, communication styles, leadership and team building. After practicing these skills, your instructors will step back and let you and your crew work together to collectively navigate through the wilderness.
Since your crew’s navigation depends on individual and group decision making, your crew could make some navigational errors along the way. You will be carrying a backpack that may weigh 50+ pounds. The weight is manageable, as the packs (when fitted correctly) will rest on your hips not on your back or shoulders. You may end up hiking long hours to reach your destination. You may expedition three miles uphill one day and eight miles over varied terrain the next day. Therefore, we want to remind you that physical preparation is very important!
ROCK CLIMBING
Specifics: Weather permitting, you may spend up to four days rock climbing and rappelling.
With a focus on the practice of safety, your lessons will start with the basics, such as working with ropes and learning to tie knots used for climbing and rappelling. You will progress to:
- Top-Rope climbing or “top-roping”: A style of rock climbing in which a rope runs from a belayer at the foot of a route through one or more carabineers connected to an anchor system at the top of the route and back down to the climber. The rope is attached to the climber by means of a harness.
- Rappelling: A means of controlled descent to lower yourself down a cliff, rock face or some other high location.
You may progress to:
- Multi-Pitch Climbing: The ascent of climbing routes with one or more stops at a belay station. Each section of climbing between stops at the belay stations is called a pitch. The lead climber ascends the pitch, placing gear and stopping to anchor themselves to the belay station. Your multi-pitch climb may have up to five pitches and may be graded 5.4 to 5.9. Depending on weather and group dynamics, your crew may have an opportunity to experience a high ropes course.
SOLO
Solo typically occurs more than halfway through your course and may last up to 72 hours (depending on your age range). Your instructors will assign each participant an individual campsite within a designated area. Your instructors will teach you procedures to follow during solo and monitor you during this experience. You will know the location of your instructors’ campsite should you need to contact them; otherwise it is essential that you remain in your designated area. If your course has an overnight solo you will have your clothing, food and water. In addition, you will have Outward Bound issued gear: including rain gear, shelter, sleeping bag, compass and whistle. You will not be physically active during solo, as solo is a time for rest, recharge and reflection. Solo is also a good time to write in the journals we provide. If you have questions or concerns, please discuss with your Student Services Representative or your instructors.
At least one parent/guardian is required to attend an interactive series of workshops during the last three days of the course. Parents will learn many of the same tools the students have learned during the course. The purpose of the seminar is three-fold:
- To share the highlights of the course.
- To share communication tools and techniques.
- To create a plan of action for expectations and behaviors moving forward.
Students will reunite with their parents/guardians on the day before the course ends to speak with them about the course and the plans for their return home.The seminar is a great opportunity to renew hope in your future relationship.
BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS, NC
Because the Appalachians were once one of the largest mountain ranges in the world they have many different geologic landforms, climates and soils. This long evolutionary history and temperate climate create an area which is teeming with life. Participants can expect to share the wilderness with over 700 different kinds of trees, more than 50 types of mammals, 150 different types of birds and about 40 species of amphibians.
This course area is situated within a million acres of national forests, federally-protected wilderness areas, and other public lands. Its diverse landscapes have been featured in many motion pictures, including The Hunger Games and The Last of the Mohicans. <Click to learn more about this course area.>
Each crew will be given two large tarps to set up as shelters. The tarps will be separated by gender. The instructor tarp will be placed between the two tarps. You will also be given a ground sheet and a foam sleeping pad to place under your sleeping bag.
Here are some books that we encourage you to read as you plan for your course:
- The Outward Bound Wilderness First-Aid Handbook by Jeff Isaac
- Leave No Trace: A Practical Guide to the New Wilderness Ethic by Annette McGivney
- Knots & Ropes for Climbers by Duane Raleigh and Mike Clelland
- The Outward Bound Backpacker's Handbook by Glenn Randall
- The Outward Bound Map & Compass Handbook by Glenn Randall
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 through a steep mountain range or scale a rock wall, you will be pushed and rewarded on many levels.
Note to nicotine users: It's essential to quit before you arrive. Using your course as a means to quit nicotine is NOT recommended. You will be put in a number of stressful situations and a person suffering from nicotine withdrawal may not be able to effectively deal with those situations.
