Outward Bound

outwardbound @ 2008-03-12T20:20:00

2008-03-13T01:20:38Z

Anybody from around Alabama going on a course this summer?

outwardbound @ 2008-03-04T23:56:00

2008-03-05T06:01:59Z

HELLO EVERYONE!!! I am going on the Appalachian Mountains Backpacking, Rock Climbing, and Whitewater Canoeing trip this June. Anybody out there going too?????Anybody already been on this trip? Any tips?

NFO861 Appalachian Mountains Backpacking, Rock Climbing & Whitewater Canoeing

Activities:	backpacking, whitewater canoeing (Class I-III rapids, tandem canoes), rock climbing including multi-pitch climb, Leave No Trace, solo, service project, personal challenge event, final expedition
Location:
Age Range:	18+	Special Focus:	Adults 18+, 23+
Length:	28 days	Financial Aid:	Yes
Tuition:	$3945.00	Transp. Fee:	$100.00

Start Date:	06/06/08	Start Time:	1:30 PM
Start Location:	Asheville Regional Airport, Asheville, NC
End Date:	07/03/08	End Time:	12:45 PM
End Location:	Asheville Regional Airport, Asheville. NC
Prerequisites:	No prior experience necessary, however, physical fitness is essential, therefore an exercise regiment before course begins for preparation is highly recommended.

outwardbound @ 2007-06-24T22:38:00

2007-06-25T03:39:27Z

I am 17 years old and about to go on my first outward bound program. The program is outward bound canada in bay of fundy...I have never gone back packing or really hiked before. I signed up because my parens recommended it and I am always up for a challenge. I have no idea what to expect and Im scared to death! Any advice or words of encouragment would be greatly appreciated...

outwardbound @ 2007-06-16T19:39:00

2007-06-17T00:47:29Z

Hey guys,
I know this community hasn't been written in for a while, but just in case you guys are still reading...
I'm leaving for my first outward bound course in one week, and I am absolutely terrified. Like, so, so scared. I'm not an athlete, I'm in alright shape... I mean, I've been working out everyday for the last few weeks, but I'm not gonna lie; I don't feel completely ready. I know there's not much I can do this late to make sure I'm in the best shape I can be, but is there any advice you guys can give me on how to be prepared? I'm going backpacking in Maine for three weeks. Is there anything you guys recommend bringing? Secrets? Tips?
Alright. Thaanks.

what to expect

2006-07-28T22:50:39Z

Hey everyone, it's me again.
My course is starting on Tuesday. what should i expect once i meet up with the rest of the group at the airport? will we driving on a bus and dropping off our bags somewhere? will there be lockers or someplace to put the stuff i don't need for my course (snacks for the airplane ride, books, etc)? Also, what will we do if it rains? are there tarps or ponchos to cover us up? I don't want to get hit by lightening or anything...

First Outward Bound Course

2006-07-15T06:43:24Z

Soo...I'm sixteen, and am venturing off to my first Outward Bound course in three days. The course is 22 days; Boundary Waters is what it's called. I'm terrified.

Will I die?
What should I expect?

Any/all help appreciated =)

outwardbound @ 2006-07-02T20:43:00

2006-07-03T00:43:47Z

Hey guys,
I'm going to go on a week-long rock climbing course. I specifically joined Live Journal so I could talk to you guys abo I have some questions.

1)Is it ok if my bug spray is only 7% DEET? I've read past comments that said to have atleast 50% DEET.
2) How many pairs of socks should I bring? Wool socks are so thick and hot...I don't know if they will get all sweaty.
3) Does anyone know what the temperature will be like in the Appalacian mountains? I don't know if mountain temperatures are colder or warmer than ground temperature and I don't know what to expect.
4)The clothing list says "1 medium-weight synthetic long underwear top & bottom". Is that the same thing as thermos, the stuff you wear when skiing?

