Canoeing

Spring semester students begin their travel by “Ice Canoeing”. They learn a variety of skills for traversing a landscape that is literally melting away below their feet. A truly unique paddling opportunity, students witness and interact with the changing seasons as the northern winter melts into spring. The group navigates the Boundary Waters by pulling and pushing their boats like sleds over thick sheets of ice stretching across the wilderness in all directions. As temperatures warm and the ice melts, students paddle narrow channels between shattered ice sheets, eventually paddling on open water.

Summer and fall semester students begin their expedition on open lakes. Participants complete an extended canoe expedition that is entirely self-supported. This means that the group brings all of the food and gear that they need in order to live in the backcountry for three weeks. Expert Instructors teach the art of paddling a canoe in a variety of conditions, as well as map and compass reading, route finding and Leave No Trace wilderness ethics. Groups navigate a variety of waterways such as lakes, rivers and marshland, enjoying the pristine air, water and forests of the untouched wilderness. Working as a team, students carry packs and canoes over portage trails that bridge the land between bodies of water or to get safely around challenging rapids. Traveling by canoe allows groups to go far past where motorboats operate. Once there, it is possible to quietly observe bald eagles, moose and peaceful sunsets on mirror-calm lakes.

Rock Climbing

On scenic granite cliffs near the Boundary Waters wilderness, semester students enjoy one day of rock climbing and rappelling in the middle of their expedition. A second climbing day happens at the end of the expedition at Shovel Point, a stunning cliff face on the shore of Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake in the world. These 50 foot to 100 foot cliffs offer a variety of beginner and intermediate climbs that provide an ideal introduction to rock climbing. Regardless of a student’s rock climbing and rappelling background, everyone is sure to find challenge and success.

All Outward Bound rock climbing and rappelling experiences are carefully supervised and employ safety systems aligned with national standards. During climbing days, students learn about rock climbing equipment, safety and etiquette, belaying techniques and climbing rescue techniques. Encouraged and supported by their group, students push their perceived limits and expand their comfort zones in a safe, fun and non-competitive environment.

Backpacking

The crew works together to carry everything they need in large backpacks while hiking from campsite to campsite through Minnesota’s boreal forest. Students hike 5 to 10 miles each day depending on terrain. Groups tend to camp near pristine rivers and lakes each evening to have access to water. Students learn how to filter and purify their water for drinking and cooking, prepare meals over a fire or stove, set up shelters and navigate with a map and compass.

Whitewater Canoeing and Kayaking

One day of whitewater canoeing and a half-day of whitewater kayaking add to the excitement and breadth of the expedition experience. Students learn how to “read” water and trust themselves to make split-second decisions in order to determine the best routes through the rushing waves. Students increase their skill and knowledge of whitewater paddling, progressing from maneuvering in small currents to more challenging rapids (up to Class III). Emphasis is placed on boat control, safety and enjoying the thrill of whitewater paddling.

High Ropes Course

Looking out over the top of boreal forest and the Kawishiwi River, the High Ropes Course is an incredible adventure-obstacle course set 30 feet in the air. During this half-day experience at the end of their expedition, students swing from Tarzan ropes, walk on tightrope wires and climb a cargo net, among other things, before connecting to the zip line for an exhilarating ride back to solid ground.

Service

Service is a cornerstone of every Outward Bound experience. From the seemingly small, daily acts of service to the environment and the expedition team to the post-expedition service-learning projects, students have ample opportunities to experience the value of giving back to the larger community. On the expedition, students are encouraged to practice environmental stewardship in the form of Leave No Trace ethics - leaving campsites and trails in better condition than they found them. Students also practice regular acts of service for their team including preparing and serving meals, helping others put on or take off packs, or setting up shelters for the entire team. After the expedition, students participate in two days of organized service to the community. These projects are designed to offer as much interaction with local communities as possible, as a way of exchanging cultural awareness and fostering a sense of connection to the larger world. The specific type of service project depends on local needs and opportunities but often include serving at a local food shelf, CSA farm, or Habitat for Humanity

Solo

The Solo experience provides an important break from the rigors of the expedition and gives students the opportunity to reflect on their Outward Bound experience. Many students use this reflection time to make decisions about their future, journal and enjoy the beauty of their surroundings unencumbered by the constant external stimulation of modern life. The duration of Solo depends on the course length and type, as well as the competency and preparedness of the student group. With all the food, skills and supplies they need, participants are given a secluded spot to reflect alone, and are monitored by staff throughout the experience to maintain safety. Students find that Solo provokes profound and powerful learning in a short period of time and often becomes one of the most memorable parts of their Outward Bound experience.

Course Area

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Minnesota
Established in 1964, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is a labyrinth of lakes and rocks that has been specifically protected as a true American wilderness. No roads, power lines or motorized craft may enter its borders. Therefore, the Boundary Waters has changed little since its unveiling when the glaciers melted 10,000 years ago. Over 1 million acres in size, the BWCAW extends nearly 150 miles along the Canadian border. With over 1,200 miles of canoe routes, nearly 2,200 designated campsites and more than 1,000 lakes and streams, the BWCAW is an amazing place to experience the wilderness. The Boundary Waters contains portage-linked lakes and streams, interspersed with islands, forests and ancient granite crags, offering outstanding opportunities for world-class paddling, solitude, remoteness, teamwork, adventure and challenge. It is also home to a healthy diversity of plant and animal life including massive white pine and cedar groves, black bear, timber wolves, bald eagles and river otter. The Boundary Waters has no piped water, prepared shelters or signs to point the way. Within these borders you can canoe, portage and camp in the spirit of the French-Canadian Voyageurs of 200 years ago.

Border Route Hiking Trail, Minnesota
The Border Route Trail is a 65-mile long hiking trail that crosses the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) in the far northeast corner of Minnesota. It was planned and built in the early 1970s by the Minnesota Rovers Outing Club, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the US Forest Service. It is the first long-distance, wilderness-backpacking trail in Minnesota that was planned and constructed by volunteers. The Border Route Trail is a rugged wilderness area that follows the international border between Minnesota and Canada. The trail travels up ridgelines and over cliffs that provide impressive views of the BWCAW in Minnesota and Quetico Provincial Park in Canada. Even though it is a maintained trail, downed trees and patches of thick brush are common obstacles on the trail. The Border Route Hiking trail provides unparalleled solitude and beauty culminating at the shore of the largest freshwater lake in the world, Lake Superior.