This course is a backpacking course in the Sierra Nevada with a focus on rock climbing. It is designed for younger teens between the ages of 14 and 16. Courses spend most of their time above 9000 and for that reason are physically challenging and are best suited for motivated teens ready to embrace adventure and walk away ready for success.

The Sierra Nevada is the largest mountain range in the contingent United States. It extends 400 miles from north to south which is bigger than the Swiss, Italian, and French Alps combined! It is filled with smooth granite domes and cliffs, cool alpine lakes, and lush meadows. Atop the domes we can view the jagged profiles of the LeConte Divide, the Ritter Range, and the Great Western Divide, all containing mountain peaks and passes up to 14,000 feet in elevation. The rugged and beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains provide an inspiring Outward Bound backpacking experience in an area that naturalist and explorer John Muir called the Range of Light. You spend time in different areas of the Sierra Nevada, including Southern Yosemite National Park (in the Ansel Adams Wilderness), the John Muir Wilderness and the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. At times throughout the day the nature of the light on the granite formations, the ridges, peaks and valleys create stunning landscapes -- many students comment about feeling like being in calendar art. Even at night, under the moon the land is glowing with the beauty of the light.

Youth Courses
Serious adventure awaits you on this Youth course designed for younger teens. You will have the opportunity to participate in one or two days of rock climbing and attempt a peak ascent. You will also complete an endurance run, and learn environmental facts about the region. Throughout the course, expect to work hard, laugh, try your best and have a lot of fun!

The Outward Bound Difference
The emphasis of this course is to teach you smart and efficient alpine travel techniques. Throughout this course, you can expect to travel on and off trail over alpine terrain which can be rough, demanding, steep and exposed to heights. Your group will explore a variety of terrain from alpine meadows to areas above timberline between 6,000-13,000 feet. Off-trail travel is common in remote areas, which means utilizing map and compass skills. Rock climbing and rappelling are an important part of your course and are taught early if your instructors plan an ascent of a technical peak. This course will be broken up into four phases. During the first phase, the instructors will be teaching all of the skills necessary for backcountry travel and camping. The second phase allows you to practice skills learned. A solo phase allows time for reflection and rest. The final expedition is your opportunity to put all of the learning and practice to the test as you and your teammates travel independently of the instructors. If possible, you will also participate in a service project where you will assist the Park Service or a community organization. Successful completion of your course 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 Description
You will participate in premium rock climbing and backpacking, possible peak ascents, and a solo. Off-trail travel is common in remote areas, which means utilizing map and compass skills. Your group explores a variety of terrain from alpine meadows to areas above timberline between 6,000-13,000 feet. Much of your backcountry travel is done above tree line where the alpine tundra presents much easier walking.

During the climbing section, you will establish base camp in the Sierra National Forest, which allows you to maximize your time on the "crag." The group generally travels to climbing sites from the camping area each day. Days on course include a mix of teaching and climbing with short hikes to the crag. A hike to an amazing free hanging rappel, Dome Bivis, or a day canyoneering incorporating rock climbing, may also happen on your course. You first become acquainted with gear associated with rock climbing, then quickly move on to building skills, moves and techniques, as well as safety. You experience a wide variety of climbing, including crack routes, face climbs and bouldering. Also, you learn gear placement, basic anchor systems, belaying, and rappelling. Complete the course with an ability to move smoothly over stone, the knowledge to set up and use top-rope anchor systems and rappel safely.

The emphasis of the backpacking session is to teach you smart and efficient backpacking and alpine travel techniques. You can expect to travel on and off trail over wooded as well as alpine terrain, which can be rough, demanding, steep, and exposed to heights. Off-trail travel is common in remote areas, which means utilizing map and compass skills. If conditions warrant, you may travel on summer snowfields and learn to use an ice axe. You will participate in premium rock climbing and backpacking, possible peak ascents, and a solo. Successful completion of your course demands mastery of skills, trust, fitness, confidence, tenacity, leadership, initiative and compassion. The promotion of these qualities, and the discovery of what's in you, is the purpose of Outward Bound. Come challenge yourself this summer with us!

NOTE: Virtually all airlines, except United and Southwest, REQUIRE that travelers, age 14 or younger, flying without a companion over the age of 18 pay for their Unaccompanied Minor service. This fee ranges anywhere from $40 to $75 each way. In most cases, the Unaccompanied Minor service is OPTIONAL for travelers between the ages of 15-17.