Ropes Course, Sea Kayaking, Service, Rock Climbing
PROGRAM
Adult
LENGTH
Days
START LOCATION
Duluth, MN
END LOCATION
Duluth, MN
i
SKILLS
TECHNICAL
Basic Paddle Strokes
Belaying a Climber
Campcraft
Food Preparation and Cooking
Leave No Trace Methods & Ethics
Map and Compass
Natural History
Navigation
Rappelling
Tides and Currents
Water Safety and Rescue
INTERPERSONAL
Camaraderie
Character
Leadership
Positive Risk Taking
Resilience
Sense of Social Connection
Service
SHARE
Course Stories
"I have grown and challenged myself during this course and I am more focused on things I can do to challenge myself in life. I will carry this experience with me as a positive reminder on the lessons of life and the importance of challenging myself." – Zach, Voyageur Outward Bound School Alum
"What did I learn from my Outward Bound experience? Just because there's an easy way, it doesn't mean it's the one you can or should take. When it doesn't seem like there's a clear path, by pausing and looking again, new paths can appear. You are stronger and more capable than you think you are. If you can't get out of it, get into it. Living purposefully and intentionally allows me to become more fully whole and human. You can't control what others will do or what will happen to them (or to you), all you can do right now, in this very moment, is to be here right now and to enjoy it for what it is." –Daniel, Voyageur Outward Bound School Alum
"Every ritual, routine and challenge were exactly what the doctor ordered. I could not dare accomplish this without our instructors. They knew exactly when to step in with support and encouragement. It was if they were in my head and knew what I needed." – Dabney, Voyageur Outward Bound School Alum
This two-week backpacking and rock climbing course is your opportunity to explore the rugged North Shore of Lake Superior and the pristine Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area of Canada.
Build self-confidence, enhance your decision-making abilities and develop self-reliance on this exciting, challenging and introspective adventure. First, learn the art of paddling and balancing a sea kayak and complete challenging open water crossings amidst fog, waves and adverse weather conditions along the rocky, remote Canadian Superior shoreline. Rappel down to the waters of Lake Superior and ascend with newfound skills, as the course culminates with climbing on the shores of Lake Superior. Ideal for individuals looking to gain outdoor skills and embark on an impactful personal challenge, this journey through the remote and unspoiled North Woods of Minnesota and Ontario is the expedition of a lifetime.
*You will be required to have a valid passport in order to cross into Canada. If you do not have a passport or need to renew it, please start the process now as it can take weeks to receive your passport.
NOTE: For the health and safety of students and staff in the COVID-19 pandemic, students may be required to travel to course start by private transportation. Please work directly with your Course Advisor for your course for the most up-to-date and regionally-focused travel options. All students and staff must provide a current negative COVID-19 viral test result before arrival to course and/or consent to having a COVID-19 test administered at course start. Outward Bound requires students and staff to follow COVID-19 protocols for 14 days prior to course start and while traveling including physical distancing, wearing a mask in public, and frequent and thorough handwashing.For complete “Health and Safety Practices for Outward Bound Expeditions,” click here.
UPCOMING COURSES
This course is closed for the season.
Classic Adult Courses
Do you ever want to unplug, step away from the daily grind to take on new challenges? Are you ready to conquer harder skills and remind your senses (or discover for the first time) what it’s like to crest a mountain peak, hear the echoes at the edge of a vast canyon or feel the rush of white water spray on your face? Take a break from your routine, radically change your surroundings and test your tenacity. Put some “firsts” in front of you and find moments of unexpected discovery along the way. Experience Outward Bound as an adult and prepare for an injection of adventure, awareness and adaptability that sticks with you long after you unpack your backpack.
Build skills, form connections:Meet like-minded peers and make connections as you work through priorities and adventures together, learn outdoor skills at the hands of expert Instructors, and earn every good night’s sleep.
Value strengths and strengthen values: Re-discover your inner strength, renew your natural leadership abilities and practice adapting to new environments. Tap in to your trust and compassion as you tackle obstacles with a support crew standing beside you.
Demonstrate mastery:As you awaken your wilderness skills and dig deep to rise to the physical and mental challenges, the bulk of the expedition’s leadership and decision-making responsibilities transfer from the Instructor to the crew. Work together to achieve team goals, solve problems and succeed both individually and together.
What you’ll learn: Watch, try and share more difficult outdoor skills that you’ll master on your expedition. Discover and then remind yourself that there’s more in you than you know. Having taken the risks, learned from and adapted to all sorts of new situations and environments, you’re ready for whatever life hands you going forward.
Return home with newly expanded wilderness acumen, an energized outlook, a rekindled allowance of empathy into situations and relationships and an eye toward the future.
Photo courtesy
of Larry Mishkar
Sea Kayaking
Student groups travel to the Canadian north shore of Lake Superior to begin their sea kayak expedition from the Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area. Students learn the art of paddling a sea kayak in varied weather, landing the craft in a variety of conditions, as well as navigation and rescue techniques. Instructors share the secrets of handling and balancing the boat safely, regardless of the elements. Students develop paddling skills and bond as a group while traveling and camping along the rugged, rocky Superior shoreline.
