This one week course is a unique Outward Bound adventure specifically designed for teens coping with the death of a loved one that takes place in the vast Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. You’ll travel for the entire time without re-supplying, while you cook over an open fire and learn the meaning of teamwork. During this transformational wilderness adventure, participants experience powerful grief work activities woven into the context of the traditional Outward Bound curriculum. This adventure includes canoeing and a personal challenge day like rock climbing or high ropes, and much more.
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. This course also builds canoeing skills and promotes teamwork as your whole group carries canoes and gear from one lake to the other. 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 classic wilderness canoe expedition takes you into the rugged and remote Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Big blue lakes, cool green forests and sheer granite cliffs for rock climbing make this area of Northern Minnesota a totally perfect place to challenge yourself, have fun and meet new people. Travel the huge lakes, winding rivers by canoe; learn paddle strokes and master navigation.
As early as day 4 or 5 you will get to the point where you can steer the canoe without thinking about it. It will be natural, like the paddle is part of you. An integral part of lake travel is portaging, which is carrying canoes and packs across short trails (some as long as a mile or more but most under a quarter mile) between the lakes. Challenging portages build teamwork and leave lasting memories.
At other times you have the opportunities to learn geology, environmental ethics and natural history. Successful completion of our program demands mastery of skills, trust, fitness, confidence, tenacity, leadership, initiative and compassion. The promotion of these qualities, and the discovery of what is in you is the purpose of Outward Bound.
COURSE AREA
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is a labyrinth of lakes and rock that specifically has been protected as a true American wilderness. No roads, power lines, or motorized craft (with the exception of a handful lakes) may enter its borders, so the Boundary Waters has changed little since the glaciers receded 10,000 years ago. Over one million acres in size, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness extends nearly 150 miles along the Canadian border adjacent to Quetico Provincial Park.
Waterfalls, sheer rock cliffs and deep, crystal-clear lakes abound. Moose, deer, beaver, and otter are just a few of the wildlife you may see or see evidence of while you are there. The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness contains several thousand portage-linked lakes and streams interspersed with islands, forests and crags. It has no piped water, prepared shelters or signs to point the way. Adventure awaits.
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.