A typical day involves rising with the sun, making breakfast, packing up camp and having a crew meeting. Your activities during the day will depend on which course you've chosen - you may be hiking, climbing, rafting, mountaineering, kayaking, or participating in a number of similar activities. Once you reach your new campsite, group members will divide chores to get food cooked and camp set up. After dinner you may meet to address the next day’s plans or to talk and hang out with your crew before crawling into your sleeping bag for a well-deserved rest.
How do the instructors prepare for the courses?
NWOBS instructors receive regular training in the outdoor activities and environments in which we run our courses. In addition to meeting state and federal requirements for their positions, all instructors are certified Wilderness First Responders; some are Wilderness Emergency Medical Technicians, or equivalent. Outward Bound staff are trained to identify, assess and approach risk as a learning tool, to be managed but not eliminated. They anticipate and teach the management of the risks inherent in travel in remote areas. Instructors work in teams of two or three, teaching six to ten students.
We supply all necessary equipment. You need to bring only personal clothing and footwear. See packing list for specific instructions. If you already own some equipment and would prefer to use it for your course please check your packing list as to what is appropriate. If you bring your own equipment it will be inspected by your instructor at the beginning of your course. If it does not meet our standards you can store it in a secure location during your course. You will not be able to purchase supplies while on course. All the equipment issued to you and your patrol must be returned. You and your group will be charged for any equipment that you lose or damage.
Can you accommodate my food allergy or special diet?
We can easily accommodate vegetarians and with prior notice we can arrange to have some form of accommodation for vegans as well as people with certain food allergies. If you have any special dietary restrictions (nut allergies, lactose intolerance, wheat allergy etc.), please contact Student Services immediately so that we can try to accommodate your specific needs. We are unable to accommodate all special dietary needs. Please note that we may ask you to bring some of your own foods at your expense and that extreme food allergies will be considered on a case by case basis with an emphasis on evaluating the risk of traveling in a remote setting.
Can I receive mail and contact my family while on course?
For longer courses, you can receive mail! Students on courses over 22 days will have opportunities to receive letters every 7 - 14 days.
Aside from receiving letters, we operate on a “no news is good news” basis. This means family members typically will not hear from us nor receive updates during the course. Course instructors check in with the base camp regularly via satellite phone. Important news regarding student safety or health will be relayed to your family immediately.
Where will I sleep?
Outward Bound utilizes tarps or tents for our courses. Sleeping shelters vary based on the location of your course. You may also spend the first and last night at our basecamp, depending on weather conditions.
What will I eat?
The menu is largely vegetarian, with lots of grains, pasta, cheese, beans and nuts. Meat is heavy and spoils easily, but we occasionally eat tuna and canned chicken if cans are permitted in the wilderness area. Our diet will have more fats and protein (depending on the season and the environment) than what you are accustomed to. To prepare, we suggest that you cut down on soft drinks, caffeine and junk food. Start eating well-balanced meals, drink plenty of water and commit to a training program.
Will I be able to take a shower?
We will make sure you get a shower prior to your departure for home, but they will not be available on your course itself. Some base camps have showers available at course end, others will offer privacy and a bucket to get you clean enough to make it home. A common misconception about the backcountry is that you have to be dirty all of the time. Not true—it is entirely possible to stay clean. Your instructors will demonstrate bathing options and explain more about backcountry hygiene when you arrive. You will also learn how to dispose of human waste in latrines, “cat holes” or other wilderness-appropriate facilities. All courses carry some sort of hand-washing system as well.
Should I bring contacts or glasses on course?
Either glasses or contact lenses are acceptable on course. Sterile lens care is difficult on the trail, and because of this, their use is not encouraged. In winter it can be especially challenging. Whether you wear contacts or glasses, you must bring an extra pair.
What happens with my prescription medications while on course?
Please bring your prescription medications and non-prescription medications in separate, labeled, non-breakable, waterproof containers. People with prescription inhalers and epinephrine injections must also bring and carry their own medications. Participants who would suffer severe consequences if they were to miss a dose of medication due to damage or loss should bring back-up doses of that medication. All prescription medications must be disclosed to Student Services prior to course start.
Can I bring a camera?
Please bring your camera if you want to record the events of your course - limited to a small point and shoot camera. Because our courses are rigorous, you run the risk of losing or damaging your camera. This rarely happens, but we want to remind you that the possibility exists. You might want to consider purchasing a waterproof bag (ziplock) for your camera and accessories.
What happens to my belongings while on course?
Space will be available for storing luggage, excess clothing and valuables (watches, wallets).
Please leave jewelry at home.
Do I need to bring money for my course?
You do not need any money while on course. However, you are responsible for all incidental costs associated with getting to and from the course start. For example, meals along the road are your responsibility. The only other costs could be charges for lost/damaged equipment. Plan on bringing around $50.
What about iPods, MP3 players, Cell Phones, Personal Computers?
You are more than welcome to travel to and from your course with this equipment. Once you arrive we will ask you to leave it all in your luggage as you are not allowed to take it on your course.
Is Northwest Outward Bound a Wilderness Therapy Program?
No! We do not provide therapy on our courses, and students who are currently or have recently (within 3 months) experienced significant mental health challenges are probably not ready for an Outward Bound course. We are taking students into new environments and routines with new people, teaching them new skills, and providing challenges to overcome. While on course, they will not communicate with friends, family, mentors, or mental health counselors. The typical progression for students who have experienced significant mental health challenges (substance addiction, suicidal ideation, self-harm, abuse, recent medication changes, or other significant challenges) is to first participate in in-patient therapy, wilderness therapy, outpatient therapy, and then an Outward Bound course if they so desire.
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