Ten Thousand Islands Canoeing for Veterans
« Back to SearchNavigate a maze of lush mangrove tunnels and swap stories with fellow veterans as you canoe through the infamous Everglades in search of adventure.
This six-day coastal canoeing course will take place in the third-largest national park in the lower 48. The Ten Thousand Islands and Everglades National Park are home to over 350 species of birds, 300 species of fish, and 40 species of mammals, including dolphins and manatees!
As a team, you will work together to navigate with tide charts and maps, explore fragile and unique ecosystems, cook and set-up camp on white sandy beaches under the stars and paddle to new areas each day within the Ten Thousand Islands. You will also learn about what makes the Ten Thousand Islands and Everglades famous worldwide, the environmental value the area adds, and how we can better take care of it.
Outside of the time spent being physically active and brushing up on your backcountry living skills, you and your crew will share stories, validate experiences and develop trust and compassion.
Please note: To reduce an extremely high cancel rate for these fully funded courses, we now require applicants to submit a $50 non-refundable Commitment Fee at time of enrollment.
If this fee is a financial barrier, please call our National Admissions Office at 866-467-7651 to request a Commitment Fee Waiver. The waiver process includes submitting a Statement of Commitment confirming your intent to follow through with this program.
Reducing revolving enrollments helps us keep our course inventory more accessible. Thank you for your cooperation.
UPCOMING COURSES
Course # NEVC-2521
Age 18 and up
Days 6
Cost $50
Dates 2/16/2025 - 2/21/2025
APPLY NOW
This means a course has several open spots and is actively processing applications.
Course # NEVC-2522
Age 18 and up
Days 6
Cost $50
Dates 3/12/2025 - 3/17/2025
APPLY NOW – Almost Full
This means there are three or fewer currently available spots left on a course. To secure your spot click Apply Now to begin an application!
APPLY NOW
This means a course has several open spots and is actively processing applications.
APPLY NOW – Almost Full
This means there are three or fewer currently available spots left on a course. To secure your spot click Apply Now to begin an application!
JOIN WAITLIST
Once a course has reached capacity, three waitlist positions become available. To join a course’s waitlist, click “Join Waitlist” to begin the application process. A $500 deposit is required. This $500 deposit includes a $150 non-refundable application fee and a $350 tuition payment. The $350 tuition payment is refundable only if you cancel your waitlist application or if an open position does not become available. If a position does become available, the applicant will be applied to the open position and the Application and Cancellation Policies of the Regional Outward Bound School will be followed, including forfeiture of the $500 deposit if you cancel 90 days or less prior to the course start date.
Waitlist applicants are encouraged to complete all required admissions documents while awaiting an open position. Positions may become available up to two weeks prior to the course start date. Applicants may only apply to one course. We recommend applying to a course with open positions instead of a course that is accepting waitlist applications. If you have questions, please call 866-467-7651 to speak with one of our Admissions Advisors.
CALL TO APPLY
This means a course is very close to its start date. Although it is unlikely to secure a spot this late, you can call the National Admissions office at 866-467-7651 to discuss your options.
COURSE IS FULL
When a course has reached maximum capacity, meaning all spots and the three waitlist spots are occupied, a course will read “Course Is Full.” This means applications are no longer being accepted.
CLOSED
As a course nears its start date, the availability status may read “Closed.” In this event, a course roster has been finalized and applications are no longer being accepted or processed.
Today I finished my very first Outward Bound experience and it was amazing! I partook in canoeing in the Florida Everglades. There was a lot of first time experiences, and to do it with a fantastic group of veterans was awesome. The fact that a complete group of strangers came together and worked with another made the experience unforgettable. There was a lot of skills I learned and a ton of laughs shared. I recommend everyone to unplug from your everyday routine and take time to experience the beauty of an Outward Bound trip!
During this course, participants can expect to spend a good deal of time each day in canoes traveling from campsite to campsite. These canoes are tandem, which are perfect for fostering collaboration and communication skills between crewmates. Depending on the weather, the level of difficulty will vary day to day. Crews will learn: marine expedition risk-assessment and management, marine route planning and navigation, paddle strokes, canoe-based rescues, equipment use, and how to work with a paddling partner.
Everglades National Park, FL
This course takes place off the west coast of southern Florida in Everglades National Park and Ten Thousand Islands national Wildlife Refuge. As the largest sub-tropical wilderness in the United States and third-largest national park in the lower 48 states, the Everglades provides a variety of precious wildlife habitat. The aquatic preserve includes more than 350 species of birds, 300 species of fresh and saltwater fish, and 40 species of mammals within its confines. Everglades National Park is one of only three locations in the world to show-up on the following lists: an International Biosphere Reserve, a Wetland of an International Importance and World Heritage Site.
This course area is in a subtropical region, with a 12-month growing season. The Florida peninsula is believed to be the last part of the continental United States to rise from the ocean, making it the youngest region geologically and only Alaska can claim a longer shoreline. 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.
Course Stories
Today I finished my very first Outward Bound experience and it was amazing! I partook in canoeing in the Florida Everglades. There was a lot of first time experiences, and to do it with a fantastic group of veterans was awesome. The fact that a complete group of strangers came together and worked with another made the experience unforgettable. There was a lot of skills I learned and a ton of laughs shared. I recommend everyone to unplug from your everyday routine and take time to experience the beauty of an Outward Bound trip!
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