St. Croix River Canoeing
Immerse yourself in the outdoors and paddle more than 80 miles on the St. Croix Riverway on this 10-day canoeing expedition.
River-shaped sandstone cliffs, shimmering silver maples and clean, rushing water will captivate you and your crew as you travel down the Namekagon and St. Croix Rivers. These glacier-carved rivers make up the National Scenic Riverway, an ecological wonder of the Midwest. This stunning and diverse ecosystem also challenges your paddling skills through moving water and Class I rapids. The river demands your attention as you and your crew navigate its forks, twists and turns. You will learn new skills as you set up camp, tie knots and build fires around which to enjoy delicious back-country cooking and comradery with your crew. Awe-inspiring, fun and demanding, this expedition will push you to find new personal limits and develop self-reliance, teamwork and outdoor skills in a rugged and beautiful natural classroom.
NOTE: Outward Bound strongly recommends that all students be vaccinated against COVID-19 and up to date as defined by the CDC prior to arriving to their course start. For all open enrollment courses beginning on or after April 15, 2023, Outward Bound will no longer require students to be vaccinated against COVID-19. For questions regarding this policy please see this page or call us at 866-467-7651.
UPCOMING COURSES
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For detailed information on course availability statuses and what they mean, click here.
Course # VTYC-331
Age 14 - 16
Days 10
Cost $3,750
Dates 6.17.23 - 6.26.23
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.
I connected with people I never thought I would. I will never forget the characters on this trip. I learned that staying positive makes everything more enjoyable. I had a great time.
Students paddle together on the upper section of both the Namekagon and St. Croix Rivers and enjoy pristine camping within this National Scenic Riverway. In two-person canoes, students learn to maneuver their boat through Class I or Class II rapids. After lessons in basic river travel, students learn about “reading” currents, anticipating obstacles, understanding river dynamics and working as an effective team to negotiate both technical and calm portions of the river. Students also learn about weather, swimming in moving water, paddle techniques and the importance of Recreate Responsibly ethics when camping and traveling.
Known by many as one of the best climbing crags in Minnesota and Wisconsin, Interstate State Park offers 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 as they spend time climbing at Blue Mounds.
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.
At one point during the expedition students are provided a secluded spot to reflect alone, with all the food, skills and supplies they need, and are monitored by staff throughout the experience to maintain safety. We call this part of course, 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. 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 course.
Service is a cornerstone of every Outward Bound experience. From the seemingly small daily acts of service for the environment to the regular tasks of being part of an expeditionary team, 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 Recreate Responsibly ethics. 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.
Course Stories
I connected with people I never thought I would. I will never forget the characters on this trip. I learned that staying positive makes everything more enjoyable. I had a great time.
I’m glad I learned how to control a canoe and set up a tent. But what I’m most happy of learning is how to work as a crew. I have learned and completed so much on this course!
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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 Admissions Advisors (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.