Note to caffeine users: If you drink caffeine, it is also essential to significantly reduce your level of consumption prior to your course start. Caffeine withdrawal may cause severe headaches which can hinder your progress on course.
MENTAL PREPARATION
Consider and be prepared for:
Teamwork: Be ready to be part of a team. Think about other team experiences you may have had in the past. Remember what helped your team be successful. Plan on being a positive contributor during your course.
Living with Less: Look around and think about what you have and what you truly need. Things we may take for granted like hot running water, upholstered furniture and sidewalks will not be part of your experience. When you get into the routines of wilderness living, you may notice that life in the wilderness and life at home are similar in that they are ultimately about food, clothing, shelter and the relationships you have with those around you. Because the wilderness lifestyle is simple, you will leave behind non-essentials like deodorant, make up, electronic devices and books.
Being Away from Home: Whether it is the first or the 20th time you have been away from home, you might not have been this “out of touch.” Don’t be surprised if you feel homesick at some point. Please use your instructors and teammates as resources for support.
Compassion: Compassion is a pillar on which Outward Bound was built. Compassion can be shown in kind, thoughtful actions and can be practiced during course through active listening and understanding of other perspectives. You may find that you need to make compromises as you support your team. It is always important to remember that your attitude and actions affect everyone.
Group Discussion: Your instructors will lead group discussions as you debrief each day. Through coaching from your instructors, your group will practice positive communication and conflict resolution techniques. These skills help your group maintain respect for individual opinions no matter how they may differ. Hopefully, these lessons will extend to your everyday life. Be prepared to share your perspective and gain insight from others during these discussions.
PHYSICAL PREPARATION
Have fun and enjoy the adventure of preparation while training for your course! This is an excellent opportunity for you to get outside, get fit and explore your neighborhood's parks and recreation areas.
Adopt Healthy Habits: A great way to physically prepare is to adopt healthy habits. Reduce consumption of fatty foods, excessive alcohol and caffeine as these substances require a lot of water and oxygen to metabolize. Eat plenty of unrefined carbohydrates (i.e. whole grains). Drink water regularly instead of juice or soda. If you drink or use tobacco or tobacco products, it is essential to quit before you arrive. And last, but not least, arrive at course start well rested.
FITNESS AND TRAINING
• You do NOT have to be an athlete or highly-trained to attend an Outward Bound course.
• You DO have to be physically capable and active. Our courses are demanding. You will use your muscles in new and challenging ways.
• It takes strength and fitness to paddle a boat for six or eight hours a day, carry a 50+ pound pack for 5 miles or climb a rock wall. If you aren’t already involved in a fitness program, now is the time to start. Your efforts will pay off in enjoyment, comfort and fun.
> View our suggestions for building fitness, testing your heart rate and an eight week fitness plan.
PREPARATION FOR BACKPACKING
Hike with a weighted backpack. Start with 20-30 lbs., then build to 50+ lbs. If you do not own a backpack, you may be able to borrow one from a friend, family member or rent one from an outdoor sporting goods store. If none of these options are available, try a smaller "book bag" style backpack with approximately 15 lbs. in it. Start out hiking just a couple of miles on hilly terrain or stairs and increase your intensity and mileage as you gain strength and endurance. On course, you can expect to carry a backpack that weighs approximately 40 to 55 lbs. and you may be hiking varying distances across mountain terrain daily.
PREPARATION FOR ROCK CLIMBING
Climbing indoors at your local rock climbing gym is the best way to prepare for climbing outdoors. If climbing at a gym is not available, substitute pull-ups, sit-ups and strength training with weights. On course, you will practice knots, climbing and belay techniques as well as safety procedures.
Preparing and eating tasty meals in the backcountry is part of the Outward Bound experience.
Under your instructors' supervision, you and your crew will prepare group meals in a camp setting using gas camp stoves. Meals are eaten as a group and may start off with group announcements, appreciations, or an inspirational quote. We use this time together to reflect on the successes and challenges of the day and to plan what is to come for the following day.
Your group will travel with approximately a week’s worth of food at a time. For courses 14-days and longer, our support staff meet up with your group in the wilderness periodically to restock your food. This meet up is called a “re-supply.”