I can't wait to go. It should be really exciting!

outwardbound @ 2006-06-27T22:48:00

2006-06-28T03:00:08Z

Hi everyone! My name is Kayla and I'm currently 19 years old, a sophmore in college. I just got the Outward Bound magazine in the mail a few days ago, and I've wanted to go ever since I was old enough, but never got the chance. Well I'm trying to figure out the next three years of my life, and the prospect of another summer of a boring, meaningless full time job is not enticing. I'm interested in attending a backpacking or mountaineering course next summer (2007) thats around 2-3 weeks long. So here's what I want to know:
1. I'm in reasonably good shape and have okay stamina, but I'm no track star, and I have mild athletic-induced asthama. Would I be behind?
2. How much, besides tuition, does it cost to go on the courses including airfare, clothing, equpiment, etc. I understand there are scholarships, but if you don't mind answering how much the total cost came to, I'd be grateful.
3. Was it worth it? I understand this may seem a silly question to most, seeing as almost everyone thinks it was, but I want an honest opinion away from the magazine.
Thanks so much! Hope everyone is having a great summer!

outwardbound @ 2006-06-14T20:40:00

2006-06-15T00:41:49Z

I have finally been approved to go on my course. Ah. this one.

So, what's the difference between mountaineering and backpacking? I really don't know what to expect on this course. Has anyone been on a similar one?

outwardbound @ 2006-05-19T13:20:00

2006-05-19T17:20:33Z

I'M DOING ANOTHER OUTWARD BOUND COURSE THIS SUMMER.

It's kinda exciting. Also, it will be my third.

Any thoughts on it?

WOOOOOOOT!!!!

Outward Bound Malaysia

2006-04-09T23:59:31Z

Hey, there.. I'm not from US, but I thought I'd join anyway, since this is an OB community. I'm from Malaysia, and I've been twice to Outward Bound Lumut, Malaysia.

Notice my user pic? That's the kayak expedition in one of the course in January 2006 that I went to.

Oh and before I forget, take a look here for more photos of the course:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kimmk/sets/72057594055474586/

outwardbound @ 2005-08-02T23:21:00

2005-08-03T03:22:42Z

Hey all, newbie here :) I'm Jackie. I'm 17 years old and going into my senior year of high school.

I recently returned from a backpacking trip in Wyoming with a camp called Spring Hill, and had the best time of my entire life. Unfortunately, I chose to do this trip a little later than most, and as I will be 18 next summer and going into my freshman year of college, I do not have a chance to repeat it with the same organization. At first I was really upset; I am, as I'm sure many of you understand, going through some crazy withdrawal from the mountains, the stars, and the companionship that one gets from these kind of trips. But then I heard about Outward Bound, and I've been looking at a lot of stuff on the website for the past couple of days.

Soooo I have some questions.

First and foremost, scholarships. I realize that many of the scholarships OB gives are need based. But what if a student who, for the most part is financially supported by his/her parents has to pay for the trip themselves? Can that be covered in the scholarship applications? Obviously college is a financial strain on most. How much is OB usually willing to give?

Also, since I will be 18 next summer, would it be better to go on a trip geared towards 16-19 year olds or 18+? I realize that this would differ from person to person, but general opinions would be appreciated.

I'm currently most interested in the 14 day Colorado backpacking trip. Either that or the 21 day mountaineering. Both sound soooo amazing. Ahh I love the mountains :)

Hope everyone is having an awesome summer
♥ Jackie

Hello!

2005-07-29T04:35:34Z

Hi!
I just joined here, and I am attending my first Outward Bound trip up the Sierra mountains on Sunday. To say the least, I'm a bit nervous. I haven't exactly followed the 8-week regiment, and though I am generally a pretty active person, this is a totally new experience for me. I climbed a pretty steep hill maybe 15 times a day in my hiking boots, but other than that and Lacrosse, I haven't really been physically preparing for the trek.
So first of all, I wanted to see if anyone here is going on the trip, and if anyone has any advice for me on this. I'm starting to get a bit more nervous, as I realized that I leave in only 3 days... *panic!*

Thanx a ton!

wopt

Hello!

2005-07-29T04:33:52Z

Do you teach outdoor education?

2005-06-02T15:15:35Z

There is a new community for people who teach outdoor education:

outdoor_ed

If you work at a summer camp year round, you are also welcome.

If this is not allowed moderators - please delete this post.

Cross posted at: camp_is_love, camp_staff, campskits, campsongs, educators, and teaching

outwardbound @ 2005-05-26T22:33:00

2005-05-26T21:40:10Z

I have done 2 outward bound courses (so far). My first one was a taster week with my shcool to Aberdyfi, Wales when I was 13. After that very short week I couldn't wait to do more. My second course was the 3 week Classic course (English version because the USA version seems to be different) at Ullswater in the english Lake District when I was 16. I'm hopefully going to a reunion at Ullswater in september and can't wait to relive some of the amazing memories.

