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.
Course Area
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.
Rock climbing instruction will take place at one of the many cliffs you encounter along your expedition route. Most of this hiking terrain is protected from development and offers both pristine and established camping, rushing waterfalls, twisting streams, and spectacular views from rocky summits.
The Self-Administered Emergency Med form is required by ME State Law for all students under 18 years. This document describes the Policy, and does not contain the forms themselves.
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
It 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
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
FLEECE OR WOOL SHIRT OR VEST
It can be 100- or 200-weight Polartec or equivalent in wool or pile.
1
LONG-SLEEVED, LIGHTWEIGHT SHIRT
Old loose-fitting dress shirts are great for sun protection. Thrift stores generally have the best and brightest selection! It can be cotton. Check out the HIOBS Store for some great options!
1
HOODED RAIN JACKET
It can be Gore-Tex or coated nylon. Make sure that the seams are taped or welded so they can’t leak.
Bottoms
BOTTOMS
5-6
PAIRS UNDERPANTS
Synthetic fabrics work best but cotton is okay.
1-2
LONG UNDERWEAR BOTTOMS
Materials may be Capilene®, polypropylene or other synthetics; silk is less effective—NO COTTON. Light or medium weight.
Options - one-piece quick-drying suit or a combination of a bra-like top (as needed) with lightweight swim trunks or shorts (liner brief suggested). For swimming opportunities!
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, feet items
HEAD, HANDS and FEET
1
SUN HAT
For sun protection, either a broad-brimmed hat with a chin strap or a baseball cap. Check out the HIOBS Store for some great options!
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!
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.
4-5
SOCKS
Thick: wool or synthetic only. NO COTTON.
2
LINER SOCKS
Thin synthetic socks that can be layered under thick socks for additional warmth or blister protection.
1
RUNNING SOCKS
Synthetic socks, shorter - to wear in sneakers
1
BACKPACKING BOOTS
Mid-weight, waterproof and sturdy. See separate sheet on backpacking boot information.
1
CROCS (or similar) or an extra pair of sneakers
Closed-cell resin clogs with partial foot coverage, drainage, and ventilation holes, and a heel strap - or an extra pair of old sneakers...
Personal items
PERSONAL ITEMS
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
OPTIONAL: To buy snacks during travel or to pay for lost or damaged gear. Items from the school store will be for sale at the end of your course.
1 (&2)
HEADLAMP (AND BATTERIES)
Minimum three volts (two or more 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 is a useful option.
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
WATCH
Make sure it’s waterproof and inexpensive. Stopwatch 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.
DISPOSABLE MENSTRUAL PRODUCTS
An ample supply. Changes in diet and activity can produce changes in cycles.
2
SUNSCREEN
8-oz, minimum SPF 30. Do not bring aerosol sprays.
2
LIP BALM
Minimum SPF 30
2
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.
Additional items (for cooler month programs)
ADDITIONAL ITEMS if you feel the cold
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.
Optional Items
OPTIONAL ITEMS (These are NOT Required. Please only buy them if you plan to use them after your course!)
1
BUG SHIRT
This can be a wind jacket with a hood that cinches, or you can bring a mesh one. The most durable models can be found at www.bugshirt.com or www.woodscanada.com.
1
CAMERA
Your cell phone CANNOT be used as a camera. You will be required to leave your phone at the base. Due to the risk of damage from weather and the expedition, we suggest you not bring a camera unless it is waterproof and durable, or disposable and inexpensive. GoPro cameras are allowed. You will only be able to film or take photos with the instructors’ and other students’ permission.
2-3
STUFF SACKS
Made of lightweight nylon in many colors, these can help to keep your clothes and gear organized.
1
FOOT POWDER
Corn starch, baby powder or Gold Bond all work. Maximum size:4oz.
1PAIR
TREKKING POLES
Adjustable trekking poles or old ski poles.
1
GAITERS
Lightweight nylon boot lacing covers that extend up your calf to help keep rain, mud or gravel out of your boots.
1
HYDRATION SYSTEM
Camelback® or Platypus®-type water bladders instead of or in addition to one of the required water bottles. You must be able to carry a total of two liters of water.
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