Our courses are physically rigorous, and our meals emphasize protein and carbohydrates to re-fuel your body. All course food is packable and non-perishable. We use a mix of dehydrated foods, fresh fruits, and vegetables. Our goal is to provide meals that are familiar. However, we ask that you be open to trying foods that may be new to you.
Participants should not bring their own food or snacks unless authorized to do so by NCOBS.
Our Food Pack Out Process
Unlike summer camps that provide meals in dining halls, all meals at Outward Bound are cooked outdoors in remote camp settings. We work diligently to provide familiar and tasty foods, and we acknowledge that our food options are limited while we are on expedition, away from our supply facilities.
We depend on clear and accurate food allergy and dietary restrictions disclosed during the admission process to adequately plan and pack your group’s meals and snacks prior to course start. Our processes are not designed to accommodate last minute dietary requests or to loosen dietary restrictions originally disclosed.
MEALS AT OUTWARD BOUND
The following list represents common meals at Outward Bound (this is not a menu)
Breakfast
- Bagels and cream cheese
- Pancakes with butter and syrup
- Cream of wheat
- Grits with cheese and dried fruit
- Grapenuts or Granola and soy milk or cow’s milk
- Oatmeal with raisins and brown sugar
- Huevos Rancheros: eggs, salsa, cheese and black beans on tortillas
Lunch
- Peanut butter and Jelly on tortillas
- Pizza: pepperoni, mozzarella, tomato paste, pita bread
- Hummus with carrots, cheese and crackers
- Salami with cheese and crackers
- Beans Galore: black beans, red beans, white beans, corn, onion, Italian dressing on tortillas
- Tuna and cheese on pita bread
Dinner
- Pasta Alfredo: Rotini with alfredo sauce and mushrooms
- Burritos: refried beans and rice with salsa and cheese
- Tuna Mac: Macaroni with cheese, parmesan cheese, tuna and milk
- Stir Fry: Rice and chicken with vegetables, coconut milk and curry powder
- Veggie Chili with rice, cheese, onion and cornbread
- Tacos: Natures Burger with tomato paste, cheese, onion and Tortilla
Drinks (other than water)
- Cocoa
- Tea
- Drink mix
Snacks
- Fruit (oranges, apples)
- Trail mixes (many varieties)
- Goldfish crackers
- Pretzels
North Carolina Outward Bound strives to accommodate many dietary restrictions.
We encourage applicants to share with us their dietary needs during the admissions process. We regularly accommodate vegetarian, pescatarian, dairy free, gluten free and more. We dedicate considerable resources to meeting dietary needs by substituting or omitting food items for an individual or for the whole group.
If you disclose a dietary restriction like lactose free, dairy free, gluten free, etc., we will plan for you to maintain that diet restriction during course unless you specify otherwise. Therefore, please only include dietary restrictions you are committed to maintaining during course to minimize potential food waste.
We urge caregivers of youth applicants to discuss dietary restrictions prior to completing the application materials, to confirm alignment on the information provided to us.
Preferences
Our primary goal is to meet students’ dietary allergies or intolerance/ sensitivities. The addition of food preferences could further influence the menu items we can provide.
Our staff members, who have had years of experience in the field, find that once students with food preferences engage in our rigorous backcountry, wilderness-based activities, those same students tend to (at least temporarily) broaden their food choices. We believe students may find these foods surprisingly appealing during their course due to their bodies’ increased need for calories.
Dietary Allergies, Intolerances and Sensitivities
NCOBS cannot guarantee there will be no exposure to known allergens. If the applicant has had an anaphylactic response related to a dietary allergen, we must consider our remote wilderness area as we determine the appropriateness of our programs for the applicant.
Depending on the severity of the allergy, NCOBS can accommodate by:
- Purchasing foods labeled as being free of the known allergen
- Packing out allergen free foods separately to reduce the potential for cross contamination
A dietary intolerance or sensitivity can also typically be accommodated on course. If you can tolerate the food item in limited amounts, please disclose these details in your application materials so that we may strive to broaden the range of foods we provide.
Religious Requirements
North Carolina Outward Bound strives to accommodate religious dietary requirements. Please disclose your requirements in your application materials and call your Student Services Representative if you have questions.
We urge caregivers of youth applicants to discuss dietary restrictions prior to completing the application materials, to confirm alignment on the information provided to us.
