Direct: 207-706-5064 Email: [email protected]
Direct: 207-706-5158 Email: [email protected]
Essential Eligibility Criteria
Once you have enrolled on your HIOBS course, your journey has begun: it starts immediately with completing your Admissions process, continues as you begin your course and head out on expedition with your crew into the mountains or out on the ocean. The journey will continue beyond Course End back into your regular life.
This is your “go to” location for all forms, gear lists and information specific to your course. Bookmark it for future reference! Your Course Advisors will send you to this page for reference materials, forms and other information.
Maine Sea Kayaking courses are an incredible opportunity to both work as part of a team, and to develop and hone your own skills on the water. Learn seamanship skills such as navigation and weather observation while traveling between remote islands and wild peninsulas. Each day you will learn the sea kayaking and expedition skills necessary to safely traverse the rugged Maine coast, passing traditional fishing and lobstering communities. At night you will sleep in tents developing backcountry cooking and camp craft practices. Sharing your goals and concerns, your group will work as a team to plan each day’s activities and choose an appropriate itinerary. The skills and practices learned on these expeditions will serve you for life, whatever challenges lie ahead.
Learn seamanship skills such as navigation and weather observation while traveling between remote islands and wild peninsulas. Each day you will learn the sea kayaking and expedition skills necessary to safely traverse the rugged Maine coast, passing traditional fishing and lobstering communities. At night you will sleep in tents developing backcountry cooking and camp craft practices. Sharing your goals and concerns, your group will work as a team to plan each day’s activities and choose an appropriate itinerary. The skills and practices learned on these expeditions will serve you for life, whatever challenges lie ahead.
Students entering the final years of high school are in a time of transition, developing learning and life skills while preparing for what’s next, be it college, a career or a gap year adventure. To get ready for increased independence, older teens must be impelled to step up and make choices that have real consequences for themselves and others, with the support and supervision of knowledgeable and compassionate adults. Outward Bound instructors on Teen Courses specialize in coaching students to meet challenges and make good decisions, independently and as a group. Teen Courses are designed to be the perfect expedition classroom for this stage of life.
Students need only to be physically fit and motivated to learn and work together. No previous wilderness experience is necessary—all travel and leadership skills are taught from the beginning, and each phase of the expedition builds on the previous one. By land or by sea, an expedition requires initiative, teamwork and problem solving, skills that will take them to any horizons they strive for.
Sea Kayaking
Sea Kayaks are an intimate and accessible means of traveling the coast, creating opportunities for both independent skill development and team-work. Students will have the opportunity to paddle both single
and double-kayaks, learning the techniques necessary to handle each craft. At night, students will sleep in tents on islands and the mainland in private areas, many of which are part of the Maine Island Trail network.
Rock Climbing
The granite that made the Maine Coast famous as a source of building material a century ago now provides the setting for some outstanding rock climbing or rappelling from the sea cliffs. Climbing hones and develops balance, coordination, flexibility, and grace on the rock and presents many individual challenges for students, while the team must work together to set systems up, communicate clearly, and support each other throughout the climb.
Service
Service projects are often incorporated into Outward Bound courses through coordination with local land managers, conservation groups, government, or social service agencies. While on expedition, students are encouraged to practice service to the environment and their team by sharing responsibilities and following Leave No Trace ethics throughout the course.
Solo
The solo experience provides an important break from the rigors of the expedition and gives students the opportunity to reflect on their Outward Bound experience. With sufficient food and equipment, students will set up camp at sites of their own, using the wilderness skills learned during the first half or two-thirds
of the course. The time students spend on solo depends on the length of the course. On one-week courses, solo is four to12 hours long; on two-week courses solo will likely be an overnight.