Photo courtesy
of Alex Gorosh
Photo courtesy
of Theo Theobald
Photo courtesy
of David Morgan
Photo courtesy
of Theo Theobald
Photo courtesy
of David Morgan
Photo courtesy
of Theo Theobald
Photo courtesy
of David Morgan
Photo courtesy
of David Morgan
Photo courtesy
of Theo Theobald
Rock Climbing & Rappelling
During climbing days, students learn about general rock climbing equipment, safety and etiquette. Students have many opportunities to climb, belay and rappel while learning and employing safety systems that are compliant with national standards. The rock climbing sites provide a number of different route options including cracks, sheer faces and chimneys. Regardless of a student’s rock climbing background, they are sure to find a route that will expand their comfort zone.
Photo courtesy
of Theo Theobald
Photo courtesy
of Kristin Adam
Photo courtesy
of Riley Kennedy
Photo courtesy
of David Morgan
Ropes Course
Looking out over the top of the boreal forest and located 30 feet in the air, the high ropes course is incredible. Students swing from Tarzan ropes, walk on tightrope wires and climb a cargo net before jumping on the zip line for an exhilarating ride back to solid ground. This opportunity creates space for students to individually challenge themselves while being supported by their team at the end of their expedition experience.
Service
Service is a cornerstone of every Outward Bound experience. From the seemingly small daily acts of service for the environment to the regular tasks of being part of an expeditionary team, students have ample opportunities to experience the value of giving back to the larger community. On the expedition, students are encouraged to practice environmental stewardship in the form of Leave No Trace ethics — leaving campsites and trails in better condition than they found them. Students also practice regular acts of service for their team by preparing and serving meals, securing drinking water, setting up camp, and giving their crew plenty of support.
Solo
The Solo experience provides an important break from the rigors of the expedition and gives students the opportunity to reflect on their Outward Bound experience. Many students use this reflection time to make decisions about their future, journal and enjoy the beauty of their surroundings unencumbered by the constant external stimulation of modern life. The duration of Solo depends on the course length and type, as well as the competency and preparedness of the student group. With all the food, skills and supplies they need, students are given a secluded spot to reflect alone, and are monitored by staff throughout the experience to maintain safety. Students find that Solo provokes profound and powerful learning in a short period of time and often becomes one of the most memorable parts of their Outward Bound course.
Outcomes
Outward Bound courses vary in length from four to 85 days. On shorter courses, participants will receive an introduction to leadership skills, strength of character and a desire to serve while activities fill 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 many days the expedition lasts, the strength and impact of the experience lasts a lifetime.
Kayaking, rock climbing and wilderness navigation techniques are great practice for the essential skills and habits that help prepare for new challenges at work, home and in the community. Outward Bound expeditions encourage students to:
Remain engaged and present, giving every challenge their best effort, even when the goal seems beyond reach
Form a team and focus on the team effort
Share responsibilities, communicate and lead. Leadership roles are shared within the group, and responsibilities rotate each day.
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.
Photo courtesy
of Mikaela Hamilton
Course Area
Canadian Lake Superior
The largest inland sea in the world, the clear emerald green waters of Lake Superior, offer a great variety of paddling conditions for sea kayakers. The Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area is a wilderness archipelago along the Canadian north shore of Lake Superior. It is a rugged and pristine landscape of sparkling, clear water, cliffs, pebble and sand beaches and numerous islands. It is also the largest freshwater, protected marine environment in the world and an ideal destination to hone sea kayaking skills. These regions are the ancestral lands of the Anishinabewaki ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᐗᑭ and Métis nations.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
DAY 1
Course start
DAY 2
Basic rock climbing and sea kayaking skills introduction and transport to Canada
DAY 3-8
Sea kayaking expedition along the shores of Lake Superior in Canada
DAY 9
Solo
DAY 10-13
Main sea kayaking expedition and transport back to states
DAY 14-15
Personal Challenge Event, high ropes course and course end ceremonies
Course Stories
"I have grown and challenged myself during this course and I am more focused on things I can do to challenge myself in life. I will carry this experience with me as a positive reminder on the lessons of life and the importance of challenging myself." – Zach, Voyageur Outward Bound School Alum
"What did I learn from my Outward Bound experience? Just because there's an easy way, it doesn't mean it's the one you can or should take. When it doesn't seem like there's a clear path, by pausing and looking again, new paths can appear. You are stronger and more capable than you think you are. If you can't get out of it, get into it. Living purposefully and intentionally allows me to become more fully whole and human. You can't control what others will do or what will happen to them (or to you), all you can do right now, in this very moment, is to be here right now and to enjoy it for what it is." –Daniel, Voyageur Outward Bound School Alum
"Every ritual, routine and challenge were exactly what the doctor ordered. I could not dare accomplish this without our instructors. They knew exactly when to step in with support and encouragement. It was if they were in my head and knew what I needed." – Dabney, Voyageur Outward Bound School Alum
If you are ready to enroll on a course click the enroll button next to the course you wish to select or you can enroll over the phone by speaking with one of our Admissions Advisors (toll-free) at 866-467-7651.
To secure your spot on a course you must submit an enrollment form and $500 deposit that is applied toward the total cost of the course and includes a $150 non-refundable enrollment processing fee.