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.
What you need to know about becoming an Outward Bound student. Policies, Procedures, and helpful information for all students and parents. Please read it all!
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.
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, feet items
HEAD, HANDS and FEET
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.
2
LINER SOCKS
Thin synthetic socks that can be layered under thick socks for additional warmth or blister protection.
1
RUNNING SOCKS
Synthetic sock
1
BACKPACKING BOOTS
Mid-weight, waterproof and sturdy. See 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
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.
2
HAND SANITIZERS
Pocket-sized squeeze bottles of hand sanitizer
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 for cooler months: May, June or September
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.
Course End
COURSE END
San Jose
Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaría (SJO), SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA
Your course ends at 10:00 AM at the international airport in San Jose, Costa Rica. We cannot guarantee that you will be able to make a flight before 12:00 noon. Please book your return flight after 12:00 noon.
Unaccompanied Minor Information
UNACCOMPANIED MINORS FLYING TO COURSE
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.
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