Food Aversions
Depending on the food aversions, NCOBS can accommodate by:
- Allowing applicants the choice not to eat certain foods/ingredients we provide.
- Allowing applicants the choice to bring alternative foods to what we provide.
We encourage applicants who indicate highly restricted diets to review our Essential Eligibility Criteria and note this requirement specific to nutrition and hydration:
Learn and perform essential self-care....maintaining adequate hydration, nutrition... and managing any known medical conditions for the duration of course, often more than a day from advanced medical care.
Please call your Student Services Representative if you have concerns about the applicant’s ability to meet our Essential Eligibility Criteria.
Picky Eaters
Outward Bound requires daily physical activity that often exceeds an applicant’s level of physical activity in everyday life.
We urge caregivers of youth applicants to discuss eating habits prior to completing the application materials, to confirm alignment on the information provided to us.
Over the years, we have observed students with picky eating habits are most successful on course when they are willing and able to broaden (at least temporarily) their food choices due to their bodies’ increased need for calories. Please review our Essential Eligibility Criteria and note this requirement specific to nutrition and hydration:
Learn and perform essential self-care, including dressing appropriately for protection from environmental conditions (such as sun, rain, cold, etc.), maintaining adequate hydration, nutrition, and personal hygiene, and managing any known medical conditions for the duration of course, often more than a day from advanced medical care.
Please call your Student Services Representative if you have concerns about the applicant’s ability to meet our Essential Eligibility Criteria.
Maintaining personal hygiene in the wilderness is important and is taught on every course. You will be outside while on course and won't have access to a shower or bath. You will be able to do basic cleanup every day: brush your teeth, wash your face and comb your hair. At the end of your course, you will be able to do a more thorough cleanup.
Since North Carolina Outward Bound is an outdoor program, you can expect to learn and use Leave No Trace camping techniques. Know that it is natural to have questions regarding sanitation in an outdoor setting. Your instructors will answer your questions and will teach you the hygienic and environmentally safe way to dispose of waste as well as techniques for basic cleanliness - don't hesitate to approach them with any questions or concerns
In our everyday lives, technology is always at our fingertips. By contrast, in the life of an Outward Bound participant, you have the unique opportunity to unplug and fully immerse yourself in the wilderness to connect with your crewmates and instructors.
Guidelines
NO:
- Electronic devices such as cell phones, GPS devices, asset tracking devices (such as Airtags), and/or any other wi-fi enabled electronic devices are not permitted while on course.
- No cell phone cameras allowed.
YES:
- Carry your cell phone with you to course start. Your cell will be locked in a group storage bin with your luggage at our facility while you are on course. You’ll be reunited with your cell phone at course end.
- Bring a camera to record the events of course – either a waterproof disposable camera or a digital camera with a small “dry bag” or Ziplock bag for storage. Our courses are rigorous and there is a risk of losing or damaging your camera.
Safety and Risk Management
Please review our Safety and Risk Management page.
Depending on the length of your course and course area, mail may be delivered to you. Delivery can take up to one week from the time it reaches our base camp. Please do not have packages sent to you unless they contain emergency items - no candy or food please! All correspondence must be clearly addressed with the participant’s name and course number. Letters received near the end of the course may not be delivered on time and will be returned to sender. You will be notified of your base camp mailing address and emergency numbers prior to your course start. If your course allows for mail delivery (criteria below), remember to bring postcards with stamps attached as you can write to family and friends while you are on course.
SPECIFICS FOR YOUR COURSE
Mail can be sent and received. Delivery may take up to one week from the time it reaches our base camp. You will receive address information prior to your course start. Remember to bring postcards or stationery and envelopes with stamps attached so you can write to your family and friends while you are on course.
On-Course Communication: At course start, the course director will be contacting families via email. The email will contain all contact information for your use while the course is in progress.
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.
Please also review our Safety and Risk Management page.
If a family emergency occurs while the course is in progress, emergency messages can be relayed by calling our toll-free number (800-878-5258) on weekdays 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM eastern time. Prior to course start, you will receive an email that provides an after-hours and weekend emergency phone number.
