Backpacking

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

Instructors also facilitate activities and lessons focused on teamwork, communication and self-discovery. Each young person is capable of more than they know, and this course will help students realize their own potential and return to their day to day lives with increased confidence, work ethic and self-awareness.

Students on backpacking courses (XMME-134) 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 tree line,’ have limited to no travel on snow, and utilize bridges to cross creeks where available.

Students on alpine backpacking courses (XMME-132) spend the majority of their time navigating off-trail, 'above tree line', 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.

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.

Course Area

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.