Gap Year and Semester (ages 18-30)

Our Gap Year and Semester expeditions are designed to provide opportunities for students to develop wilderness skills, to practice and learn about teamwork, and to foster each individual's leadership abilities. These programs combine the rigor of a series of adventurous expeditions with the interpersonal challenges of living in a small community - which takes resiliency, character, and the determination to succeed through collaboration, compassion, and effort.

Amidst rugged natural landscapes, you are given the opportunity to learn to lead and to follow, to adjust plans to changing realities, give and receive honest feedback, and earn the confidence borne of hard-won achievement. Our Outward Bound instructors coach students to step outside their perceived limitations, to assess risks, and to work together on expedition to achieve more than they thought possible - and also to find ways to transfer these "a-ha" moments back to life at home, work and school.

In the wilderness, you can take the opportunity to unplug from your everyday life, practice these skills, and along the way build amazing new connections that will serve you wherever you go.

Students need to be physically fit and motivated to learn and work together. No previous wilderness experience is necessary—all travel and leadership skills are built and developed throughout the course, and each phase of the expedition builds on the previous one. 

HIOBS Leadership Semester Students will learn 

Canoeing & White Water Skills

• Canoeing Skills
• Canoe paddle strokes
• Canoe loading and weight distribution
• Portaging, lining, and poling
• Tandem open canoe maneuvers
• Identifying river features
• Scouting rapids
• Whitewater management

Backcountry First Aid Skills

• Patient assessment
• Knowledge of body systems
• Equipment improvisation
• Trauma care
• Remote Medicine
• Wilderness rescue

Backpacking & Rock Climbing Skills

• Backpacking and Rock Climbing Skills
• Expedition planning
• Leave No Trace wilderness ethics

• On and off-trail map and compass navigation
• Rock climbing skills
• Rope and Knot skills

Sailing and Water Safety Skills

• Open Boat Sailing Skills
• Boat handling skills,
• Sailing and seamanship
• Coastal piloting, navigation and cruising
• Tides, currents, and weather
• Anchoring
• Marlinespike seamanship
• Snorkeling (weather dependent)
• Snorkeling safety
• Surface diving
• Clearing your snorkel and mask

You will canoe in the upper reaches of the Androscoggin watershed. The Androscoggin is fed by Aziscohos Lake, the Magalloway River, and the Rangeley Lakes: Cupsuptic, Mooselookmeguntic, and Richardson. 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 Androscoggin River was 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 Rapid River.

Your backpacking course area will be the mountains of western Maine and northern New Hampshire in one or more of the following areas: the Appalachian Trail, the White Mountain National Forest, the Carter-Mahoosuc Range,the Grafton Loop Trail, or the Caribou-Speckled Mountain Wilderness. 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 granite cliffs you encounter along your expedition route. Most of this hiking terrain is protected from development and offers both pristine and established camping, rushing waterfalls, twisting streams, and spectacular views from rocky summits.

The Florida Keys and the Everglades

Home to numerous birds and abundant marine life, the region of the Florida Keys is rich with the confluence of fresh water flowing out of the Everglades into inner Florida Bay, and the salt waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Winding channels through the backcountry offer challenging shoal draft navigation and the opportunity to explore mangrove keys, grassy tidal flats and coral patch reefs. The Atlantic side offers open water sailing and, in calm weather, excellent snorkeling at the outer reefs. Turquoise waters, warm temperatures and prevailing easterly winds provide exceptional expeditioning, both day and night.

Sailing courses will cruise in three general areas. The back country offers challenging shoal draft navigation and the opportunity to explore mangrove keys, tidal flats and coral patch reefs. The Atlantic side offers excellent open water sailing and, in calm weather, amazing snorkeling at the outer reefs. The course area extends to the Everglades with beautiful sand beaches and a maze of rivers and bays to explore. The turquoise waters, warm temperatures and prevailing easterly winds provide exceptional sailing, both day and night! Actual itineraries are based on weather, currents and length of course.

