Call us:
855-802-0307
Email us:
[email protected]
Your course focuses on wilderness expedition skills. In the mountains, you will learn map reading, cooking, how to load and adjust your pack, foot care, hydration, knots and, most importantly, leadership and teamwork. Backpacking is a great combination of team and individual elements. The mountains of Maine are rugged, wooded, and will at times be muddy and steep, making it necessary to “spot” and coach each other through difficult terrain. At times you will travel on wilderness footpaths, at others, you will navigate off-trail. From mountain peaks, if the weather cooperates, you will be rewarded with spectacular views. Living and traveling with just what you can carry on your back is a simple existence, in which small choices can make deceptively great differences. To live well in the outdoors, all crew members must share the chores that turn a camp into a home, including setting up tents and tarps, making a kitchen area, taking a turn fetching water, and cooking satisfying meals.
The 30-foot open sailboat is your home and classroom. These seaworthy boats are rigged to take full advantage of the power of Maine coastal winds, and when the winds do not cooperate, the boats can be rowed by two or four people pulling on oars. At night the boat will be configured as a sleeping platform and you and your watch mates will take turns at anchor watch under brilliant night skies. Underway, you will learn to set your sails properly for sailing at different angles to the wind, and to anticipate and respond to changes in weather. As you practice rowing, you will discover that by coordinating all of the rower’s movements so that the oars splash as one, you halve the effort it takes to travel on windless days. You will learn to navigate using a chart and compass across open water and among the bold granite islands, concentrating on the environment around you.
During your course you may spend a day rock climbing on one of this area’s many granite cliffs or on our ropes course at the Outward Bound basecamp. You will learn to use climbing equipment, tie knots, climb and belay each other, while instructors provide overall supervision of the site. Climbing gives you a chance to practice your balance, coordination, and flexibility as well as the group’s ability to trust and encourage each other.
Service projects are often incorporated into Outward Bound courses through coordination with local land managers, conservation groups, government agencies or social service agencies. While in the wilderness, students are encouraged to practice service to the environment and their team by sharing responsibilities and following Recreate Responsibly ethics throughout the expedition.
The solo experience is a standard element of Outward Bound courses. With sufficient food and equipment, you will set up camp at a site on your own. The solo will last anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on the length of your course. Your solo site is chosen to offer as much solitude as possible, yet be within hearing distance of other group members. You will not travel during this time alone, and your instructors will check on you occasionally. The solitude and break from the fast pace of your expedition allows for rest and personal reflection, which is necessary to make the most of your experience.
Our courses end with a Personal Challenge Event, an individual final physical push. These events might take the form of a running, rowing or swimming activity, or it may be a combination of the three. This event is a chance to finish your Outward Bound Experience with a true personal challenge where you can own all of your decisions and efforts in contrast to the time you have spent operating within an expedition team.
Backpacking
Open Boat Sailing Skills
Rock Climbing (weather dependent)
Expedition Skills
Group Dynamics
The essential goal of any Outward Bound course is for the students to learn autonomy. Our expedition curriculum supports this happening in a progressive way.
During the first third of a course (a phase called “training expedition”), the instructors are very present in the group. They teach outdoor skills, the technical aspects of the activities and guide the students as they form a team.
In the middle third of the course (what we call the “main expedition”), the instructors take a step back so students may step forward. Students begin to teach what they’ve already learned to each other, and experiment with applying basic skills to bigger challenges. The instructors continue to coach and support as the students practice leadership roles. When the group meets a particular situation, environment or activity they haven’t learned about before, the instructors jump back in and teach. Each time this happens, the group reaches competency more quickly.
By the last third of the course (the “final expedition”), students are the stars of the show. They are applying what they know, leading each other, setting goals, and solving problems collaboratively. The instructors are close by and ready to step back in to prevent a safety issue from occurring but will let students find their own resiliency when they make mistakes, and ensure they feel the full spotlight of success when they meet their goals.
