Classic Courses

No two Outward Bound expeditions are ever quite the same. Every crew is unique; every route is distinct; and every adventure is dynamic. But one thing remains the same. On each course, students rise to meet exhilarating natural challenges in some of the country’s wildest places – and find strength and determination along the way. 

• Build core skills: Learn and practice wilderness, teamwork and leadership skills. Form a crew that supports and encourages one another, and in the thick of challenges, discover there is more in you than you know.
• Practice Outward Bound values: Learn to incorporate Outward Bound values into everyday life by pushing your own limits and seeking challenge as an opportunity for personal growth.
• Demonstrate mastery: As the course nears the end, take on more leadership and decision-making responsibilities. Work together to apply new skills and achieve team goals during this final phase of the expedition.
• What you’ll learn: Return home a stronger, more resilient individual. Discover increased self-confidence, improved leadership, and a desire to make a difference.

Rock Climbing & Rappelling

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 at least two days 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.

Solo

The Solo experience provides an important break from the rigors of the expedition and gives students the opportunity to reflect on their time at Outward Bound. Many students use this reflection time to journal, make decisions about their future 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, students are given a secluded spot to reflect alone and are monitored by staff throughout to maintain safety. Students tend to 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.

Service

Service is a cornerstone of every Outward Bound experience. From the seemingly small daily acts of service to 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 Leave No Trace ethics — leaving campsites, trails and waterways 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.

Outcomes

Middle school students will experience a sense of accomplishment as they learn about perseverance (or grit), risk taking, self-identity and self-reliance. Students will learn to trust themselves and push themselves harder as they own their choices and advance toward mastery in their skill development. Group adversity will teach each student critical thinking skills, collaboration and decision-making. They will experience leadership in action as they see their potential become reality while practicing empathy and compassion towards others. 

Regardless of the course type, students can expect to get comfortable living and working together in the wilderness while creating a solid foundation of skills they can continue to build on after the course.

Course Area

St. Croix National Wild & Scenic Riverway, Wisconsin and Minnesota

The Riverway starts as the Namekagon River in Northern Wisconsin and flows into the St. Croix River just north of Danbury, Wisconsin, where the river becomes the border between Wisconsin and Minnesota. The entire Riverway includes over 200 miles of river travel and many rapids up to Class I or Class II, depending on water levels. The river section concludes near Minnesota’s Interstate State Park in Taylor’s Falls, Minnesota.

Carved by glaciers more than 10,000 years ago, the Riverway harbors centuries-old rock formations and glacial potholes found in very few places on earth. This corridor provides scenic views and a haven for native fish and wildlife including bald eagles, osprey, fox and bear. With a rich natural and human history including Dakota, Ojibwe, Voyageurs, loggers and settlers, traveling the St. Croix Scenic Riverway gives students a chance enjoy a wilderness-like experience while connecting to the past within easy reach of a major metropolitan area.