WHAT WE SUPPLY
North Carolina Outward Bound School provides:
- sleeping bags
- sleeping pads
- shelter
- compass
- food
- water bottles
- cooking equipment
- eating utensils
- rain gear - unless otherwise notes on your packing list
We also provide activity-specific items based on your course type:
- backpacks
- rock climbing gear
- canoes, and/or
- sea kayaks
Please refer to the Packing List below for the items to bring to course.
WHERE TO SHOP
First, shop your closet or those of your family or friends - you might have many of these items already. Then start planning what you may need to buy, leaving yourself time to find sales or free shipping.
Many students shop for clothing and gear from the following retailers:
- Goodwill, other thrift stores, consignment stores
- Walmart, Target, Amazon, Old Navy, other large chain stores
- REI Co-Op
- Eastern Mountain Sports
- Sierra Trading Post
Plan ahead! When you arrive for course start, you will not have an opportunity to purchase forgotten items!
Please review the video How to Pack for Course Without Breaking the Bank below.
PACKING AND STORAGE
When packing, use a duffel bag or soft-sided luggage (if available) due to limited storage space at our facility.
When you arrive, your instructors will facilitate a process we call “duffel shuffle” that includes:
- Assessment of your clothing and gear with the route and the anticipated weather in mind. (Tip: save the tags from new purchases so you can return any unused items after course end.)
- Issue Outward Bound items you will use during course
- Stowing personal items not needed while on expedition such as travel clothes, cell phones, electronic devices, and wallets back into your travel luggage.
- Luggage will be transported to our facility and placed in locked storage until course end. Please leave any expensive or valuable items at home.
Our Clothing and Gear list reflects the layering principle. It is vital that all your clothing be comfortable, quick-drying, and warm. Several layers of light clothing keep you warm and can be adjusted to changes in both weather and activity. For example, wearing a long sleeve shirt, a fleece layer and a jacket allows you to adapt to changing conditions.
Points to keep in mind while planning and shopping:
- Changing weather conditions may require the use of all of the items on the list. However, keep receipts and tags from new purchases so unused items can be returned after course.
- Most athletic/fitness clothing will be appropriate for course.
- Check clothing tags to confirm fabrics details.
- Fabrics such as polyester, nylon, fleece, acrylic, rayon, wool, or name brands like Polartec™, Thinsulate™, COOLMAX®, Smartwool, and Capilene are a few favorites of outdoor enthusiasts.
- Cotton clothing loses its insulating properties when wet and does not dry quickly. For these reasons, do not bring items made with cotton unless otherwise noted.
- Also, not bring denim or down clothing (unless otherwise indicated).
- Wearing white or light-colored, loose-fitting clothing keeps you cooler and attracts fewer biting insects. Dark colors are acceptable for insulating attire.
Maintaining personal hygiene in the wilderness is important and is taught on every course. You will be outside while on course and won't have access to a shower or bath. You will be able to do basic cleanup every day: brush your teeth, wash your face, and comb your hair. At the end of your course, you will be able to do a more thorough cleanup.
PRESCRIPTION EYEWEAR: GLASSES & CONTACTS
Please bring your prescription eyewear to course and any applicable backup options. For glasses a retaining band is necessary to prevent loss during an activity.
For participants who wear contact lenses, you must bring your prescription glasses as back up. Be sure to bring enough contact lens solution so you can be diligent in your contact lens routine while out on course.
Please be aware that the use of contact lenses in the backcountry does carry more risk than when at home. A great level of diligence and hygiene is required in ensuring you do not damage your eyes.
SKIN CARE
You will be outside during your course. To maintain your health and comfort, the best protection from biting insects, skin irritation and sunburn is a physical barrier of clothing. Bring the required clothing and gear listed – it's essential to your comfort and safety.
It is your responsibility to follow your instructor’s directions and monitor how your skin reacts to the changing environment. Let them know if you encounter skin concerns before they present a barrier to your participation.
If you are traveling by air to your course, please review the TSA Carry-on Requirements for liquids.
HAIR CARE
Here are a few tips caring for long, kinky, or curly hair while on course:
- Bring a comb, brush, or pick
- Protect your hair by covering it with a hair bonnet, silk scarf, headwrap, durag, loc tube, bandana, etc.