MAINE

Canoeing and White Water (14-17 days)

Living and traveling with just what you can carry on your back or in a canoe is a simple existence. Wilderness canoe expedition skills are essential to the outdoor educator. Your wilderness classroom will be the Androscoggin, Penobscot, Kennebec or Allagash watershed(s) in Maine’s North Woods, the land that Thoreau immortalized in his writings in The Maine Woods. On the waterways of this five-million-acre forest, you will practice paddle strokes and precise maneuvering. You will also learn the skills of portaging (carrying the canoe on your shoulders), and lining (guiding your canoe down un-runnable rapids) as you travel through some of the amazing waterways of Maine.  In learning to work and communicate well with your paddling partner each day you will discover the power of two people truly working together. Expedition canoeing in Maine means paddling white water. During your canoe expedition you will learn how to scout, paddle, and manage open canoes safely in class II rapids.

Advanced Wilderness First Aid (4 days)

The Advanced Wilderness First Aid (AWFA) course is a 4-day introduction to wilderness medicine that combines classroom time with hands-on practical sessions. Students will learn how to manage injuries/illnesses in the backcountry, setting them up for safe and self-reliant expeditions in the future.

Backpacking and Rock Climbing (14-17 days)

Backpacking is a great combination of team and individual elements. In the mountains, you will learn map reading, cooking, how to pack and adjust your pack, foot care, hydration, knots, and navigation on- and off-trail. The mountains of Maine and northern New Hampshire are rugged, wooded, at times muddy and steep, with bold granite summits and views that stretch to the horizon. To live well in the backcountry, all group 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 sessions take place at the many granite crags and cliffs that make northern New England a world renowned climbing destination. You will learn how to properly use harnesses, helmets, ropes, and belay devices. You will start with the basics of tying in to the rope and safely belaying each other, and practice efficient movement over rock using techniques of friction, edging and crack climbing. As you build experience and skill you will develop more advanced climbing techniques and practice setting up and managing a variety of sites.

Solo (2-3 days)

A two-night solo provides an important break from the rigors of the expedition. With sufficient food and equipment, you’ll spend time alone at an assigned campsite to rest, reflect, and practice the campcraft skills you will have been learning throughout the course. We choose your solo site to offer as much solitude as possible, within hearing distance of other group members. You will not travel during this time and your instructors will check on you occasionally, but you will be mostly alone for the duration of your solo. 

FLORIDA KEYS SAILING

The 30-foot open sailboat is your home and classroom. Our boats are very seaworthy, fun to operate, and perfect for a team adventure. The boats are rigged to take full advantage of the power of the subtropical trade winds, and when the winds do not cooperate, the boats can be rowed by two or four people pulling on oars. At night the boat can be configured as a sleeping platform and you and your watch mates will take turns doing anchor watch under brilliant night skies. Underway, you learn to adjust sails properly for sailing at different angles to the wind and execute sailing maneuvers like tacking and gybing, which turn the boat through the wind. As you practice rowing, you will discover that by coordinating all of the rower’s movements so that the oars splash as one, you halve the effort it takes to travel on windless days. You learn to navigate through narrow passages among low-lying islands, or “cays,” using a chart and compass. Precision in plotting your course and concentration on the environment around you will prove essential in arriving accurately at your destination. It takes an entire crew to sail or row the boat well; the whole crew must participate mentally and physically. In addition to the challenges of moving the boat, living together aboard this small vessel requires commitment to the support of your crew-mates and your community as a whole.

Personal Challenge Event

Our courses end with a Personal Challenge Event, an individual final physical push. These events might take the form of a timed swim or rowing event, or it may be a combination of the two. 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.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO KNOW ABOUT OUR SEMESTER PROGRAMS

Groupings

For much of the course you will function in a group of 6-12 people. This is the classic Outward Bound “crew” or "watch". It is generally co-ed and comprised of individuals from different geographic, ethnic, religious and economic backgrounds. The age spread can be wide, with the average age being early to mid-twenties. Some components of the course will require different student groupings and student/staff ratios. You may be in a larger or smaller group for classes, activities and skills instruction.

