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Photograph (above) taken by David Montero

Program Overview

Location
E California
Seasons
Summer
Start Location
Fresno, CA
End Location
Fresno, CA
Program
Affinity Groups, Gender-Specific, Middle School
Length
10 Days
Price
$4,330
We offer Scholarships.
Expeditions
Backpacking
Rock Climbing
Activities
Alpine Backpacking, Service, Rock Climbing

Skills

Technical
  • Belaying a Climber
  • Campcraft
  • Food Preparation and Cooking
  • Knots
  • Map and Compass
  • Natural History
  • Navigation
  • Rappelling
  • Safety and Risk Management
  • Self Care
  • Sheltering Strategies
Interpersonal
  • Camaraderie
  • Character
  • Communication
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Empathy
  • Independence
  • Leadership
  • Positive Risk Taking
  • Problem Solving
  • Responsibility
  • Self Awareness
  • Self Confidence
  • Service

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High Sierra Backpacking & Rock Climbing for Boys

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Backpack and rock climb in the Sierra Nevada’s breathtaking granite peaks and mountain lakes.

On this backpacking and rock climbing course for boys, you’ll hike among the towering pines, along glassy, blue alpine lakes and rock climb on some of the best granite around. The Sierra Nevada mountains are one of the United States' premier backpacking and rock climbing locations because of its high-quality granite and stable, frequent sunny summer weather. As you climb and hike, this course will help you realize your own potential and return to day to day life with increased confidence, work ethic and self-awareness.

At Outward Bound, we are crew, not passengers. We support each other and share in our challenges and our victories. Your crew becomes a critical piece of your experience while on course, and beyond! While all our courses are inclusive for all gender identities, we understand the value of affinity spaces, too. During this time of development, when young people need a safe and supportive space, this course builds self-esteem and community, and creates opportunities to make lifelong friends.

This is a traditional Outward Bound course, specially designed for boys and gender-expansive students who are looking for this kind of community on their course. And when we say “for boys,” we mean we cis-boys, trans-boys and nonbinary young people who want to be in a boy centered space. You are welcome here – let’s adventure together!

Outward Bound’s affinity courses are designed to build community and cultivate self-efficacy. Expeditions are led by trained Instructors who aim to create a safe space for all participants. Outward Bound is a place for all people to learn, grow, make friends, and have fun! We encourage you to talk with one of our course advisors if you have questions about which course is the best fit for you.

Request a call from a course specialist

Program Overview

Location
E California
Seasons
Summer
Start Location
Fresno, CA
End Location
Fresno, CA
Program
Affinity Groups, Gender-Specific, Middle School
Length
10 Days
Price
$4,330
We offer Scholarships.
See More Details
Expeditions
Backpacking
Rock Climbing
Activities
Alpine Backpacking, Service, Rock Climbing

Skills

Technical
  • Belaying a Climber
  • Campcraft
  • Food Preparation and Cooking
  • Knots
  • Map and Compass
  • Natural History
  • Navigation
  • Rappelling
  • Safety and Risk Management
  • Self Care
  • Sheltering Strategies
Interpersonal
  • Camaraderie
  • Character
  • Communication
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Empathy
  • Independence
  • Leadership
  • Positive Risk Taking
  • Problem Solving
  • Responsibility
  • Self Awareness
  • Self Confidence
  • Service
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UPCOMING COURSES

Course # XMME-2531

Age 13 - 14

Days 10

Cost $4,330

Dates 7/25/2025 - 8/3/2025

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APPLY NOW

This means a course has several open spots and is actively processing applications.

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Thank you for your interest in Outward Bound! 

This course starts within the next week. Please call us at 866-467-7651 to assess the possibility of applying for this course!

APPLY NOW
This means a course has several open spots and is actively processing applications.

APPLY NOW – Almost Full
This means there are three or fewer currently available spots left on a course. To secure your spot click Apply Now to begin an application!

JOIN WAITLIST
Once a course has reached capacity, three waitlist positions become available. To join a course’s waitlist, click “Join Waitlist” to begin the application process. A $500 deposit is required. This $500 deposit includes a $150 non-refundable application fee and a $350 tuition payment. The $350 tuition payment is refundable only if you cancel your waitlist application or if an open position does not become available. If a position does become available, the applicant will be applied to the open position and the Application and Cancellation Policies of the Regional Outward Bound School will be followed, including forfeiture of the $500 deposit if you cancel 90 days or less prior to the course start date. 

Waitlist applicants are encouraged to complete all required admissions documents while awaiting an open position. Positions may become available up to two weeks prior to the course start date. Applicants may only apply to one course. We recommend applying to a course with open positions instead of a course that is accepting waitlist applications. If you have questions, please call 866-467-7651 to speak with one of our Admissions Advisors.

CALL TO APPLY
This means a course is very close to its start date. Although it is unlikely to secure a spot this late, you can call the National Admissions office at 866-467-7651 to discuss your options.

COURSE IS FULL
When a course has reached maximum capacity, meaning all spots and the three waitlist spots are occupied, a course will read “Course Is Full.” This means applications are no longer being accepted.

CLOSED
As a course nears its start date, the availability status may read “Closed.” In this event, a course roster has been finalized and applications are no longer being accepted or processed.

