This expedition takes place on the Deschutes River and in the Central Cascades in Oregon. It is designed for 14-16 year olds and includes two distinct expeditions, one by raft and one on foot. The 22-day course offers higher altitude and requires more group gear to accomplish the technical peak ascents included on the longer course. Regardless of course length this course is best suited to motivated, fit teens ready to take on challenge and go home ready for success.

The Deschutes River in Oregon is a wild and scenic designated river that flows from the Oregon Cascades to the Columbia River and then to the Pacific. A popular river for both whitewater rafting and fly fishing, the river is spring fed, which results in unusually constant water flow and cold water even in the summer. Border for 1/3 of the Lower Deschutes is Warm Springs Reservation. There is excellent geologic evidence present all around this area. Courses travel 50-100 miles, over rapids up to Class IV. The environment is that of a very dry and arid desert, which equals very hot summers. Wildlife in the area includes ospreys, bald eagles, deer, bighorn sheep (rare), rattlesnakes, waterfowl such as mergansers and mallard. This region provides a colorful human history, which can be illustrated by the railroad.

The Central Cascades is home to the Three Sisters, Mt. Washington, and Mt. Jefferson Wilderness areas. Four 10,000+ foot glaciated volcanoes are present in this course area, with a total of eight major volcanoes. Courses will attempt to climb at least one peak in the area. West side of the range is lush; east side dryer. Snow travel is definite on May to mid-July courses, and likely through the end of August. On 22-day courses, several of the peaks will necessitate glacier and roped-team travel. Peaks: Broken Top, South Sister, Middle Sister, North Sister, Mt. Washington, Three Fingered Jack, Mt. Jefferson, The Husband.

Youth Ventures
Adventure awaits you on this Youth Ventures course designed for younger teens. The course combines basecamp and expedition time to ensure you are well prepared, both mentally and physically, before taking on the challenges of the amazing Central Cascades. 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, learn environmental facts about the region, and ride the rapids and float your way down the Deschutes River. Throughout the course, expect to work hard, laugh, try your best and have a lot of fun!

The Outward Bound Difference
Throughout the course, you will explore important aspects of Outward Bound, including growth and learning found in every activity you undertake. You will learn five important Outward Bound values: sticking to what you start; giving to others; showing spirit even when the going gets tough; solving problems; and most importantly, caring for others and working as a team. You may find that the most important lessons are as much about learning backcountry skills as they are learning about yourself and your community. 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.

This course may be the hardest thing you have ever done. Outward Bound philosophy maintains that by facing the challenges the course will offer you, you will emerge physically and mentally stronger, with an increased mastery of expedition skills as well as a better understanding of your own capabilities. We think that the payoff is well worth the work, but you should be aware of what you're getting into and excited about tackling the challenges.

Course Description
This multi-expedition course consists of about 6 days of whitewater rafting on the Deschutes River beginning at Mecca Flats. You begin with lessons in safety and river travel then progress to reading currents, anticipating obstacles, scouting difficult rapids, and working as a team to negotiate technical portions of the river. You also learn about river hydrology, swimming, paddle techniques, captaining the raft, expeditionary travel and take short day hikes. You get the chance to travel through historic Native American lands.

You then trade your water shoes for hiking boots and head into the Central Oregon Mountains. They will be introduced to backpacking skills like backcountry travel, map and compass navigation, cooking and gear selection. You will also learn basic mountaineering skills, including rock climbing skills in the 1-3 days of rock climbing and participate in 1-2 peak ascents, depending on the weather and group dynamics. There is a possibility you will learn about snow travel in the early season, use an ice axe and glacier travel in rope teams. Students will also get the opportunity for reflection during a solo. The Central Cascades is home to the Three Sisters, Mt. Washington, and Mt. Jefferson Wilderness areas. Four 10,000+ foot glaciated volcanoes are present in this course area, with a total of eight major volcanoes. Courses will attempt to climb at least one major peak in the area. West side of the range is lush; east side dryer. Snow travel is definite on May to mid-July courses, and likely through the end of August. Several of the peaks will necessitate glacier and roped-team travel. Peaks: Broken Top, South Sister, Middle Sister, North Sister, Mt. Washington, Three Fingered Jack, Mt. Jefferson, The Husband.

NOTE: 22-day courses are more challenging. They will include technical peak ascents which means higher altitude and heavier group gear.

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.

To apply for this course click the apply button next to the course dates that work for you. Or better yet call one of our expert Admission Advisers at 866-467-7651. Course tuitions listed below do not include our Application Fee or Transportation Fee.

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