Backpacking and Alpine Backpacking

Students will travel into the heart of the Sierra Nevada where they will learn Leave No Trace camping and travel skills, outdoor cooking techniques, map and compass use, route finding, and how to set up shelters in the backcountry.

On courses for middle school age students, participants will spend the majority of their time navigating on-trail, occasionally venturing off-trail to connect to another section of trail or to climb a 'walk up' peak which does not require ropes or the occasional use of hands (Class 2). Backpacking courses may also spend more time 'below treeline', have limited to no travel on snow and utilize bridges to cross creeks where available.

On courses for high school age students will spend the majority of their time navigating off-trail, 'above treeline' in alpine environments, including terrain that crosses talus, boulder fields and snow. Peaks that are climbed on course do not require ropes, but may require the occasional use of hands for balance (Class 3-4) and creek crossings are often void of bridges. 

In addition to technical skills, Instructors will teach and facilitate the interpersonal skills needed for students to function effectively as a team, accomplish goals, and tackle new challenges. Challenges on course are designed to compel students to draw upon inner resources and develop trust in one another. One example of on-course challenges is a peak attempt. With lighter packs, participants will start before sunrise to summit a mountain and are rewarded with 360 degree views and an incredible sense of accomplishment.

As skills and experience increase, Instructors will turn over more responsibility to the crew. Students will eventually make navigation decisions, plan routes and set up camp.

Please note: Students carry both personal and group gear, which means packs can be heavy. Students should be physically able to hike with a 40-pound backpack to be successful on this course. If the applicant is under 5 feet tall and/or 85 pounds, please call Outward Bound prior to enrollment.

Service

Service to others and the environment is a core value of Outward Bound and is integrated into each course. Participants follow Leave No Trace ethics and do acts of service while leading and supporting fellow participants. Designated service projects are coordinated with land managers like the US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and National Park Service to collaborate on land restoration projects. As they see the impact of their actions first hand, students develop a value of service, and transfer this desire to serve their communities once they return.

Solo

Outward Bound believes in order for profound learning to take place, there must be time to reflect on the experience. Within course, the Solo is that opportunity. It is a chance to experience solitude in the wilderness without distraction while also taking a break from the physical rigors of course. Students are separated from their group for a period of time which depends on course length and Instructor assessment of group capability. Solo sites are chosen to provide solitude. Participants have all necessary equipment, food and water. The maximum time for Solo is 72 hours.