Student Independence

There will be times on this course when instructors will not directly supervise you. This will include time around camp, cooking or setting up tents, sleeping, and solo. We have found that a degree of independence is an effective educational tool, and we expect that all students come to this course with a willingness to learn skills and effective expedition behavior, and practice them without instructor supervision, either alone or with other group members. 

Weather and a Typical Day

The short answer to the question of “what’s a typical day like?” is that there is no typical day on an Outward Bound course. Weather, wind, wave, and river conditions will determine whether or not we can sail, snorkel, and where we go each day. We assess the weather several times a day to help us make decisions about our expedition plans, and we frequently have to amend our plans to meet the changing conditions. For this reason, we need to maintain the flexibility to make the best safety and educational decisions for the changing environment.

Travel Within the Course

There will/can be a considerable amount of travel between the different sections of the course. Except for the mid-course flight, this will be done primarily in Outward Bound vans and buses. All ground transportation during the course is included in tuition and fees but flights are not. Please pay close attention to the clothing and equipment lists and bring only what you need. Storage space will be limited, particularly when we are traveling.

During Breaks

This course is demanding. In order to keep you motivated and energized, break times have been scheduled during the course. Breaks will be half a day to one day long and may allow time for you to contact home, do laundry, and possibly to explore a town. Outward Bound staff will maintain responsibility for student well-being during breaks, and will remain easily accessible during unstructured free time. During breaks, students are expected to obey all local laws and customs and exhibit appropriate behavior, defined as behaving in keeping with Outward Bound core values, and abstaining from drug and alcohol use. Course expulsion may result if laws are broken, or behavior endangers self, others, property, or the reputation of Outward Bound.

Mail

Throughout the course, you will be able to send out mail. Because it is a mobile course, it can be difficult to receive mail. Prior to your course, a course schedule and mailing address will be sent to you. During the domestic portions of our Semesters, you will be able to receive small items (must fit into a large envelope). LARGE PACKAGES SHOULD NOT BE SENT. Do not plan on having any mail sent to overseas destinations at all. If you have any questions about where to send mail, please check in with your Course Advisor.

Equipment & Personal Belongings

Read the equipment and clothing list thoroughly and carefully consider all that you bring. Some storage is available at the base camps, but you will have to bring all of your luggage with you when you go internationally. Rugged cameras, quality sunscreen, notebooks and pens are well worth bringing. Expensive jewelry, valuables and many changes of casual clothing are not.

Cameras

Bring your camera if you want to record the events of your course. However, because the course is rigorous and the climate is wet, you run the risk of losing or damaging your camera. A durable water-proof case will help protect it from the elements. Please do not bring large amounts of camera equipment. If your camera uses Advantix film, please note that it is hard to find in our International locations.

Vaccines and Medical Facilities

Each of our International locations have reliable medical facilities which we can access from our course areas within a day. All instructors are Wilderness First Responder certified. Our instructor/student ratio, as well as the skills of our instructors, ensures solid evacuation procedures in case of an emergency. We carry a wilderness first aid kit. Please bring only medications that are prescribed to you; do not bring any additional medications. Instructors will brief the group about treating drinking water, and other routine safety and health precautions while on course. Please contact your family doctor/physician or nearest travel clinic for the latest on medical travel updates on the area to which you are going to travel. Your doctor can help you decide which vaccines you should get prior to your course. For further information on recommended vaccines, see: CDC WEBSITE

Passports/Visas

If you are on an international Semester course, you must bring a valid passport with an expiration date of at least 6 months beyond the date of your return flight home. Every student should consult the following web site to ensure that they meet immigration requirements for passport and visa needs: https://www.state.gov/travel/

