Outward Bound spring break courses offer a chance to unwind, grow personally and ultimately re-energize for the changing of the seasons. You don’t need to be a high school or college student to experience an epic spring break either. Our courses are for every age group. Experience canyoneering in Utah, dog sledding in the Boundary Waters, rock climbing in California and much more with Outward Bound. Where will you go?

Each region of the U.S. has a different spring break adventure, so here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Canyoneering in the Southwest

Photo taken on a Southwest Canyoneering Expedition for Adults by Kim Reynolds.

Does traveling to one of the most historically unique and impressive landscapes in the continental U.S. excite you? Travel to Utah and find yourself deep in canyon country. Learn to navigate the narrows of a twisted sandstone waterway with your crewmates by your side. Your expert Instructors will show you the basics of desert travel, rappelling and technical canyon descents. As you dig deep to overcome the physical and mental challenges you’ll experience throughout the week, you’ll discover you have adapted to new situations and environments and return home with more resilience.

“Sometimes we settle for what we have because we don’t know what’s out there. These experiences give us a taste of what’s out there in the world: opportunity and perseverance.” – Stacy E., Outward Bound Alum

Southwest Canyoneering for Adults
Date: 7 days, starts 3/12/18
Ages: 17+
Now offering $100 off!

2. Sea Kayaking in the Florida Everglades

Ten Thousand Islands Sea Kayaking for Adults

The feel of the open water and the luminescent sunrises while sea kayaking cannot be beat. Take a breath, pack only what you need, and load it all into the hull of a sea kayak. Your Instructors will help you and your team learn to navigate through the Florida Everglades, one of the most unique bioregions in the country. You will kayak through a maze of mangroves, water and sandy beaches all while learning how to read tide charts, travel safely in a pod and paddle close to wildlife such as dolphins and manatees. If you are needing a fresh outlook in life, this course is the perfect opportunity to focus on your self awareness and learn empathy and compassion for others.

“In fielding a lot of questions along the lines of, ‘Why on Earth would you want to do something like that?’ I was able to answer easily…’for the experience. While the brain craves order and finds comfort in patterns, it’s critical and healthy to throw ourselves for a loop every now and again, lest we find ourselves in a rut.’ I once read that the only difference between a rut and a grave is its depth. A rather ominous warning, don’t you think? These kinds of experiences provide time and space to see what’s working, what might need some tweaking and what needs eliminating. It is most excellent time spent getting to ‘know thyself.” – Cathia F., Outward Bound Alum

Ten Thousand Islands Sea Kayaking for Adults
Date: 7 days, starts 3/12/18
Ages: 18+
Now offering $200 off!

3. Rock Climbing in Oregon

Photo taken on an Oregon Smith Rock Climbing & Yoga for Women expedition.

Travel to central Oregon for a week-long rock climbing and yoga course, where you’ll be immersed in an empowering environment with other like-minded women. You’ll explore Smith Rock: a world-class climbing crag that follows the Crooked River canyon. Learn climbing techniques and step outside of your comfort zone. Each morning you’ll incorporate breath, balance and focus into the start of your day with a yoga class taught by a Yoga Alliance certified Instructor.

Oregon Smith Rock Climbing and Yoga for Women
Dates: 6 days, starts 3/25/18
Ages: 23+

4. Backpacking and Rock Climbing in California

Photo taken on a Joshua Tree Backpacking & Rock Climbing for Adults expedition.

Spring is the best time to visit the desert in sunny Southern California. You will travel to some remote and rugged places in Joshua Tree National Park, spending the first few days learning how to rock climb and rappel on monolithic domes. Then, you will continue your journey, hiking away from the crags and into the beautiful maze of blooming Joshua Trees, cacti and glittering rocks. Potentially, you will see remnants of mining activity or American Indian dwellings on your journey. At night, you will sleep under the stars, or beneath a tarp you learn to pitch yourself! This course offers a chance to focus on your leadership skills while you navigate challenges throughout the week with your crew.

“The highlight of the trip was my experience with the other group members. I had no idea I could bond so much with strangers from around the country in that short amount of time. To have a meaningful and positive experience with someone, you don’t even need to have anything in common. I connected to every single person I was with.” – Owen F., Outward Bound Alum

Joshua Tree Backpacking and Rock Climbing for Adults
Date: 7 days, starts 4/2/18
Ages: 18+

5. Dog Sledding in the Boundary Waters

Photo taken on a Boundary Waters Dog Sledding & Cross Country Skiing for Adults expedition. Photo courtesy of Kate Samp.

Snow camping isn’t all about battling the elements and staying warm. You get to transform the environment just as much as it transforms you. Snow is moldable, forgiving and a fair teacher. You will have the opportunity to form connections with your crew (dogs and humans alike) as you take care of yourself and each other in a demanding environment. Soon you will add to your resume skills such as cross country skiing, dog mushing and navigating over frozen lakes and rivers.

“This was the toughest, coolest, hardest and most introspective experience I have ever had. Some positive highlights of my course were cross country skiing all day to push through and avoid the rain. My Solo was also a highlight. Overcoming fears about my fire going out, being prepared and so on. As well as pushing myself to exhaustion and learning that I know I can accomplish what I put my mind to.” – Josh, Outward Bound Alum

Boundary Waters Dog Sledding & Cross Country Skiing for Adults
Date: 8 days, starts 3/3/18
Ages: 45+

Date: 8 days, starts 3/10/18 & 3/17/18
Ages: 18+
Now offering $100 off!

6. Backpacking and Rock Climbing in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Photo taken on a Blue Ridge Mountains Backpacking & Rock Climbing for Adults expedition.

Spend several days backpacking with your crew in the North Carolina’s Pisgah National Forest. You will work together to set up camp and navigate through the temperate rainforest of the Blue Ridge Mountains each day. On the final day, learn new physical skills as you rock climb in one of North Carolina’s best rock climbing areas: Table Rock. This course helps you to live in the moment as you are immersed in new environments full of challenges and adventure.

Blue Ridge Mountains Backpacking & Rock Climbing for Adults
Dates: 4 days, starts 4/12/18 & 4/19/18
Ages: 23+

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Not sure if these courses are right for you? Take a minute to check out all our spring course offerings this year. Our course specialists can help you choose the perfect spring expedition to fit your timeframe and desired goals for this year. Give them a call at 866-467-7651.

Now that you’re envisioning your perfect spring break, picture that you’ve just come back and are reunited with your friends and family, swapping tales. You patiently listen to stories about a family cruise, visits to the in-laws and quality Netflix catch-up time. When it’s your turn, you say, “Ever spent a week rock climbing, counting the Golden Eagles as they fly by and sleeping under the stars with ten strangers who are now your good friends?”

Whatever you choose for your spring adventure this year know that an Outward Bound course is a chance to grow personally and ultimately re-energize. You can take charge of your story, so make it something you are proud to share!

About the Author

Kate Samp is an Instructor for the Northwest Outward Bound School. She loves climbing mountains, yoga and whitewater rafting. She writes from her home in Bend, Oregon.