Often located along beautiful shorelines or on an island, campsites are chosen to offer as much solitude as possible (yet be within emergency whistle-signaling distance of other group members). Most students spend their solo time journaling, drawing, or just thinking and resting as they process lessons of the course to focus on their goals for the future. Instructors check on each participant at least daily and are within whistle-distance at all times
Sea Kayaking
Students will learn to:
- Maneuver and propel a sea kayak using paddles and foot rudders
- Navigate and plan routes using charts, compass, and other navigation materials
- Learn to understand the impact of weather, tides and currents on both navigation and travel
- Camp in rugged wilderness maritime environments
- Leave No Trace ethics
- Being part of an expeditionary team including: campsite management and upkeep, kayak and gear management on shore, food preparation and cooking for the whole team, cleanup/ maintenance/ repair of gear.
Rock Climbing
Students learn to use climbing equipment, tie knots, climb, and belay each other, while instructors provide overall supervision of the site.
The coast of Maine, with its intricate and indented shoreline, is a unique segment of the North Atlantic seaboard. It is known among ocean travelers for its picturesque beauty, iconic lighthouses, abundant bays and harbors, rocky islands, and quiet coves. We sea kayak in an area that covers roughly 200 miles of the Maine coast - with countless rivers, bays, and islands to explore (although we won’t actually kayak that far!).
The rocky, spruce-covered islands are the summits of a prehistoric mountain range, and 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.
Training Expedition: Initially, your instructors will focus on teaching the skills of sailing, rowing and navigating, demonstrating maneuvers and coaching your team through the art of moving an open boat safely and efficiently.
Main Expedition: The instructors begin to hand over technical responsibility for day to day running of the boat while continuing to teach more advanced skills, and coach the finer points of leadership and teamwork.
Final Expedition: Near the end of course, when you and your group have demonstrated the requisite leadership, problem-solving and technical skills, your instructors may remove themselves from participating in the decision- making and technical operation of the expedition.
We may ask for additional medical forms, in addition to the standard Admissions Forms. To access those you will need to download them to your computer. If the browser display appears, you won't be able to edit the document and save it - so please be sure to save on a folder directly on your computer before using the fillable form function.
You will need the most current edition of Adobe Reader's free software in order to access and complete them. Many of the forms are “fillable” which means you may be able to complete them (“fill them in”) on your computer without printing them and the Adobe software makes this possible. If you do use this method, you can attach the completed form/s to an email and send direct to your Course Advisor. You can also simply print the forms and return them by mail, scan and return by email, or fax them back to us.
MAC USERS NOTE: Preview will allow you to VIEW but not FILL these documents. If you want to fill them in, you will need to download the Adobe software.
Please pay attention to the due dates listed in your Welcome Email. If due dates are not met, you risk losing your position on course - our policies on cancellations and deadlines are outlined in the following document:
If you are having trouble getting the information together, or have any questions at all, please contact your Course Advisor immediately so we can help you.
Payment of tuition is due 90 days before the course start, or within 5 days of enrollment if you are within the 90-day window. Payment information and policies - including our Tuition Protection Plan - can be found here.
Summer in Maine is often warm and sunny, but cold fronts are common and these bring wind and rain. Out on the water, the air stays cool and moist so warm, quick drying clothing is essential. The sun can be intense making sun protection (sun screen & clothing) very important. Temperatures at night can drop to the 40s and even lower in May and September. Daytime temperatures range from the 50s to the 80s.
Bringing the required clothing on your course is crucial to being prepared for ALL the weather conditions you may encounter. On expedition, you carry a lot less than when you travel in the regular world. The clothing on this list is designed to keep you warm if it is cold or wet and be flexible enough to allow you to pack away items if it is hot. Please bring everything on the list.
Packing several light layers rather than fewer heavier layers allows you more flexibility as the weather and workloads change. Inner layers should fit closely, middle layers should fit loosely and outer layers should be just a little bit baggy. When shopping or packing, it is a good idea to try on your layers together.
Before your expedition, your instructors will check your gear; they will assess your clothing with the actual route and the anticipated weather in mind. Items you don’t take on expedition will be stored safely at base. We suggest leaving the tags on any items you purchase in case you don’t actually pack them for expedition, but please note that you should check with each store to see what their return policies are. If there are items that you would like to bring but which are not mentioned on this list, feel free to call and ask your course advisor at 855-802-0307.
