Your journey begins...
WELCOME TO YOUR JOURNEY!
This is your Course Page.
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.
In the blue tabs below you will find your Course Overview, Course Paperwork, Clothing & Gear List and Travel Information. Within each blue tab there are sub-folders that contain a lot of helpful information and forms to be returned. Please read each section carefully, and let us know if you have any questions. If you have questions about what you need to be able to do to be successful on our courses (both generally, and specific to any given activity) please refer to the Essential Eligibility Criteria.
Please read the Admissions Handbook before completing your paperwork. It is a reference tool for many of the questions you may have about your course, and covers important policy and procedure details. Please also be sure to be familiar with our Coronavirus Update and Program Protocols information.
MAINE APPALACHIAN BACKPACKING & CANOEING, 22 DAYS (AGES 16-18)
This 22-day journey is an opportunity for those seeking a fresh challenge in a unique wilderness environment and an intense team setting.
Maine Appalachian backpacking and canoeing expeditions explore the remote stretches of the northern Appalachian mountain range and the Rangeley Lakes. Over mountains, lakes and rivers, you will learn to camp and travel simply, relying on your group and what they can carry on their backs. In a phased teaching progression, instructors will introduce you to beginning, intermediate and advanced skills in mountain navigation, paddling technique, 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, your group will practice more than wilderness travel skills. The habits learned and strengthened through this backpacking and canoeing expedition will serve you for life, and for whatever challenge is next.
Maine Appalachian Backpacking & Canoeing, 22-day (ages 16-18)
Course Number
HNTF-153
Dates
July 07, 2021 - July 28, 2021
Maine Appalachian backpacking and canoeing expeditions explore the most remote stretches of the northern Appalachian mountain range and the waterways of the Penobscot, Allagash and Kennebec rivers - the largest area of undeveloped land in Maine. This 22-day 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 or in canoes.
In a phased teaching progression, instructors will introduce beginning, intermediate and advanced skills in mountain navigation, paddling technique, 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.
On this course you will expedition through the bold Appalachian Mountains and the picturesque rivers and lakes 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, paddle, or climb nearly every day.
You do not need to have previous backpacking or canoeing experience. We will teach you everything you need to know to travel comfortably, including how to pack a backpack, maneuver a canoe, set up a wilderness campsite, rock climb, and navigate using a map and compass. Being comfortable in water is an important skill for this particular course, and so if you have any questions about how much immersion to expect,/or what kind of canoeing this course will involve please be sure to check in with your Course Advisor!
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.
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.
Teen Courses (ages 16-18)
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.
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.
Canoeing
Portaging
To travel between lakes, your group will work together as a team to carry packs and canoes over trails. Portage trails are rugged and often rocky or hilly. They vary in length from a few hundred yards to a few miles. The group will work to come up with a portaging plan that sensibly and safely distributes all of the responsibilities.
Rock Climbing
During your course you will spend a day rock climbing on one of this area’s many granite cliffs, known locally as “Little Bear,” “Bald,” “Table Rock,” and “Square Ledges.” 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, flexibility, and grace on the rock.
Solo
The solo experience is a standard element of Outward Bound courses. With sufficient food and equipment, you’ll set up camp at a site on your own for one or two days, depending on the length of the course. Your solo site is chosen to offer as much solitude as possible, yet within hearing distance of other group members. You won’t travel during this time and will be mostly alone, yet your instructors will check on you. 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.
Service
Service is an integral part of the Outward Bound curriculum. We encourage service to the environment in the form of practicing Leave No Traceà‚ethics throughout the course. We coordinate service projects with local land managers (US Forest Service, Maine Bureau of Public Lands, Dept. of Conservation, local land trusts, etc.) as well as with select social service agencies (nursing homes, hospitals, etc.). During your course, you will have the opportunity to participate in at least one service project.
Final Challenge Event
We typically end our courses with a Final Challenge Event—an individual final physical push. This might take the form of a run or a triathlon activity.