- Use a bandana, head wrap, hair scrunchies, etc., to keep hair out of your face
- Bring 3oz hair oil
Before course, consider putting your hair in a protective style, allowing enough time for your head to adjust prior to the start of your Outward Bound course. Be sure that your protective style will fit underneath a helmet. Suggested protective styles include:
- Box Braids
- French Braids
- Feed-in Braids
- Cornrows
- Faux Locs
- Two Strand Twists
- Plaits
- Flat Twists
Increased physical activity during Outward Bound may cause a change in your menstrual cycle. Prepare your menstruation kit using a zip lock bag even if you don’t expect your cycle during course.
Items to include:
- Menstruation products such as tampons, pads, panty liners, and menstrual cups. Bring more than you would typically use. Absorption underwear is not recommended.
- 1 small travel pack of disposable wipes or bandana. Our instructors will teach appropriate backcountry techniques for basic cleanliness.
- 1 small travel-size bottle of hand sanitizer
- 1 to 2 extra pairs of underwear
We practice Leave No Trace camping techniques. Therefore, we pack out what we pack in. Instructors will distribute small opaque zip lock bags and small stuff sack for your individual storage of used items.You will dispose of any used items either during re-supplies (approximately every three to seven days) or at course end.
Your instructors are experienced in addressing menstruation care questions or concerns while on course. Don’t hesitate to ask them questions.
Participants will not be permitted to begin their course without their required medications OR with new medications not approved by our Medical Screener.
All medications (prescription, non-prescription and over-the-counter) must:
- Be listed in the applicant’s medical information
- Be approved by our Medical Screener prior to course
- Accompany the participant on course
- Be in the original medication container with the prescription label intact
Your medication container should not include other medications, vitamins or supplements. If possible, bring a double supply.
Do not bring non-prescription medications such as aspirin, Advil, etc., unless they are listed in your medical information. We have a medical kit that contains these medications.
Medication updates that occur after applicants are cleared to participate could affect their status on course. Please update the Student Services Department with any medication changes such as:
- Starting a new medication
- Stopping an existing medication
- Dosage change of an existing medication
For participants on youth courses, our instructors carry all prescription medications, with the exception of birth control and emergency medications such as EpiPens or rescue asthma inhalers.
For participants on adult (age 18+) courses, we encourage participants to store their medication(s) container(s) in a zip-lock bag for protection. Pill sorters are not recommended.
You must notify Outward Bound should any medical, psychological, behavioral, or legal situations occur after the application and medical review process have been completed. Certain situations may affect the applicant’s course status.
Proper footwear is essential for your safety and enjoyment. Take the following information with you when shopping for boots. The best boot for our terrain for backpacking courses is described as:
- light to medium weight with ankle support.
- hard rubber sole
- Waterproof
Do not bring:
- mountaineering boots
- tall boots that constrict the calf
- Timberlands, Doc Martens, or Blundstones
FITTING YOUR BOOTS It is essential that your boots fit properly and are comfortable. You are unlikely to judge this walking around a store. Some retailers will allow you to purchase your boots with the understanding that if you wear them indoors for several hours and they do not feel comfortable, you may return them. Fit your boots with the socks you will wear on course.
- Test 1: With the boots unlaced and your toes touching the front of the boot, the boot should be large enough to place your forefinger between your heel and the boot’s heel.
- Test 2: With the boot laced, your heel must be firmly lodged in the heel cup with very little lift when you walk.
- Test 3: The boot should fit snugly around the ball of your foot so that when you twist your foot, it does not move or slip inside the boot.
- Test 4: When on a steep incline or tapping the front of your boot against the floor, your toes should not hit the end of the boot.
BREAKING IN YOUR BOOTS Begin wearing your boots long before your course starts. Wear them around town and at home as much as possible every day for several weeks. You should put 10+ miles on your boots to break them in, walking on both level and rough terrain. If you start feeling any hot spots, treat them immediately using moleskin to protect against the hiker’s worst enemy: the blister! Be kind to your feet.
WATERPROOFING YOUR BOOTS After you are confident your boots fit properly, make sure they are waterproofed. Some boots are already waterproofed when purchased; but if not, follow the sales associate or manufacturer’s recommendations concerning the type of waterproofing to apply.
TRAVEL DELAYS
You will receive a contact number for travel delays prior to the course start.
All participants are required to follow our COVID-19 Program Protocols.
These are our only pick-up locations/times. We are unable to accommodate pick ups outside of the info outlined below.
