Your journey begins...
WELCOME TO YOUR JOURNEY
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Maine Appalachian Backpacking for Adults
Course Number
HNAB-2521
Dates
May 15, 2025 - May 22, 2025
Maine Appalachian backpacking expeditions explore the most remote stretches of the northern Appalachian mountain range. This journey is an opportunity for those seeking a fresh challenge in a unique wilderness environment and an intense team setting. In the mountains, lakes and rivers, students learn to camp and travel simply, relying on each other and what they can carry on their backs. In a phased teaching progression, instructors will introduce beginning, intermediate and advanced skills in mountain navigation, woods craftsmanship, weather observation and campsite selection. Regular group discussions allow for reflection on each day’s progress, and ensure that leadership and responsibilities are shared so that every crew member is integral to planning the next day. Through living and working closely together, students learn far more than wilderness travel skills. The habits learned and strengthened through this backpacking and canoeing expedition will serve students for life, and for whatever challenge is next.
On this course you will expedition through the bold Appalachian Mountains of western Maine. You will depart the base camp on the first or second day of the course and not return until the end. You will carry what you need for as much as a week in your backpack and you will hike or climb nearly every day. You do not need to have previous backpacking experience. We will teach you everything you need to know to travel comfortably, including how to pack a backpack, setup a wilderness campsite, rock climb, and navigate using a map and compass. Arriving physically fit will enhance your experience and ability to do well on the course and ultimately allow you to take full advantage of the expedition.
Backpacking
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.
Rock Climbing
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
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.
Solo
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.
Personal Challenge Event
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
- Proper fit and loading of packs
- Moving efficiently over rugged terrain
- River crossings
- Distributing group gear fairly amongst the group
- Group travel
- Route Planning
- Weather signs and forecasting
Rock Climbing (weather dependent)
- Belaying and rope handling
- System safety
- Climbing technique
- Rappelling
Expedition Skills
- Emergency preparedness
- Safety management and basic first aid
- Campsite selection & Route finding
- Shelter construction
- Outdoor cooking
- Conservation practices
- Ropes and knots
- Stove use and maintenance
- Leave No Trace wilderness ethics
- Nutrition and ration planning
- Navigation using map/chart & compass
Group Dynamics
- Leadership and decision making
- Followership and expedition behavior
- Communication & Conflict Resolution
- Individual and group goal setting
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, 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.
Adult Courses
Most adults find it hard to get away. Our lives are so busy, often filled with pressures and expectations that it’s difficult to find time to do things for ourselves.
On your HIOBS program, you will learn four important Outward Bound Core Values:
- Compassion
- Integrity
- Excellence
- Inclusion and Diversity
Our one- week adult courses are the perfect opportunity to unplug, get a fresh perspective, step out of your routines and challenge yourself in new ways, discover new strengths, and forge new friendships. No previous experience is necessary—all wilderness skills are taught from the beginning. Some of the most important lessons you take home are learning about yourself and your community while acquiring backcountry skills and having an adventure. As you will be traveling through wild places on your expedition, you’ll also learn to protect and appreciate the unique, unspoiled environments through which you travel.
You will only need to be physically fit and motivated to live, learn and work in a team. The expedition may only last a week, but the strength of the experience will be with you for a lifetime.
Below is your Admissions Process!
These are the steps you will need to take to complete your application:
- Check out the information on this Course Page and read your Admissions Handbook
- Complete and submit your required Admissions Forms: The links for these can be found in your Student Portal. If you do not have this link (sent in your Welcome Email), please contact your Course Advisor.
- As soon as all Admissions Forms have been returned, you will be in Application Review for medical/mental health, motivation, & understanding. This step may include additional forms and/or a phone call to gather more information about your specific situation.
- After the Application Review is complete and there are no follow up questions, you will be Cleared to Participate
- When we have the minimum number of students Cleared to Participate, we will give Clearance to Book Travel
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 Admissions Handbook.
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 course start, or within 5 days of enrollment if you are within the 90-day window. Payment information and policies can be found here.
"WHAT DO I BRING?"
Late spring & early fall in Maine are often warm and sunny, but cold fronts are common and these bring wind and rain. In the mountains, the air stays cool and moist, so warm and 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.
REQUIRED CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT
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.
Sizing & Layering
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.
Packing
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.
Outward Bound Provides
Please note that Outward Bound provides all other equipment including (but not limited to) sleeping bags & pads, backpacks or duffel bags, dry bags, and lifejacket (Personal Flotation Device). There are no additional fees for the use of our equipment.
Tick- and Mosquito-Borne (Arboviral) Diseases
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.
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.
Check out the Backpacking Boots document for guidelines on how to purchase and break in your boots!
COVID Requirements:
You will need to bring two COVID-19 at-home test kits (four tests total) to the course. Abbott BinaxNow (2 boxes; 4 tests) is the required test brand. However, if for some reason you cannot obtain it, Quick Vue At-Home (2 boxes; 4 tests) can be used. You will take a test on days 1, 3, and 5 of course. The fourth test is a backup.
TOPS
| 1 |
LONG UNDERWEAR TOPS |
Materials may be Capilene®, polypropylene or other synthetics; silk is less effective—NO COTTON. Light or medium weight. |
|
2 |
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 |
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 |
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! 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 |
||
|
3-4 |
UNDERPANTS |
Synthetic fabrics work best but cotton is okay. |
|
1 |
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 |
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 |
||
|
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 |
RUNNING SNEAKERS |
Full-coverage, below-the-ankle, athletic footwear |
|
1
1 |
BACKPACKING BOOTS
CROCS (or similar) or WATER/RIVER SANDALS |
Mid-weight, waterproof and sturdy - check out the Backpacking Boots document under "INFORMATION PAGES" 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 |
|
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 |
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 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. |
|
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 |
SLEEPING PAD |
Outward Bound will issue you a closed-cell foam pad for sleeping. If you prefer to bring you own, such as an inflatable type like “Therm-a-Rest” models, make sure that it is no wider than 20 inches. |
|
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 |
FOOT POWDER |
Corn starch, baby powder or Gold Bond all work. Maximum size:4oz. |
|
1 |
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. |
Click on the "+" links below for travel information.
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 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.
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.
Delays on the Day of Travel
If you encounter problems with your travel plans that will delay your arrival, 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 non-sailing programs.
COURSE START
Your course begins at the Portland International Jetport (PWM). Please choose one of the arrival options below:
Arriving BY CAR
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.
Arriving BY PLANE
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. Unaccompanied Minors - see note below.
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 Newry base, please contact your Course Advisor to discuss alternate arrangements.
UNACCOMPANIED MINORS FLYING INTO Portland Airport.
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.
COURSE END
Course will end at the Portland International Jetport (PWM). Please choose one of the departure options below:
Departing BY CAR
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.
Departing BY PLANE
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).
If you think it makes more sense for you to be picked up directly from the Newry base, please contact your Course Advisor to discuss alternate arrangements.
UNACCOMPANIED MINORS FLYING INTO Portland Airport.
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. 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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