This course starts in . Are you sure you would like to proceed?

Sample Itinerary
10-Day Course
DAY1
Course start
DAY2-3
Rock section (climbing technique, belaying and rappelling and camp craft lessons)
DAY4
Rappelling
DAY5
Hike to base of alpine peak
DAY6
Alpine peak attempt
DAY7
Solo
DAY8
Finals, hike out
DAY9
Service, Personal Challenge Event, clean gear and de-issue, graduation ceremony
DAY10
Course end and transportation to the airport
Classic Courses

Make new friends, sleep under the stars, and learn skills for outdoor adventure. Outward Bound’s Classic expeditions are designed to empower middle and high school students with the tools and confidence they need to navigate life’s ever-changing tides. By taking on challenges outdoors, students discover their strengths, make meaningful connections and return home with the skills needed to embark on bold futures. 

  • Develop Connections. Bond with your crew by having fun and engaging in meaningful conversations.  
  • Learn Outdoor Skills. Cook delicious meals outside, navigate with a map, and build a backcountry campsite.  
  • Practice Leadership and Teamwork. Learn to be both a leader and team player.  
  • Build Confidence that Lasts a Lifetime. Discover your unique strengths. 
Backpacking
A group of backpackers cross a grassy meadow toward evergreen trees
A person wearing a backpack faces away from the camera looking out at an alpine lake. The lake is reflecting the mountains and trees surrounding it.
A group of backpackers hike through a grassy area with large rock formations and a creek.
A group of people wearing helmets traverse over a rock formation
Photo courtesy of Kenja Griffin
A young person wearing safety gear navigates rocky terrain near a creek.
Photo courtesy of Rikki Dunn
Two young people sit beside the trunk of a tree and smile for the photo
Photo courtesy of David Montero
A group of people run across grass
Photo courtesy of David Montero
Three students work to set up a tarp shelter in a wooded area.
Photo courtesy of David Montero
Five people wearing helmets stand atop a rocky summit overlooking snow capped mountains. One of them flexes their muscles.

This course provides an introductory experience in the art and craft of backpacking while exploring the wonder and expansiveness of the High Sierras. No prior experience is necessary, as Instructors will teach the crew how to cook, set up tarp shelters and conduct on-trail navigation.

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 every day.  Along with new skills, students also get the chance to get to know other people their age from all over the country, build friendships, use teamwork, be challenged and have fun!

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.

Rock Climbing

The course starts with several days of rock climbing; students will learn the basics of climbing technique, belaying and knots, while building trust with team members and confidence in themselves. During this section students challenge themselves physically on solid rock cliffs, and push their mental strength with a free hanging rappel with stunning views of the surrounding granite domes.

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, firsthand, 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. On this course, the Solo time will not exceed 12 hours.

Outcomes

Outward Bound expeditions encourage students to grow into the best version of themselves. Compassion for self and others is foundational to our educational approach. Students work collaboratively with their peers and as individuals to navigate challenging circumstances and the everyday harshness of the natural environment. The physical and mental challenges students experience on course allow them to discover their strengths and build authentic connections. Through intentionally tiered technical skill instruction, students also gain self-efficacy in outdoor competencies related to their course. Consistent and cultivated space for introspection or interactive reflective processes supports students making connections between their experiences and their life back home Whether the expedition is a few days or a few months, students realize that they are stronger than they know, and develop confidence and perseverance that will last a lifetime.

Some of the social and emotional learning outcomes students can expect include:

  • Belonging – a sense of connection in the group founded upon respect, inclusion, empathy and compassion
  • Courage – catalyzing strengths in order to persevere and take on challenge and risks
  • Physical Engagement – develop body awareness and confidence through sensate and bodily experiences
  • Self-Regulation – the ability to counter distraction and strong emotions by calming, refocusing, and turn-taking
  • Reflection – examination and questioning of actions, roles, relationships and assumptions 
Course Area
A tent rests on rocky terrain with a mountain in the background.
An alpine lake is dotted with boulders and evergreen trees.
A group of students sit in a circle in a wooded area. They each have a bowl of food.
Photo courtesy of David Montero

The Sierra Nevada range is California’s backyard and wonderland of wilderness, waterfalls, lakes and peaks. It’s an enormous range — spanning more than 400 miles from north to south, and 70 miles east to west. Courses take place in the southern and western parts of the Sierras: Ansel Adams Wilderness, Yosemite National Park and Sequoia Kings Canyon National Park.

Summer in the Sierras is mostly sunny with occasional rain and cold evenings. Snowfall is unlikely, though June courses may traverse atop lingering winter and spring snow. Summer temperatures tend to be in the 70s to 80s during the day, dipping into the 30s to 50s in the evening and night. These regions are the ancestral lands of the Northern Paiute, Western Mono/Monache, Me-Wuk (Central Sierra Miwok), Eastern Mono/Monache, and Tübatulabal nations.

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Getting Started

If you are ready to enroll on a course click the enroll button next to the course you wish to select or you can enroll over the phone by speaking with one of our Customer Success Specialists (toll-free) at 866-467-7651.

To secure your spot on a course you must submit an enrollment form and $500 deposit that is applied toward the total cost of the course and includes a $150 non-refundable enrollment processing fee. 

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