ARRIVING BY PLANE
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) – www.flyavl.com
61 Terminal Drive – Fletcher, NC 28732-9442
- Airline Arrival 2:00 PM: Book your inbound flight to arrive no later than 2:00 PM on the first day of the course. Do not book arrival after 2:00 PM as we are unable to accommodate arrivals after this time. Itineraries booked outside of these times will require rebooking which can be costly and avoidable.
**Based on limited non-stop flight availability to/from AVL and our arrival criteria above, please expect your itinerary to include a connecting flight.**
ARRIVING BY VEHICLE
Riveter - https://www.riveternc.com/
701 Old Fanning Bridge Road, Fletcher, NC 28732
- Vehicle Arrival 1:00 PM: If you are arriving by car, arrive no later than 1:00 PM on the first day of the course. Please look for tents on the lawn in front of the building.
**Please be prepared to stay at this location until we have completed our Day 1 COVID-19 rapid test. If you need long term parking for your vehicle while you are on course, our staff will direct you to park at the Asheville Regional Airport long term parking and pick you up in our vehicle before we head to the wilderness.**
CELL PHONES
Traveling to and from course with a cell phone and charger is encouraged. Upon arrival and check in with our staff at the airport, we will remind participants to call their families immediately, as cell phones are not permitted once the course has officially begun. At that point, all cell phones will be turned off and stored in personal luggage until course end.
BE PREPARED
Make sure your child arrives dressed in items from the clothing list, has eaten lunch and made all necessary calls.
Review current government regulations regarding carry-on items at www.tsa.gov. Many airlines charge for each checked bag. Check your airline’s baggage policy and pay any fees for inbound and outbound flights.
ON COURSE COMMUNICATION
After course start, the course director will be contacting families via email. The email will contain all contact information for your use while your child is on course.
ARRIVING BY VEHICLE
An Outward Bound representative will meet arrivals at the Riveter. Please look for the tents set up on the front lawn in front of the building.
Remember: masks are required when indoors.
Staff will be wearing an Outward Bound shirt or hat and/or carrying an Outward Bound sign. They will have a list of all student names and will note your arrival.
Our supervision officially begins when students depart by NCOBS vehicle or charter transportation.
If you need long term parking for your vehicle while you are on course, our staff will direct you to park at the Asheville Regional Airport long term parking and pick you up in our vehicle before we head to the wilderness.
ARRIVING BY PLANE
An Outward Bound representative will meet ALL arrivals in the main seating area in front of the security checkpoint; labeled as the “Grand Hall” on the map below.
Remember: masks are required when indoors.
Staff will be wearing an Outward Bound shirt or hat and/or carrying an Outward Bound sign. They will have a list of all student names and will note your arrival.
Our supervision officially begins when students depart the airport by NCOBS vehicle or charter transportation.
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Asheville Regional Airport main seating area in the Grand Hall – Outward Bound check-in location
YOUR COURSE WILL END AT THIS LOCATION WHETHER YOU ARE DEPARTING BY PLANE OR CAR.
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) – www.flyavl.com
61 Terminal Drive – Fletcher, NC 28732-9442
- Airline Departure 1:00 PM: Book your departure no earlier than 1:00 PM on the last day of the course. Itineraries booked outside of these times will require rebooking which can be costly and avoidable.
- Vehicle Departure 11:45 AM: The pick-up/vehicle departure time is 11:45 AM on the last day of the course.
***Based on limited non-stop flight availability to/from AVL and our arrival criteria above, please expect your itinerary to include a connecting flight.***
This is our only drop-off location.
The course will end in Asheville, NC by 12:00 PM. Please arrange your departure flights accordingly.
Reminder: A parent/guardian is required to attend the seminar at course end.
Airlines define an Unaccompanied Minor (UM) as a child flying without a parent, guardian or another trusted adult. Your airline may designate your child as an Unaccompanied Minor. The airline’s Unaccompanied Minor policy may NOT be clear to you if you purchase your child’s ticket through an online travel site. If applicable, confirm the airline you choose allows Unaccompanied Minors to board connecting flights.
Plan carefully to avoid your child being stranded at a connecting airport!