Please note that Outward Bound provides all other equipment including (but not limited to) sleeping bags & pads, backpacks or duffel bags, dry bags, lifejacket (Personal Flotation Device), and foul weather gear. There are no additional fees for the use of our equipment.
Tick- and mosquito-borne diseases are an increasing risk of traveling in the wild regions of the Americas, including our course areas in Maine, New Hampshire, Florida, the Bahamas, Brazil and Costa Rica. Fortunately, there are prevention steps that are very effective and, in most cases, treatment is relatively simple and recovery complete, so long as the diagnosis is made early. Students and their families should educate themselves on the risks, prevention measures, and signs and symptoms of tick-borne illnesses.
Since prevention is always better than treatment, we STRONGLY recommend pre-treating your footwear, long pants, long-sleeve shirts, jackets and hats with a chemical barrier containing permethrin, at least two days before traveling to your course. Applied correctly and allowed to dry before wearing, the treatment remains effective for up to a month. For even longer-lasting protection, you can either purchase clothing with permethrin embedded within it, or send your clothes to Insect Shield®, who will treat them and ship them back to you, ready for your course. Use the Coupon Code “HIOBS” to receive a 15% discount on both clothing and treatment services at this website (please note that you need to use the coupon separately for products/ service).
Permethrin spray is readily available at many retailers, including: Dick's Sporting Goods, Campmor, and Walgreen's.
For more information, please download our Vector-Borne Disease General Fact Sheet.
You are welcome to bring extras of the items marked with a plus (+) sign. Where a range of quantities is indicated, e.g., “1-2” bring the smaller quantity if you are on a one-week course, and the larger quantity if your course is 10 days or longer. There are multiple brand name options available at varying prices. The clothing and equipment on this list is widely available in many places. Specialty outdoor stores like L.L.Bean, REI, Campmor and Eastern Mountain Sports will have a range of appropriate items to choose from. Discount retailers, like Sierra Trading Post and the REI Garage often have good prices on name brand gear and clothing. You may also locate many first- quality clothing and equipment items at military surplus stores and area consignment stores and thrift stores, such as Goodwill and The Salvation Army.
The HIOBS website has some great items, which you will find hyper-linked within the packing lists. A complete collection of HIOBS-recommended-for-course items can be found HERE.
Please contact your course advisor for suggestions.
TOPS |
||
2 |
LONG UNDERWEAR TOPS |
Materials may be Capilene®, polypropylene or other synthetics; silk is less effective—NO COTTON. Light or medium weight. |
2 (for 9 days) |
SPORTS BRAS (women only) |
Quick-drying synthetic bras. |
1-2 |
SYNTHETIC T-SHIRTS |
Can be 50/50 blend of cotton/polyester but all synthetics dry faster. One could be a tank top. |
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. |
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. |
1 |
HOODED RAIN JACKET |
Synthetic Rain Jacket (Gore-Tex or like material) |
4-7 |
UNDERPANTS |
Synthetic and quick drying fabrics work best |
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
|
Women: bring a one-piece quick-drying suit, or you can swim in sports bra and shorts instead. Men: bring lightweight swim trunks or shorts (liner brief suggested). |
1 |
RAIN PANTS |
Synthetic Rain Pants (Gore-Tex or like material) |
HEAD, HANDS and FEET |
||
1 |
SUN HAT |
For sun protection, either a broad-brimmed hat with chin strap or a baseball cap. |
1 |
WINTER HAT |
Make sure it covers your ears when you pull it down. Wool or synthetic only. |
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. |
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 similiar) |
Closed-cell resin clogs with partial foot coverage, drainage and ventilation holes, and a heel strap |
1 |
RIVER/ WATER SHOE |
Appropriate design for OB courses with heel straps, and toe caps or bumpers; can also be an old pair of sneakers you can get wet |
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 |
DIGITAL ORAL THERMOMETER |
Small, battery-powered. THIS is a great choice. |
|
1 |
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. |
|
1 |
WATER BOTTLE (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 PR |
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 |
SPOON |
Spoon can be metal or plastic. |
|
1-2 |
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, lotion, makeup or razor. |
|