The mountains of western Maine and northern New Hampshire comprise the northern end of the Appalachian mountain range. Within this region, the White Mountain National Forest, the Appalachian Trail, the Carter-Mahoosuc Range, the Hundred-Mile Wilderness, the Grafton Loop Trail, Bigelow Preserve, and the Caribou-Speckled Mountain Wilderness all offer classic backpacking terrain. These spruce-fir and hardwood forests are home to hundreds of species of birds as well as moose, deer, and black bear. Rushing waterfalls, clear twisting streams, and spectacular views from rocky summits reward backpackers ready for adventure.
Your course area along the coast of Maine, with its intricate and indented shoreline, is a unique segment of the North Atlantic seaboard. It is renowned among sailors for its picturesque beauty, iconic lighthouses, abundant bays and harbors, rocky islands, and quiet coves. Our cruising area covers nearly 200 miles of the Maine coast, with countless rivers, bays, and islands to explore. The rocky, spruce-covered islands are the summits of a prehistoric mountain range; many generations of inhabitants have made their livelihoods here. Evidence left behind on the islands reveals the historic presence of indigenous Abenaki camps, pre-colonial fishing communities, post-colonial timber and farming operations, and early 20th-century granite quarries. Cold, nutrient-rich waters flow from the Canadian Maritimes and make the Gulf of Maine home to a wide range of sea birds, seals, porpoises, and whales.
TOPS |
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2 |
LONG UNDERWEAR TOPS |
Materials may be Capilene®, polypropylene or other synthetics; silk is less effective—NO COTTON. Light or medium weight. |
2-3 |
SPORTS BRAS (as needed) |
Quick-drying synthetic bras. |
2 |
SYNTHETIC T-SHIRTS |
Can be 50/50 blend of cotton/polyester but all synthetics dry faster. One could be a tank top. Check out the HIOBS Store for some great options! |
1 |
COTTON T-SHIRTS |
Nice for dry weather or for sleeping in. Check out the HIOBS Store for some great options! |
1 |
WIND JACKET |
Lightweight, breathable, unlined nylon jacket |
1 |
WARM FLEECE JACKET OR WOOL SWEATER |
Thick: 300-weight Polartec® or the equivalent in wool or pile. A full front zipper helps you vent and makes layering easier. Check out the HIOBS Store for some great options! |
1 |
LONG-SLEEVED, LIGHTWEIGHT SHIRT |
Old loose fitting dress shirts are great for sun protection. Thrift stores generally have the best and brightest selection! Can be cotton. Check out the HIOBS Store for some great options! |
1 |
HOODED RAIN JACKET |
Can be Gore-Tex or coated nylon. Make sure that the seams are taped or welded so they can’t leak. |
BOTTOMS |
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7-8 |
UNDERPANTS |
Synthetic fabrics work best but cotton is okay. |
2 |
LONG UNDERWEAR BOTTOMS |
Materials may be Capilene®, polypropylene or other synthetics; silk is less effective—NO COTTON. Light or medium weight. |
1 |
QUICK-DRY PANTS |
Loose-fitting, lightweight nylon fabric dries quickly. |
1-2 |
SHORTS |
Loose-fitting, quick-drying athletic shorts. |
1 |
SWIM WEAR |
One-piece quick-drying swimsuit, t-shirt and/or sports bra and shorts, or lightweight swim shorts |
1 |
RAIN PANTS |
Can be Gore-Tex or coated nylon. Make sure that the seams are taped or welded so they can’t leak. |
HEAD, HANDS and FEET |
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1 |
SUN HAT |
For sun protection, either a broad-brimmed hat with chin strap or a baseball cap. Check out the HIOBS Store for some great options! |
1 |
HEAD NET |
Fine mesh bug net that will fit over your head, to be worn as needed on land. HERE is a good example. |
1 |
WINTER HAT |
Make sure it covers your ears when you pull it down. Wool or synthetic only. Check out the HIOBS Store for some great options! |
2-3 |
SOCKS |
Thick: wool or synthetic only. NO COTTON. |
1-2 |
LIGHT SOCKS |
Thin synthetic socks |
1 |
RUNNING SOCKS |
Synthetic sock |
1 |
RUNNING SNEAKERS |
Full-coverage, below-the-ankle, athletic footwear |
