COURSE OVERVIEW

Course Number

HJQL-071

Date

March 08, 2020 - May 01, 2020

Course Skills
Backpacking
  • Intro to camp craft: cooking, nutrition, shelters, packing and equipment overview
  • Leave No Trace ethics
  • On & off-trail navigation, use of map & compass
  • Intro to terrain management
  • Desert ecology and local history
  • Intro to expeditionary learning model
  • Foundations for risk management, decision-making & communication
Rock Climbing
  • Equipment overview: helmets, harnesses, ropes
  • Foundational knots
  • Top-roping
  • Belaying & rappelling
  • Anchor building: natural and passive protection
  • Foundations of climbing techniques: crack, face, bouldering
  • Intro to Site Management

Wilderness First Responder (WFR) phase

  • Response and assessment 
  • Musculoskeletal injuries 
  • Equipment improvisation 
  • Environmental emergencies and survival skills 
  • Illnesses and allergies 
  • Medical emergencies 
  • Wilderness protocols 
  • Wilderness rescue

Sailing

  • Sailing and seamanship 
  • Weather observation and prediction 
  • Tides and currents 
  • Rowing 
  • Anchoring 
  • Marlinespike seamanship (knot and rope skills) 
  • Coastal piloting and navigation 
  • Coastal cruising and live aboard skills 
  • Implementing Outward Bound leadership models 
  • Feedback and mentoring
Course Activities

CALIFORNIA

Desert Backpacking 

You will travel both on and off-trail. The trails, when present, are usually of high quality. The off-trail routes can be especially challenging as these routes travel through boulder filled canyons and across vast desert plains. You will resupply food and water along the way at many different water cache sites that Outward Bound California uses. Though the landscape can be demanding, there are few places in the world that compare to the beauty and uniqueness of where this backpacking leads.

Rock Climbing

The rock climbing section will flow seamlessly out of the backpacking section and will start off by establishing a backcountry “basecamp” for introductory rock climbing skills: how to climb, belay and rappel. During this time you may explore canyons and wander through the boulders looking for your next backcountry climbing area. With practice and focus, you can become an informed, skilled rock climber. You will experience a wide variety of climbing styles, like crack-climbing, face climbing and bouldering. This section offers a unique experience to climb on some of the highest quality granite out there in one of the most popular destinations for rock climbers in the world.

Peak Attempt

Most groups will attempt to summit at least one peak. As Joshua Tree is a high desert, some parts of the park are higher than 5,000 feet. A peak attempt often requires pre-dawn starts, waking as early as 4am. You’ll launch from a basecamp so you that you can leave some of your gear at camp. During your peak attempt you will gain an understanding of terrain management, hazard assessment and weather consideration to make a successful peak attempt. For all the effort they require, successful peak attempts are often the most rewarding experiences of an Outward Bound course.

Solo

There will be the opportunity to have more than one solo experience on this course. A 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 camp craft skills you have been learning throughout the course. We choose your solo site to offer as much solitude as possible, but within earshot of instructors for management considerations. You will not travel during this time and your instructors will check on you periodically. Many students are initially nervous about solo but most are ready for a break from the group when the time for solo arrives. This activity may be abbreviated or eliminated as instructors assess the weather, terrain, or other factors that could affect the outcomes of solo. Many of our past students express this was one of the most powerful elements to their course.

FLORIDA

Wilderness First Responder Certification (8 days)

Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification is recognized as the standard level of expertise in backcountry first aid. This nationally recognized program trains participants to respond to emergencies in remote settings. The 80-hour curriculum includes standards for extended care situations. Half of the students’ time will be spent completing practical skills, case studies and scenarios designed to challenge their decision-making abilities.

Florida Keys Sailing Expedition

The group will get a basic introduction to the boat, briefings on emergency procedures and soon cast off lines to begin their adventure on the water. Students will leave the base and sail only with the food and equipment needed for the expedition: clothes, stoves, food and water, etc. Bathing occurs daily with a dip in the ocean; there are no conventional bathrooms, telephones, appliances, television or other modern luxuries. By living simply, students will remove many of the distractions of modern life and reconnect with the values and skills that truly enhance their life and their community. Our 30-foot sailboats are built with challenging expeditions in mind, fitted with all the required US Coast Guard safety equipment. On these open boats with no cabins and no engines, students will live closely together using only wind and oars as propulsion. As they rotate responsibilities during this expedition, students will learn the art of sailing, navigating, rowing and living aboard a small open boat. At night, students sleep on deck under a tarp, taking turns at anchor watch under brilliant night skies.

Solo During Sailing

A 12- to 24-hour solo provides an important break from the rigors of the sailing expedition. With sufficient food and equipment, students will spend time alone at an assigned campsite to rest and reflect. We choose solo sites to offer as much solitude as possible, within hearing distance of other group members. Students will not travel during this time. Instructors check on the group occasionally, but students are mostly alone for the duration of their solo. 

Information on Outward Bound Semester courses
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
HOIBS will provide a camera for your group to use while on course. These pictures will be posted for you to access after the course. You can also bring a 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 waterproof camera/case will help protect it from the elements. Keep in mind that access for recharging is extremely limited. Please do not bring large amounts of camera equipment. 
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. Please call 855-802-0307, and follow the prompts for your base camp or course type.  This will forward you 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.
Program Outcomes
Outdoor Educator Courses

Outward Bound Outdoor Educator courses open doors in the outdoor education industry - we provide opportunities to learn specific outdoor activity skills and gain certifications, train students in wilderness expedition travel and living skills and ethics, and present the fundamentals and nuances of the Outward Bound learning approach.

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.  Guided by specialists in the field, Outdoor Educator students will learn, practice and refine the skills needed to jumpstart a wide range of careers in experiential education, wilderness education, wilderness guiding, place-based education and much more.

You need to be physically fit, and motivated to live, learn and work together within your expedition team. A high level of previous wilderness travel or camping experience is not necessary, although it is helpful —all travel and leadership skills are taught from the beginning, and each phase of the expedition builds on the previous one.