Expedition Skills
- Emergency preparedness
- Safety management and basic first aid
- Campsite selection
- Navigation with map and compass
Canoeing
- Care of canoes and paddles
- Paddle strokes and maneuvering
- Weather signs and forecasting
- Paddling in convoy
Group Dynamics
- Leadership and decision making
- Followership and expedition behavior
- Communication and conflict resolution
- Goal setting
Backpacking
- Proper fit and loading of packs
- Moving efficiently over rugged terrain
- River crossings
- Shelter construction
- Outdoor cooking
- Conservation practices
- Ropes and knots
- Route finding
- Stove use and maintenance
- Leave No Trace wilderness ethics
- Nutrition and ration planning
- Above tree-line travel
Rock Climbing (weather dependent)
- Belaying and rope handling; system safety
- Climbing technique
- Rappelling
You will canoe in the upper reaches of the Kennebec, Penobscot and Allagash rivers. You may canoe on Moosehead Lake, The Moose Bow Loop, or several of the lakes that make the headwaters of the Allagash River. Indigenous Abenaki peoples used the Androscoggin as both a means of transportation between winter habitats inland to summer living on the coast and as a source of food. Later the rivers were used to move logs to mills downstate during the logging boom of the nineteenth century. These days the lakes and rivers are used primarily by canoeists, fisherman, and other recreationalists. Some of the portages you may encounter have been in use for centuries - such as along the NorthEast Pond Carry and Mud Pond Carry.
Your backpacking course area will be the mountains of Maine and may include parts of the 100-mile wilderness, the Bigelow Range, or some off-trail travel to some of the less-visited peaks. These spruce-fir and hardwood forests are home to hundreds of species of birds as well as moose, deer, and black bear. Rock climbing instruction will take place at one of 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.
Training Expedition
Initially, your instructors will focus on teaching the skills of sailing, backpacking, canoeing and navigating, demonstrating maneuvers and coaching your group through the art of moving the team safely and efficiently within each skill progression.
Main Expedition
The instructors begin to hand over technical responsibility for day to day running of the expedition 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.
Final Expedition: Near the end of course, if you and your group have demonstrated the necessary leadership, team problem-solving and wilderness living skills, you may be given the opportunity to travel without your instructors participating in decision-making. Many of our students tell us this phase of the course is the most rewarding, as the group learns to work together, solve problems, and accomplish a goal independently, utilizing all the skills they have acquired.
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 the Welcome Email from your Course Advisor. If you do not see this email, please contact your Course Advisor.
- As soon as all Admissions Forms have been returned, your application will be in the Medical Screening phase. We may be in touch if we need any further information during this time.
- Once you've been Medically Screened, you will be invited to an Applicant Phone Interview
- After the Interview 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
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 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.
"WHAT DO I BRING?"
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.
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.
Masks
HIOBS will also provide 5 reusable polyester face masks for each student. These masks have adjustable ear loops, nose pieces, and a pocket for replaceable filters (students may bring these if desired). Students may bring up to 5 of their own reusable masks if they have a style/brand that they prefer.
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.
PLEASE BRING ALL ITEMS IN THIS SECTION
You are welcome to bring extras of the items marked with a plus (+) sign. 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!
Please contact your course advisor for suggestions.
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TOPS |
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2 |
LONG UNDERWEAR TOPS |
Materials may be Capilene®, polypropylene or other synthetics; silk is less effective—NO COTTON. Light or medium weight. |
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2-3 |
SPORTS BRAS |
Quick-drying synthetic bras. |
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2-3 |
SYNTHETIC T-SHIRTS |
Can be 50/50 blend of cotton/polyester but all synthetics dry faster. One could be a tank top. |
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1-2 |
COTTON T-SHIRTS |
Nice for dry weather or for sleeping in. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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BOTTOMS |
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4-7 |
UNDERPANTS |
Synthetic fabrics work best but cotton is okay. |
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2 |
LONG UNDERWEAR BOTTOMS |
Materials may be Capilene®, polypropylene or other synthetics; silk is less effective—NO COTTON. Light or medium weight. |
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1 |
QUICK-DRY PANTS |
Loose-fitting, lightweight nylon fabric dries quickly. |
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1 |
SHORTS |
Loose-fitting, quick-drying athletic shorts. |
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Cntd… BOTTOMS, CNTD… |
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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). |
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1 |
RAIN PANTS |
Can be Gore-Tex or coated nylon. Make sure that the seams are taped or welded so they can’t leak. |
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HEAD, HANDS and FEET |
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1 |
SUN HAT |
For sun protection, either a broad-brimmed hat with chin strap or a baseball cap. |
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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. |
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1 |
WINTER HAT |
Make sure it covers your ears when you pull it down. Wool or synthetic only. |
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3-4 |