1 |
CROCS (or similar) or WATER/RIVER SANDALS |
Closed-cell resin clogs with partial foot coverage, drainage and ventilation holes, and a heel strap, or: WATER SANDALS: Appropriate design for OB courses with heel straps, and toe caps or bumpers |
1 |
BACKPACKING BOOTS |
As described on our "HIOBS Backpacking Boots Guide" found under Information Forms on the Course Page. |
PERSONAL ITEMS |
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1 |
INSURANCE CARD |
If you have health insurance, please bring your card, or a clear photocopy of both sides of it. |
1 |
$25-75 CASH, OR A CREDIT/DEBIT CARD |
To buy snacks during travel or to pay for lost or damaged gear. Items from the school store are for sale at the end of your course. |
2 |
HAND SANITIZERS |
Pocket-sized squeeze bottles of hand sanitizer |
1 |
HEADLAMP AND BATTERIES |
Minimum three volts (>two AA- or AAA-batteries). Bring one set of alkaline batteries per week of course. Many headlamp varieties offer a red-light mode for preserving night vision, which can be useful. |
2 |
WATER BOTTLES (WIDE-MOUTH) |
32 oz. water bottle. Wide-mouth makes filling easier. |
1 |
PACK TOWEL |
A synthetic, wringable towel, also called a chamois, a sports towel or a swimmer’s towel. No cotton. |
1 |
SARONG or large piece of fabric |
A length of very light cotton or rayon (3’ x 7’), preferably not white, to wrap around yourself while changing clothes. A non-fitted twin bedsheet can be used. |
1 |
WATCH |
Make sure it’s waterproof and inexpensive. Stopwatch, light, and alarm are useful functions. |
1 |
SUNGLASSES |
Bring a strap to hold them on and a hard-sided case to protect them when you’re not wearing them. |
2 |
EYEGLASS SYSTEM (if needed) |
Bring a hard case and a keeper strap for your glasses. Bring two pairs, or a pair of contacts and your glasses. |
1+ |
JOURNAL / NOTEBOOK |
Personal journal or notebook, put in a Ziploc with pen. You may want to take notes during your course. (5" x 8 1/2" or smaller.) |
1 ea |
BOWL AND SPOON |
Bowl can be wood or tough plastic; having a secure lid for it has been very helpful. Spoon can be metal or plastic. |
1+ |
BANDANNAS |
Useful for shading your neck from the sun, cleaning sunglasses, as pot holders, and more. |
2-3 |
PLASTIC BAGS |
Gallon-sized Ziploc®-type with a closure for keeping things dry or separating wet items |
1 |
TOILET KIT (BASIC) |
Toothbrush, small trial-size toothpaste, comb, brush, and dental floss. Don’t bring soap, deodorant, makeup or razor. |
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DISPOSABLE MENSTRUAL PRODUCTS |
An ample supply. Changes in diet and activity can produce changes in cycles. |
1-2 |
SUNSCREEN |
8-oz, minimum SPF 30. Do not bring aerosol sprays. |
1 |
LIP BALM |
Minimum SPF 30 |
1 |
INSECT REPELLENT |
Bring a small unbreakable container, 10-50% DEET. Do not bring aerosol sprays. |
2 sets |
PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS (if needed) |
MUST be in original bottles or vials. The extra set is just in case the medication gets lost or damaged. |
1 set |
TRAVEL CLOTHES & COURSE END TOILETRIES |
Clean clothes for the trip home, towel, soap and shampoo for the course end shower. |
1 |
INSURANCE CARD |
If you have health insurance, please bring your card, or a clear photocopy of both sides of it. |
ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR COOLER MONTHS: May, June and September |
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1 |
FLEECE VEST OR LONG-SLEEVED SHIRT |
Mid-weight: can be Polartec® fleece, wool, or the equivalent weight shirt or 100- or 200-weight Polartec® vest. |
1 |
MEDIUM WEIGHT PANTS |
Mid-weight: 100- or 200-weight Polartec® or the equivalent |
1 |
MITTENS OR GLOVES |
Can be wool or fleece. |
1 |
BALACLAVA |
A hood-shaped hat that covers your head and neck. You could also bring a neck gaiter and a second hat. |
Please review the times and locations for Course Start and Course End as you plan your travel to and from course. You should also be familiar with the information on the COVID-19 Health and Safety page.
