In this phase of the 72-day course, journey through the ancient mountains of Western North Carolina, from its deep valleys to its 6,000-foot peaks. By working together to backpack through temperate rainforests, climb in and around the Linville Gorge, and paddle some of the best whitewater in the Southeast, students step outside their comfort zones and learn to communicate with and trust their new crewmates. 

The rock-climbing phase of this journey is a testament to our commitment to safety and learning. Students start with the fundamentals: knot tying, safety systems, belaying, and climbing techniques. Depending on group dynamics and weather conditions, the aim is to master top rope climbs and progress to a multi-pitch route led by a climbing specialist. There's also the thrill of experiencing a rappel and the high ropes course.

Students will spend up to four days paddling Class I-Class III whitewater in tandem (two-person) canoes through sculpted rock channels. Crews learn to identify and use paddling equipment, basic water safety and rescue techniques, and paddling strokes. They also work with their partner to successfully paddle flat water and negotiate numerous rapids and drops. 

These uniquely structured activities provide self-reliance, communication, and collaboration opportunities, helping students confront and overcome their fears. Students engage in personal growth and development, feeling empowered and ready to take on new challenges while having fun.

While in the Blue Ridge Mountains, participants can prepare for the unexpected by earning a Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification. This fast-paced, hands-on training teaches skills to care for those who become ill or injured far from definitive medical care. Offered through a partnership with Landmark Learning, an accredited organization, this certification will include classroom lectures and demonstrations combined with realistic scenarios where mock patients will challenge participants to use what they've learned. After completing the WFA and CPR components, students can apply for academic credit for this certification.

Following an initial leg of the journey weighed down by heavy packs, students eagerly anticipate the transition to travel by canoe for the next phase of the course. As they make their way through the distinctive ecosystem of the Everglades National Park and the Ten Thousand Islands off the Gulf Coast, students will spend substantial time each day in tandem canoes, working as a team of two. The level of challenge varies based on the day's weather, allowing crews to glean insights into marine expedition risk assessment and management, marine route planning and navigation, and mastering paddle strokes, canoe-based rescues, equipment use, and effective collaboration with a paddling partner.

The journey ends in the Nahuel Huapi National Park, one of the world's most remote and unspoiled areas. Here, students will immerse themselves in the art of alpine trekking, honing their technical skills as they prepare to conquer an Andean peak, weather permitting. Patagonia's rich tapestry of unique flora and fauna, majestic snow-capped volcanic peaks, challenging ice slopes, and unparalleled terrain has attracted numerous scientific expeditions, including those undertaken by the renowned Charles Darwin. After extensive living in the wilderness, students will profoundly understand the relationship between teamwork and individual triumph.

It is essential to allocate time for reflection to facilitate deep learning. The "Solo" experience offers individuals a period of solitude, lasting anywhere from 30 minutes to 24 hours, providing the opportunity to immerse oneself in the tranquility of the wilderness without the distractions of everyday life. This break from the physical demands of activities allows students to partake in brief moments of quiet contemplation away from their group. Referred to as "mini-Solos," these reflective periods occur at solo sites carefully selected by Instructors to offer as much seclusion as possible, while still being within emergency whistle-signaling distance of other group members. To ensure safety, participants are equipped with all necessary supplies, including food and water, during their Solo time. Safety is always the top priority.

Outward Bound courses vary from 4 to 85 days. In shorter courses, participants will receive an introduction to leadership skills, strength of character, and a desire to serve, while activities fill up most of the time and the pace is quick. With longer courses, the same outcomes and benefits are achieved with the opportunity to reach a more profound level of mastery as there are more chances to develop technical skills, receive and implement feedback, and further personal development. However, no matter how many days the expedition lasts, the strength and impact of the experience lasts a lifetime.

Rock climbing, canoeing, and wilderness navigation techniques are excellent practices for the essential skills and habits that help prepare for new challenges at school, work, home, and the community. Outward Bound expeditions encourage students:

• to remain engaged and present, giving every challenge the best effort, even when the goal seems beyond reach.
• to form a team and focus on the team effort.
• to share responsibilities, communicate, and lead. Leadership roles are shared within the group, and responsibilities rotate each day.
• to find reserves of tenacity and compassion. Outward Bound courses are designed to expand and stretch your limits so that every expedition is a true accomplishment and a memorable journey.

Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina

The Blue Ridge Mountains, or Southern Appalachians, is one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world. While the mountains formed over 250 million years ago, some rocks underlying the region are over a billion years old. The Southern Appalachians' long geologic and evolutionary history has created one of North America's most biologically diverse regions. Some even say it is "rainforest-like." 

The Blue Ridge Mountains, with their rushing rivers, numerous waterfalls, and towering peaks, have not only captivated nature enthusiasts but also filmmakers. The region's diverse landscapes have served as the backdrop for several iconic movies, including The Hunger Games and The Last of the Mohicans.

Outward Bound students can expect to share the wilderness with over 700 kinds of trees, more than 50 types of mammals, 150 types of birds, and over 50 species of amphibians. The vast numbers of trees and plants give these mountains their namesake. Trees put the 'blue' in the Blue Ridge Mountains from the organic chemicals they release into the atmosphere, thereby contributing to the distinctive color of these mountains. Temperatures in this area range from 50 to 85 degrees in the summer, 30 to 65 degrees in the spring and fall, and 10 to 50 degrees in the winter. These regions are the ancestral lands of the Cherokee.

The Everglades and Ten Thousand Islands

The Florida Everglades is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States and the third-largest national park in the lower 48 states. The aquatic preserve is home to various wild creatures and exotic plant life. More than 350 species of birds, 300 species of fresh and saltwater fish, 40 species of mammals, and 50 reptile species live within it. Because of this, it is one of only three locations in the world to show up on the following lists: an International Biosphere Reserve, a Wetland of International Importance, and a World Heritage Site. 

The Everglades are mild and pleasant from December through April, with low humidity and clear skies. Temperatures reach average highs of 88 degrees and lows of 54 degrees. Strong cold fronts may occasionally create near-freezing conditions, but such events are rare in this subtropical climate. These regions are the ancestral lands of the Calusa, Miccosukee, and Seminole nations.

Patagonia, South America

In southern South America lies an untouched, wild, and rugged land. As one of the least populated regions in the world, Patagonia is a semi-arid plateau covering over 250,000 square miles, mainly in Argentina. This remote wilderness boasts dramatic landscapes and is famed for its adventures and adventurers. From its isolated mountain valleys and snow-clad volcanic peaks to its glaciers and waterfalls, Patagonia has few equals in lands of exploration.

Students visit the city of Bariloche (population 108,205), situated in the foothills of the Andes on the southern shores of Nahuel Huapi Lake and surrounded by the Nahuel Huapi National Park. Established in 1934 to preserve local flora and fauna, it is the oldest national park in Argentina and the largest in the region, with an area of nearly 2 million acres. These regions are the ancestral lands of the Mapuche and Tehuelche nations.