Northwest Outward Bound School (NWOBS) wilderness courses range from 3-day skill building programs to 3-month semester programs with the goal of changing lives through challenge and discovery. The wilderness environments in which our expeditions take place are challenging, remote and rugged.

The health and safety of our students and staff are a top priority, along with the quality of the course experience for all participants. To achieve essential group outcomes, individuals on each course must be fully capable of and committed to learning and using wilderness skills, meeting physical and social challenges, and taking care of themselves and each other.

NWOBS values diversity and a positive learning environment but does not specialize in experiences for people with disabilities or with significant mental, emotional or behavioral challenges. NWOBS instructors are not therapists and are not trained in adaptive wilderness or integrative teaching skills.

The Essential Eligibility Criteria are applied to all students on expedition-based NWOBS courses. A qualified person meets both the general criteria for NWOBS and the criteria for the specific program activities and program areas. If an applicant does not meet specific criteria, NWOBS might be able to accommodate an applicant unless it significantly alters the fundamental nature of the course activity, jeopardizes the health and safety of NWOBS students or staff, or places an undue administrative or financial burden on NWOBS. 

The following list is not exhaustive. For any questions regarding specific requirements, please contact a Washington or Oregon Course Advisor.