Airlines are extremely strict about payment of the UM fee. The North Carolina Outward Bound School is neither responsible for paying the UM fees nor determining which individuals are required to pay the fee. Airline representatives have refused to board UMs whose families have not paid the required UM fees, causing students to miss their departing flights.
Before you book your child’s airline ticket:
Review the UM policies for each airline before choosing an itinerary – each airline has their own policy and age requirements:
Allegiant Airlines / American Airlines / Delta Airlines / United Airlines
- Prepay all UM fees. Online travel sites may not inform you of the airline’s UM policy or fees. Contact the airline directly and prepay all UM fees. (Be firm and insist if the need arises.)
- Give your airline the name and contact information of your Student Services Representative (refer to your Registration Email) as the person who will meet and sign for your child on course start day.
- Do not book your child on a flight departing 6:00 PM or later. Many airports will not allow UMs to board flights after 6:00 PM.
- Submit receipt for payment of the UM FEES (arrival & departure) to your Student Services Representative.
Travel & Backup Travel Plan
At least two weeks prior to course start, we will email a request for travel arrangements. Please reference our COVID-19 Program Protocols.
Participants on Open Enrollment courses may travel to/from course by personal vehicle or commercial transportation; however, personal vehicle travel is strongly encouraged.
To reduce the likelihood of participants testing positive upon arrival to Outward Bound, we highly encourage participants to take a rapid COVID-19 antigen test 24-hours or less prior to traveling to Outward Bound. Participants who test positive should not travel and will not be accepted onto course.
Participants will take an NCOBS-administered rapid antigen COVID-19 test on course start day upon arrival. Participants testing positive, as well as any close contacts, will not be accepted on course.
If you intend to travel by commercial transportation, you must submit a back-up travel plan should you need to travel home under quarantine or isolation protocols. Plan must NOT include commercial travel.
Back-Up Travel Plan Options
YOUTH (Course Age Ranges 14-18) must depart from the airport at course start or from the Outward Bound program location during course by private vehicle, providing name and contact information of pick-up person. Once course is in progress, if you must depart course early due to COVID-19, your plan must allow for departure within 48 hours.
ADULT (Course age ranges 18+, 18-25, 30+) must either:
- Preferred -Arrange your own transportation home such as your personal vehicle, car rental, or by providing name and contact information of pick-up person
OR
- Outward Bound will provide transportation to a hotel near the airport, provided the participant meets the hotel’s age requirement for check-in.
Hotels include:
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport South (Near Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport - FLL)
- Clarion Inn Asheville Airport (Near the Asheville Regional Airport - AVL)
Once course is in progress, if you must depart course early due to COVID-19, your plan must allow for departure within 48 hours.
Please reference the CDC recommendations for Protecting Yourself When Using Transportation and Considerations for Travelers.
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Click Here To Receive a Free Quote From InsureMyTrip
Airfare, related travel costs, and non-refundable tuition payments are expensive. Insurance to protect your trip and course is not required but strongly recommended. If you choose not to purchase insurance and cancel your course or leave your course early you will be held to the terms of the Cancellation Policy (See above).
Outward Bound offers an option for insuring these costs from the third-party provider InsureMyTrip through its Academic Explorer Program. This program has coverage options that include your travel costs and the non-refundable tuition costs. A link to that program’s insurance coverage options is above. Alternatively, you may choose to purchase trip related insurance through 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.
Emergency Evacuation Insurance
You may also want to consider insurance for the cost of Emergency Evacuation. Health insurance often does not cover the cost of emergency evacuation by air or other means and these costs can be very expensive. North Carolina Outward Bound School will not be financially responsible for these costs in the event that your student requires evacuation.
The Academic Explorer Program offered through InsureMyTrip does not offer coverage for emergency evacuation. You will need to purchase that coverage from a different insurance provider.
Outward Bound makes no representations or warranties about these insurance options or how they handle claims.
HOTELS NEAR THE ASHEVILLE REGIONAL AIRPORT
Prior to booking, confirm any minimum age requirements and availability of shuttle service to/from the airport (if applicable).
If you are traveling by air, be aware of TSA guidelines. To avoid TSA taking items out of your carry-on luggage (like insect repellent and sunscreen), pack these items in your checked luggage or do not exceed size specifications. For more information please visit the TSA website: Transportation Security Administration - Carry-ons
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