|
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. No 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 months: May, June and 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/GLOVES |
Can be wool or fleece. |
OPTIONAL ITEMS (These are NOT Required. Please only buy them if you plan to use them after your course!) |
||
1-5 |
REUSABLE FACE MASKS |
HIOBS will provide 5 masks at course start (see above), however, if there is a specific style or brand that you prefer you can bring your own to use as well. |
1 |
BUG BIVY |
A personal bug net that fits over your sleeping bag. See an example HERE. |
1 |
MEDIUM WEIGHT TOP |
Mid-weight long-sleeve layer to fit over your long underwear top, and under your heavy fleece. Can be wool or synthetic fleece. For people who stay warm easily, this isn’t necessary in mid-summer. Consider bringing this item if you often find that you are sensitive to cold or damp. |
1 |
LIGHT GLOVES |
For blister and sun protection. Bring if you are sun sensitive. Can be light cotton work gloves or fingerless sailing, cycling or weightlifting gloves. |
1 |
CAMERA |
Your cell phone CANNOT be used as a camera. You will be required to leave your phone at 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 help to keep your clothes and gear organized. |
1 |
BALACLAVA |
A hood-shaped hat that covers your head and neck. You could also bring a neck gaiter and a second hat. |
1 |
FOOT POWDER |
Corn starch, baby powder or Gold Bond all work. Maximum size:4oz. |
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 Program Protocols page.
Do not purchase any travel tickets until your Course Advisor has notified you that you are cleared for course participation (your Course Advisor will notify you that you are cleared once the Admissions Process has been completed). We also recommend that you wait to book travel until your Course Advisor notifies you that we have the minimum number of cleared students on course (see the Admissions Handbook for more info!)...
Once you have been cleared for participation and the course is a "go", your Course Advisor will send you a link to a Travel Form where you will enter your travel plans. You may also choose to send us your travel itinerary (forward us your airline confirmation) if you have connecting flights. If you are planning on dropping off by car, you still need to complete the Travel Form.
You will need to enter your Early Departure Plan on the Travel Form. This is required, should the participant need to leave the course early for any reason.
TRAVEL DETAILS (FLIGHTS AND DROP-OFFS) ARE DUE TO YOUR COURSE ADVISOR 7 BUSINESS 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.
All students traveling without an adult/ guardian must bring an ID with them 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.
If you encounter problems with your travel plans that will delay your arrival to Maine, we can help troubleshoot solutions so that you can get to your course start - please call 855-802-0307. During business hours, you will be able to speak with your Course Advisor. After hours please follow the prompts for the on-call person for sailing programs.
Your course begins at the Portland International Jetport (PWM). Please choose one of the arrival options below:
Students can be dropped off at the Jetport to meet the HIOBS van shuttle. You must arrive BY 1:30PM. The address is 1001 Westbrook St, Portland ME 04102.
Upon arrival, please park in the hourly parking and go to the Baggage Claim area. 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 Wheeler Bay base, please contact your Course Advisor to discuss alternate arrangements.
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 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 you for a contact person and phone number as the designated "pick up" person. Please contact your Course Advisor to get these details.
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.
Course will end at the Portland International Jetport (PWM). Please choose one of the departure options below:
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.
Please do not schedule a departing flight earlier than 1:30 PM. Our staff will assisting students in checking in by around 12:30pm. PLEASE SEE NOTES BELOW ABOUT FLYING AS AN UNACCOMPANIED MINOR (any student below 16 years of age, flying without an adult).
Recently, the airline industry has adopted stricter guidelines for children ages 16 and under flying unaccompanied by an adult. Each carrier has different 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.PARENTS of students ages 13-16 who will be flying unaccompanied—please read carefully:
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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