SOCKS |
Thick: wool or synthetic only. NO COTTON. |
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2-3 |
LINER SOCKS |
Thin synthetic socks that can be layered under thick socks for additional warmth or blister protection. |
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1 |
RUNNING SOCKS |
Synthetic sock |
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1 |
RUNNING SNEAKERS |
Full-coverage, below-the-ankle, athletic footwear |
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1 |
CROCS (or similar) or WATER/RIVER SANDALS |
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 |
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1 |
BACKPACKING BOOTS |
As described on our "Boot Information Sheet" |
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PERSONAL ITEMS |
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1 |
INSURANCE CARD |
If you have health insurance, please bring your card, or a clear photocopy of both sides of it. |
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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. |
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2 |
HAND SANITIZERS |
Pocket-sized squeeze bottles of hand sanitizer |
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1 |
DIGITAL ORAL THERMOMETER |
Small, battery-powered. THIS is a great choice. |
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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. |
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1 |
PACK TOWEL |
A synthetic, wringable towel, also called a chamois, a sports towel or a swimmer’s towel. No cotton. |
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1 |
WATCH |
Make sure it’s waterproof and inexpensive. Stopwatch and alarm are useful functions. |
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1 |
SUNGLASSES |
Bring a strap to hold them on and a hard-sided case to protect them when you’re not wearing them. |
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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. |
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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.) |
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1 ea |
BOWL AND SPOON |
Bowl can be wood or tough plastic. Spoon can be metal or plastic. |
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1+ |
BANDANNAS |
Useful for shading your neck from the sun, cleaning sunglasses, as pot holders, and more. |
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3-4 |
PLASTIC BAGS |
Gallon-sized Ziploc®-type with a closure for keeping things dry or separating wet items |
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1 |
TOILET KIT (BASIC) |
Toothbrush, small trial-size toothpaste, comb, brush, and dental floss. Don’t bring soap, deodorant, lotion, makeup or razor. |
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DISPOSABLE MENSTRUAL PRODUCTS |
An ample supply. Changes in diet and activity can produce changes in cycles. |
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2 |
SUNSCREEN |
8-oz, minimum SPF 30. Do not bring aerosol sprays. |
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2 |
LIP BALM |
Minimum SPF 30 |
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2 |
INSECT REPELLENT |
Bring a small unbreakable container, 10-50% DEET. Do not bring aerosol sprays. |
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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. |
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1 set |
TRAVEL CLOTHES & COURSE END TOILETRIES |
Clean clothes for the trip home, towel, soap and shampoo for the course end shower. |
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ADDITIONAL ITEMS for cooler months: May, June or September |
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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. |
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1 |
MEDIUM WEIGHT PANTS |
Mid-weight: 100- or 200-weight Polartec® or the equivalent |
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1 |
MITTENS OR GLOVES |
Can be wool or fleece. |
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1 |
BALACLAVA |
A hood-shaped hat that covers your head and neck. You could also bring a neck gaiter and a second hat. |
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OPTIONAL ITEMS (These are NOT Required. Please only buy them if you plan to use them after your course!) |
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1-5 |
REUSABLE FACE MASK |
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. |
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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. |
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1 |
BUG BIVY |
A personal bug net that fits over your sleeping bag. See an example HERE. |
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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. |
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1 |
CAMP CHAIR |
Lightweight Crazy Creek®-type chair that folds flat and rolls up for storage. |
|
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. |
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2-3 |
STUFF SACKS |
Made of lightweight nylon in many colors, these help to keep your clothes and gear organized. |
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1 |
FOOT POWDER |
Corn starch, baby powder or Gold Bond all work. Maximum size:4oz. |
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1 |
WATER SHOES OR 2nd PAIR OF SNEAKERS |
SNEAKERS: Full-coverage, below-the-ankle, athletic footwear (Can be an old pair) |
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1 |
TREKKING POLES |
Adjustable trekking poles or old ski poles. |
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1 |
GAITERS |
Lightweight nylon boot lacing covers that extend up your calf to help keep rain, mud or gravel out of your boots. |
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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 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.
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 1:30 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 1:30 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 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 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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