Then head to North Carolina’s opposite border – the Appalachian Mountains – for backpacking, rock climbing and whitewater canoeing. You’ll further refine navigational skills, ending this phase with a multi-day, unaccompanied expedition that brings together your group and draws on individual strengths, leadership and problem-solving.

Finally, Patagonia beckons with more difficult travel and instruction in alpine and mountaineering skills as you prepare to summit an Andean peak. After extended backcountry living, you’ll realize and appreciate the connection between teamwork and individual success as well as taking away an unbelievable sense of accomplishment.

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 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.