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You will travel both on and off-trail. The trails, when present, are usually of high quality. The off-trail routes can be especially challenging as these routes travel through boulder filled canyons and across vast desert plains. You will resupply food and water along the way at many different water cache sites that Outward Bound California uses. Though the landscape can be demanding, there are few places in the world that compare to the beauty and uniqueness of where this backpacking leads.
The rock climbing section will flow seamlessly out of the backpacking section and will start off by establishing a backcountry “basecamp” for introductory rock climbing skills: how to climb, belay and rappel. During this time you may explore canyons and wander through the boulders looking for your next backcountry climbing area. With practice and focus, you can become an informed, skilled rock climber. You will experience a wide variety of climbing styles, like crack-climbing, face climbing and bouldering. This section offers a unique experience to climb on some of the highest quality granite out there in one of the most popular destinations for rock climbers in the world.
Most groups will attempt to summit at least one peak. As Joshua Tree is a high desert, some parts of the park are higher than 5,000 feet. A peak attempt often requires pre-dawn starts, waking as early as 4am. You’ll launch from a basecamp so you that you can leave some of your gear at camp. During your peak attempt you will gain an understanding of terrain management, hazard assessment and weather consideration to make a successful peak attempt. For all the effort they require, successful peak attempts are often the most rewarding experiences of an Outward Bound course.
There will be the opportunity to have more than one solo experience on this course. A solo provides an important break from the rigors of the expedition. With sufficient food and equipment you’ll spend time alone at an assigned campsite to rest, reflect and practice the camp craft skills you have been learning throughout the course. We choose your solo site to offer as much solitude as possible, but within earshot of instructors for management considerations. You will not travel during this time and your instructors will check on you periodically. Many students are initially nervous about solo but most are ready for a break from the group when the time for solo arrives. This activity may be abbreviated or eliminated as instructors assess the weather, terrain, or other factors that could affect the outcomes of solo. Many of our past students express this was one of the most powerful elements to their course.
Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification is recognized as the standard level of expertise in backcountry first aid. This nationally recognized program trains participants to respond to emergencies in remote settings. The 80-hour curriculum includes standards for extended care situations. Half of the students’ time will be spent completing practical skills, case studies and scenarios designed to challenge their decision-making abilities.
The group will get a basic introduction to the boat, briefings on emergency procedures and soon cast off lines to begin their adventure on the water. Students will leave the base and sail only with the food and equipment needed for the expedition: clothes, stoves, food and water, etc. Bathing occurs daily with a dip in the ocean; there are no conventional bathrooms, telephones, appliances, television or other modern luxuries. By living simply, students will remove many of the distractions of modern life and reconnect with the values and skills that truly enhance their life and their community. Our 30-foot sailboats are built with challenging expeditions in mind, fitted with all the required US Coast Guard safety equipment. On these open boats with no cabins and no engines, students will live closely together using only wind and oars as propulsion. As they rotate responsibilities during this expedition, students will learn the art of sailing, navigating, rowing and living aboard a small open boat. At night, students sleep on deck under a tarp, taking turns at anchor watch under brilliant night skies.
A 12- to 24-hour solo provides an important break from the rigors of the sailing expedition. With sufficient food and equipment, students will spend time alone at an assigned campsite to rest and reflect. We choose solo sites to offer as much solitude as possible, within hearing distance of other group members. Students will not travel during this time. Instructors check on the group occasionally, but students are mostly alone for the duration of their solo.
Wilderness First Responder (WFR) phase
Sailing
Outward Bound Outdoor Educator courses open doors in the outdoor education industry - we provide opportunities to learn specific outdoor activity skills and gain certifications, train students in wilderness expedition travel and living skills and ethics, and present the fundamentals and nuances of the Outward Bound learning approach.
Our Outward Bound instructors coach students to step outside their perceived limitations, to assess risks, and to work together on expedition to achieve more than they thought possible. Guided by specialists in the field, Outdoor Educator students will learn, practice and refine the skills needed to jumpstart a wide range of careers in experiential education, wilderness education, wilderness guiding, place-based education and much more.
You need to be physically fit, and motivated to live, learn and work together within your expedition team. A high level of previous wilderness travel or camping experience is not necessary, although it is helpful —all travel and leadership skills are taught from the beginning, and each phase of the expedition builds on the previous one.
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