The courses in England seem to be shorter than everywhere else, the 3 week one I did is the longest on offer I think. The activities seem to be more varied too with the specific courses eg climbing only lasting a week or 2.

One day I would like to do a course at one of the international centres. Ideally I would also like to become an instructor at some point.

outwardbound @ 2005-05-16T17:46:00

2005-05-16T21:48:13Z

Hi, I'm Tara and I'm going on an Outward Bound (through GS, they call it a Destination...yea). I'm going to be kayaking in the Apostle Islands WI for about a week this summer. I was just wondering for any advice, that would be great. Thanks :)

NOLS

2005-05-01T01:19:42Z

Hey ya'll I'm new here. I'm a 17 year old girl in Atlanta, GA, and this summer I'm going on the Nols wind river wilderness course for 16 and 17 yr olds starting on June 30. Just wondering if there is anyone here going on it? It'd be cool to get in touch. I'm incredibly excited about the course but also nervous- anyone done it? Any particular advice?

hello hello

2005-04-30T02:01:16Z

I am a first-time outdoors person, and I'm enrolled in the NOLS Wind River Course. I was wondering about 3 things: equipment, health, and physical fitness.

1. Equipment. I don't own any. Better to just buy everything myself (as outlined by the NOLS equiment suggestion list) or just rent? What are the downsides of renting?

2. I don't really run or do anything needing endurance, but I do have lots of muscle, for some odd reason. Which should I work on more? Starting out, what were the biggest physical obstacles?

3. Did anyone get hurt? What was the most severe injury around? What are the risks (really?)?

PS: did you return much fitter (your first time)? Did being in the program help develop your self-control or self-discipline?

outwardbound @ 2005-04-19T18:02:00

2005-04-19T22:05:03Z

Hey everyone. I did an outward bound course in Colorado almost three years ago, I'm not sure, but I just found this community :). The course I went on was a 28-day mountaineering XT/ rockclimbing one or something like that. This summer though, I'm going to be doing something simaler to OB, called BOSS (Boulder Outdoor Survival School). Then it's off to college, I'm excited.

Alumni

2005-03-07T18:49:20Z

Hey my name is Paige. I took a classic coarse with North Carolina Outward Bound in the summer of 2002. My course number was NJR322. I've got to say those 21 days were a major part of my life, an experience I'm glad to have. I'd like to take another coarse in the future but I have no plans for it yet

NOLS

2005-02-01T18:49:39Z

i am considering doing a Rock Climbing NOLS trip this summer for college credit and my own benefit.
i have been climbing before and i am probably an intermiediate climber----- anyways my only problem is, is that i have only been camping once in my life, and have a huge anxiety about back packing around for 21 days.
lets face the facts, i've lived with plumbing my whole life and being without it sounds difficult. i mean i have a hard enough time peeing outside, taking a crap has got to be worse.

ahem.

anyways, so as a complete newbie to the outdoors-- would NOLS be good for me?

Summer 2004 HIOBS alum

2004-12-01T03:27:26Z

I just discovered this community and I'm pretty excited about it. I returned from my Hurricane Island Outward Bound semester trip to Europe (hiking in the Alps followed by tall ship sailing from England to the Canary Islands) less than a month ago. If anyone's interested, I've got pictures at

http://www.geocities.com/susannemcdowell/outwardbound/outwardbound.html

When my trip was over and I returned to my "real" life, I felt homesick all the time...homesick for the mountains and the wilderness. Before the adventure I would've told anyone that I'm more of a city girl than anything else. But in the middle of it I realized that it was quite the opposite: I'd fallen in love with nature and simplicity and walking all day long with a heavy pack on my back. "Civilization" completely overwhelmed me the first time that I found myself re-immersed in it. I'm still overwhelmed, really. It's hard: in many ways, it's much more challenging than any of the obstacles that I faced during those eight weeks in Europe. Every day I think about how I can apply what I learned to what I'm doing now, and I remind myself that the goal of O.B. is not to churn out reclusive mountain people...it's to provide us with skills and values that will allow us to better function in life (even if it's a life filled with strip malls and traffic jams).

But would I go back tomorrow if I could? You bet. :) And in fact I've applied to be an O.B. assistant instructor for HIOBS this summer.

I'd love to hear about other people's experiences! Have a great day/week.