We also recommend that you make two copies of your passport, one to keep with you during the course in case you lose your original, and one to leave at home. If you do not currently have a passport, you should start the application process NOW. It can take many weeks for your paperwork to be processed and a passport issued. For passport information go to: https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports.html

You Will Need Some Money

Money will be needed for meals during break days. In addition, there will be occasional laundry expenses, some new clothing, toiletry articles or souvenirs to be bought and lost or damaged Outward Bound equipment to pay for. You may also need cash to pay for medical expenses, should you become ill or injured. The course schedule and locations do not support banking hours, and travelers’ checks are often difficult to cash and sometimes are not accepted. Visa charge cards are accepted in most populated areas, and there are ATM machines for cash advances in some areas. We recommend a combination of cash and a debit or credit card. Semester students should bring $100. At the end of course, time permitting, students may be allowed to use that money to purchase souvenirs.

Drugs and Alcohol

Use of alcohol, tobacco or non-prescription drugs is absolutely forbidden on your semester course. These substances would not only detract from your performance on the course, but can create significant safety and health issues for all participants. Use of these substances while on course will result in your immediate expulsion from the course without a refund. Bring only drugs that are prescribed to you, in the original, labeled prescription vials.

Emergency Messages

You will, at times, be in remote areas without telephone contact. Emergency calls are defined as calls that can’t wait until regular business hours. Examples of emergency calls are that you are unable to make it to the course start on time or you have a family emergency while on course. Emergency calls should go through our Admissions office in Maine. During regular office hours, please call 207-706-5051 and ask for the Admissions Department for assistance. After regular business hours please call 855-802-0307, dial 1 and follow the prompts for emergencies.  This line forwards automatically to our on-call cell phone and you will receive a response in a timely fashion.

Academic Credit

College credits need to be arranged BEFORE you start the course, and cannot be set up once the course begins. To learn more contact your Course Advisor, or go to http://www.outwardbound.org/classic/academic-credit-outdoor-leadership-programs/. Up to 12 credits are offered through Western State College, and Northland College and you may also be able to get credits from your own college, depending on their requirements.  Hundreds of colleges have granted credit for Outward Bound courses in our 40+ years of operation. Again - you will need to check with your counselor or registrar BEFORE you take the course. Our semester course would most likely satisfy credit requirements for classes in Wilderness Expeditionary Skills, Wilderness Camping and Travel, Wilderness Skills Practicum in Sailing, Whitewater and Sea Kayaking, Map and Compass, Wilderness First Aid, Group Process and Leadership, and Environmental Science and Ethics.

Medical Insurance While on Course

If you are on an international Semester Program, we are please to announce that as part of our commitment to students participating in course-related foreign travel, Outward Bound has invested in global medical and security assistance through a group membership with On Call International (Outward Bound Group ID: 100109CPPD19). If you are on a non-international Semester Program, you will want to consider purchasing travel/trip cancellation insurance. 

Please take a few minutes to read the summary of services and benefits in the "On Call" Travel Services and Benefits section below, to ensure these are adequate for your individual needs. The Travel Insurance Plan includes a robust menu of benefits that are listed in the summary. This benefit package covers the majority of options one would find when purchasing travel insurance as an individual, but does not include trip cancellation coverage. If you desire coverage for trip cancellation, you should purchase this separately.

 Other Insurance Outward Bound is not liable, financially or otherwise, for loss of, or damage to, property. You should make sure that all personal belongings are covered by a homeowners or other insurance policy before the start of the program.

Partners/ Subcontractors

We occasionally choose to work with other reputable organizations and individuals to assist us in delivering our courses. We establish these relationships in part to improve the quality of course delivery, and to add additional resources and expertise otherwise unavailable to us. We work with Outward Bound Costa Rica, Outward Bound Brazil and The Island School/ Cape Eleuthera Institute in the Bahamas.

Please be aware that most trip cancellation policies will provide fee-based services that will be redundant to those included with your On Call membership. To avoid incurring additional expenses while on course, Outward Bound students should refer to the OB/On Call program for these services.