I took a 14-day backpacking and canoeing youth course that lasted from June 10 to June 23, 2014.
Why did you decide to take an Outward Bound course?
I decided to take an Outward Bound course because I wanted a challenge. I wanted to push myself physically and overcome situations that were socially and emotionally difficult for me. I was able to not only challenge myself physically during course but also, because I was one of the more physically fit students, I was able to help others who struggled more than me which was not something that I was expecting coming into course. That provided an opportunity for personal growth as a leader and motivator. I was also able to challenge myself to speak up and make my voice heard and also become more socially competent, which are two things that I struggle with. There were times that I was at very low emotional points on course which forced me to teach myself strategies for pushing through those tough times. I also wanted to learn wilderness skills and learn new things about myself, both of which I accomplished.
How did you feel before your program began?
Before course start, I was excited but a bit nervous, too. Even though I had read through the course overview and had my questions answered over the phone a few weeks before I came on course, I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect. Obviously as course started I began to gain a better idea of what it would look like. I wasn’t nervous about anything specific, just about the looming question of what was truly to come.
What was your favorite part of your program?
One of my favorite moments on course was reaching the top of the rock wall on my final climb of the day. I had climbed twice before my last climb and had not reached the top of the rope. It was frustrating to me because I set the goal for myself of reaching the top and had failed twice so far. There were three different climbs and I had already tried two, so this was my last chance. I was especially frustrated because, as I belayed other climbers, I watched all of them (what seemed like all, but in reality was not quite) scurry right up the wall, making it look easy. I thought, “Why can’t I do that?”. I started on my last climb, determined. There were two or three places along the way where I thought I was going to get stuck, like I had previously, but I took a deep breath, collected myself, and hoisted myself to the next hold. It was a physical and mental challenge, but kissing the chain at the apex of the rock face was one of my highest emotional points on course. It was a feeling of accomplishment and pushing through adversity to reach my goal.
Any funny moments?
There are certainly some funny inside jokes that were thrown around camp with some frequency during course, but that you would only understand if you were there, and would take some telling.
How did you feel at the end of your program?
At the end of the course I felt accomplished and more competent. I could look back at the mountains I climbed and bushwhacked through, the long days of paddling in the scorching sun and pouring rain and also the emotional struggles that I went through. I also learned more about myself and took away some valuable lessons, like being more grateful for things that I took for granted, for example, having a roof over my head and easy access to things like water, food and a shower.
Would you recommend a HIOBS backpacking program to others?
I would recommend this course to anyone and everyone. In the moment, it isn’t always the most fun you have ever had, but I don’t think it is designed to be. Much of the learning during a course comes in times when you have to push yourself through any form of a struggle, but at the end of the day and the end of course, there is a lot to take away. There are skills to be learned, and you can also learn a lot about yourself when you spend a considerable amount of time with only the necessary possessions and in the middle of the wilderness. You aren’t distracted and can really spend time with yourself, something that rarely happens in today’s society.
Tell us more about yourself!
I come from Peterborough, New Hampshire and am a day student at the nearby private school, Dublin School in Dublin, New Hampshire. There, I play soccer, basketball and I row. I also play the drums and piano. During the summer I swim on the team in my town. I will be a sophomore next year at Dublin. During my free time I like to listen to and/or play music, play basketball or hang out with friends.