This one week course is a unique Outward Bound adventure specifically designed for teens coping with the death of a loved one. Travel through the Pisgah or Nantahala National Forests, places of densely forested hills and cool mountain streams that cascade into waterfalls and unique rock formations.
Course Description
By combining personal growth methodologies of Outward Bound, with a simple support model that honors the griever, we deliver an intensely profound healing experience relevant to the lives of people who are coping with the death of a loved one. Throughout the course there are evening discussions to review personal and group challenges encountered during the day and in life. Topics include grieving, leadership, independent decision-making, responsibility, and teamwork.
This adventure includes backpacking and a personal challenge day like rock climbing or high ropes, and much more. You'll learn how to pack everything you need into your backpack, cook an excellent backcountry dinner and camp without leaving a trace of your presence.
You'll develop teamwork while working together to navigate your way through rhododendron thickets using a map and compass, to set up camp each night, to cook your own meals over a camp stove and to learn Leave No Trace techniques to minimize your impact on the land.
Successful completion of your course demands mastery of skills, trust, fitness, confidence, tenacity, leadership, initiative and compassion. No experience is necessary. You'll leave course with newfound strength that can help you through everyday situations as well as the unknown challenges to come.
Other Skills You Will Learn And Pratice Include:
- Safety precautions for backcountry foot travel
- How to find campsites
- How to navigate terrain
- Map and compass reading
- Conflict resolution
- Communication styles
- Leadership and team building
- Working with ropes (knot tying and rappelling)
Course Cost
Thanks to the generosity of the New York Life Foundation all Heroic Journey course tuitions have been reduced from the standard tuition of $1375 to $535. Additional scholarship is available based on financial need and scholarship availability. The primary focus of the New York Life Foundation continues to be on providing support for organizations that help young people through educational enhancement and childhood bereavement. Course tuitions listed do not include our application fee or transportation fee.
To apply for this course click the apply button next to the course dates that work for you. The non-refundable application fee of $125 is due at the time of application. For full fee schedule and process, click here. Course tuitions listed do not include our application fee or transportation fee.