No two Outward Bound expeditions are the same. If you ask alumni what their expeditions were like, you might get responses filled with half-explained inside jokes and memories that include both laughing and crying with a group of strangers that are now the closest of friends. This reaction is what we strive for. Part of what makes an Outward Bound expedition so meaningful are these intangible experiences- the personal triumph, reflection and unique memories that stick with you forever.
What are the building blocks of an expedition that string together these unique experiences? Here’s a breakdown of days that take place during a 7-day alpine backpacking course. The memories, personal growth and sometimes ridiculous antics are up to you and your crew to create and make this life-changing experience completely your own.
Day 1: Pushing Your Comfort Zone
Students find their comfort zones on day 1. Photo by Skye Pauly
A key part of being “Outward Bounded” is pushing your limits to learn that there is more in you than you know. Here, students discuss their comfort, learning and panic “zones” and what their fears are going into course. This helps identify common fears among the group as well as framing a bit of fear as being a healthy, even necessary, experience on the road to growth.
Day 2: Technical Skills
Students learn and begin to practice technical skills on day 2. Photo by Skye Pauly
Instructors demonstrate proper high-ropes transfer procedure and have students practice with their partners. This is just the first aspect of responsibility transferring from Instructor to student. Students will check each other as they progress through and transfer between objectives on the ropes course. This placing of responsibility will increase as students prove themselves in-field during course.
Day 3: Rock Climbing
Students climb high up granite faces on day 3. Photo by Skye Pauly
Students take on further responsibility by belaying and encouraging each other, as peers push themselves on granite walls. Belaying stresses attention-to-detail and methodical practice. Climbing requires students to muster up courage to give it all they’ve got and reinforces the trust in their peers to have their backs and to “catch” them should they fall.
Day 4: Navigation
Students learn to navigate on day 4. Photo by Skye Pauly
Instructors work to teach students aspects of navigation and orienteering. Establishing this understanding early on in the course is vital. As the course progresses students will be taking the reins from their Instructors to lead their peers towards daily destinations and guide the group through difficult terrain.
Day 5: Backpacking
Students backpack in the Colorado Rockies on day 5. Photo by Skye Pauly
Students encounter increasingly difficult terrain as they demonstrate proficiency in the orienteering and camp-craft skills they have been taught. However, Outward Bound ideals must also be embodied and instilled in order for students to rise up against challenges and trials that may surface—such as weather and unforeseen obstacles.
Day 6: The Summit
Students celebrate at the summit on day 6. Photo by Skye Pauly
Weather and motivation in the right proportions allows students to ascend to the peak of Bald Mountain at 12,136 ft. Peak days require a lot—from alpine starts to tenacity in the pursuit of something larger than yourself. Students take in the views and celebrate a hard morning’s work to get to the top.
Day 7: Run & Dip
Student cools off in a stream on day 7. Photo by Skye Pauly
After multiple days of hiking and a handful of peak attempts, students can take a much needed break and sooth their feet in a Colorado stream—running chilly with summer snow melt. With so many lessons under their belt, they’ve earned the opportunity to stop and give thanks to their body for helping them do so much in so few days.
To experience the transformative power of our expeditions for yourself, visit www.outwardbound.org or call 866.467.7651 to speak with an Admissions Advisor today. With a rich selection of expeditions, a wide variety of age groups, stunning locations across the country, and courses that run throughout the year, there’s an Outward Bound expedition for everyone.
