Explore Patagonia where travel through remote temperate rainforests and over glacial fields develops the foundations of teamwork you’ll build on the rest of the course. You’ll acquire alpine and mountaineering skills on snow fields and icy slopes then put them to the test for a summit attempt of a snow-capped volcano.

Next, journey through Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands and Everglades. Warm weather and a network of mangrove islands provide perfect opportunities for developing paddling techniques, refining navigational skills and fostering personal development.

End your course backpacking and rock climbing in the Appalachian Mountains. In the final days of the semester, your crew plans and executes a multi-day final expedition independently of your instructors that pulls on all the wilderness and leadership skills you’ve developed. The Outward Bound Difference…

North Carolina Outward Bound’s semester courses are an in-depth, comprehensive experience that enhances traditional academics. Outward Bound semester courses are unique opportunities to gain real wilderness skills and develop life skills like decision making, problem solving, leadership and teamwork.

This expedition takes you deep into majestic landscapes. You’ll develop teamwork while working together to find your way, set up camp, cook your own meals over a camp stove and learn Leave No Trace techniques to minimize your impact on the land. Solo is a time for reflection and rest at an individual campsite. A strong value is placed on service ethic throughout the course with service projects in each course area including environmental and humanitarian service opportunities. In Patagonia, service takes the form of a cross-cultural exchange usually working with rural subsistence farmers.

Some groups may be awarded the privilege of an unaccompanied final expedition, during which you and your group are responsible for expedition planning and decision-making – a true application of the group’s newfound skills, leadership and teamwork.

Semester courses require strong commitment to persevere through the physical and mental challenges presented by an extended wilderness expedition. Successful completion of your course demands mastery of skills, trust, fitness, confidence, tenacity, leadership, initiative and compassion.

When you live and travel in the great outdoor classroom, you gain a clearer sense of your self and your abilities, build strong bonds with your group and walk away with a greater understanding of the wilderness, our world and the direction you want your life to take.