Do not purchase any travel tickets until your Course Advisor has given the "go-ahead" to book travel for your course. This message will be in either your Cleared to Participate email or a separate message confirming the course is cleared to book travel.
Travel details (flights and drop-offs) are due to your Course Advisor 10 days before your course start date. This helps our airport shuttle teams get organized and ensures we have enough seats available for all students needing a ride. You will receive a Travel Form link from your course advisor. Please complete this form, even if you are being dropped off by car.
Students flying without an adult/guardian may need to bring an ID when traveling to and/or from course. If you need to obtain a non-driver ID card, please see your local Department of Motor Vehicles office. For more information, go to www.dmv.org/id-cards.php.
Arrival Location: Portland International Jetport (PWM), 1001 Westbrook St, Portland, ME 04102
Students must arrive BY 1:30PM. Our HIOBS staff and shuttle van will meet students at the airport. Once you get there, look for Hurricane Island Outward Bound School staff members – they will be wearing HIOBS apparel, and will have a sign or clipboard with the HIOBS logo (see below). Students may gather in the foyer between the escalator and baggage claim area of the airport starting around 1:00 pm. If you don't see HIOBS staff when you arrive, please sit tight and keep your eyes open for them. They are often moving around greeting students, helping gather baggage and answering questions. Students should check in as soon as possible with the HIOBS staff member, and then wait in one of the seating areas until we have accounted for everyone.
If you are arriving early, we suggest purchasing food before going to baggage claim. There are very limited places to eat once you've exited security.
If you think it makes more sense for you to arrive directly at the Outward Bound base, please contact your Course Advisor to discuss alternate arrangements.
Departure Location: Portland International Jetport (PWM), 1001 Westbrook St, Portland, ME 04102
Please do not schedule a departing flight earlier than 1:30 PM. Our staff will assisting students in checking in by around 12:30pm.
If you are being picked up at the Jetport, whoever is picking up should park in the hourly parking and then come to the Departures area. Our staff will be in the check-in/ departure area of the airport assisting those students who are traveling by air with their check-ins by around 12:30pm. Please check in with HIOBS staff before departing.
PARENTS of students ages 13-16 who will be flying unaccompanied—please read carefully:
Recently, the airline industry has adopted stricter guidelines for children ages 16 and under flying unaccompanied by an adult. Each carrier has different rules about who must fly with Unaccompanied Minor (UM) status, depending on the minor’s age, the flight route and stops. This UM status will require an additional fee of $100-$150+, and may require additional forms. If your child is under 16 and is traveling without an adult, you MUST check to see if the airline you have chosen will designate them as an Unaccompanied Minor, and inform us of his/her status. This allows us to ensure we have sufficient staff at the airport to meet your child upon arrival, and/or accompany them until they board their flight after Course End. We cannot ensure this level of staff support without advance notice.
Your airline will ask for a contact name and phone number as the pickup person. Please ask your Course Advisor for the details of this person.
NOTE: The airline may not apply this status when you originally book the travel, but may choose to do so at a later date. They may require you to upgrade to UM status (and pay the additional fee) when your child checks in with the airlines to fly to Course Start. WE STILL NEED TO KNOW – please call us if this happens. Some airlines may require students 13-15 years old to be designated as Unaccompanied Minors when they check in at the airport for departure at Course End – even if they weren’t designated as an UM on the originating flight, so please make sure to ask your airline about their policies at the time of booking.
If you encounter changes to your travel plans after you have submitted your Travel Form, please contact your Course Advisor to update them about the change.
If you encounter problems with your travel plans that will delay your arrival, please call 855-802-0307. Follow the prompts to reach the on-call staff member for your course.
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