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Texas Big Bend Desert Backpacking for Adults

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LOCATION

q Texas

EXPEDITION TYPE

Backpacking

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES

Desert Backpacking, Service, Rock Climbing

PRICE

$2,495

PROGRAM

Adult

AGES

18+ , 30+

LENGTH

8 Days

START LOCATION

El Paso, TX

END LOCATION

El Paso, TX

SEASON(S)

Fall

Winter

Spring

SKILLS

TECHNICAL

Belaying a Climber
Campcraft
Constellation Identification
Food Preparation and Cooking
Knots
Leave No Trace Methods & Ethics
Map and Compass
Natural History
Navigation
Rappelling
Sheltering Strategies
Travel Techniques

INTERPERSONAL

Camaraderie
Character
Communication
Independence
Leadership
Positive Risk Taking
Problem Solving
Resilience
Self Awareness
Self Confidence
Sense of Social Connection
Service

"This has been a wonderful experience and hearkens back to summer camp and childhood, unlocking memories and filling me with excitement and awe. Having a course with folks over 30 and ranging in age set up an open and varied dialogue that allowed us to support each other. I'll remember the breeze and the feel of the sunshine, as I was escaping the northern winter, and I'll think fondly of the river. I was humbled to see how open and peaceful the border was and how the two instances that we encountered our Mexican neighbors, they were kind and greeted us warmly. I'll think of chucking cow pies on paddles in the river to clear a campsite and how the earth's shadow casted itself upon the moon during the lunar eclipse. I have grown and challenged myself during this course and I am more focused on things I can do to challenge myself in life. I will carry this experience with me as a positive reminder on the lessons of life and the importance of challenging myself." – Zach, Voyageur Outward Bound School Alum

"What did I learn from my Outward Bound experience? Just because there's an easy way, it doesn't mean it's the one you can or should take. When it doesn't seem like there's a clear path, by pausing and looking again, new paths can appear. You are stronger and more capable than you think you are. If you can't get out of it, get into it. Living purposefully and intentionally allows me to become more fully whole and human. You can't control what others will do or what will happen to them (or to you), all you can do right now, in this very moment, is to be here right now and to enjoy it for what it is." – Daniel, Voyageur Outward Bound School Alum

"Every ritual, routine and challenge were exactly what the doctor ordered. I could not dare accomplish this without our instructors. They knew exactly when to step in with support and encouragement. It was if they were in my head and knew what I needed." – Dabney, Voyageur Outward Bound School Alum

Take on the challenge of backpacking across one of the most remote and geologically interesting wilderness areas in the country and re-energize yourself in the process on this 8-day adult course in Big Bend, Texas.

This backpacking expedition centers on the idea that living a balanced, satisfying, exciting life is not a matter of chance, but requires periodic examination and fine-tuning. More than just a scenic wilderness adventure, this is your chance to discuss life with other adults and to reflect on your strengths, passions and purpose in a natural environment that is both challenging and refreshing. Learn technical outdoor skills, enjoy the thrills of adventure and engage in stimulating conversations and lessons in teamwork, perseverance and personal development with a team of expert instructors. Gain the satisfaction that comes from meeting an expedition goal, the growth that comes from learning to work effectively with new peers and the support that comes from sharing in challenging yet nurturing wilderness experiences. Whether you are transitioning within the work force or coping with the demands of an established career or big life change, this expedition will stretch your comfort zone, enhance your leadership style, expand your self-awareness and confidence and help you to examine personal goals.

NOTE: This course requires that students submit proof of "Up-to-Date" COVID-19 Vaccination status as defined by the CDC. For questions regarding this policy please see this page or call us at 866-467-7651.

Financial aid is available for qualifying applicants. Here's how to apply for financial aid, and what to expect:

Enroll on a course.
On your application, choose "yes" when asked if you intend to apply for financial aid.
After receiving your application, your Course Advisor will send you a scholarship application, other enrollment materials and further instructions.

To learn more about applying for financial aid with the Voyageur Outward Bound School, visit the website or call 866-467-7651.

UPCOMING COURSES

What is this?

For detailed information on course availability statuses and what they mean, click here.

COURSE #	DATES	DAYS	AGE	COST
VRRC-222	11.13.22 - 11.20.22	8	30 and up	$ 2,495	APPLY NOW
VRAB-222	12.30.22 - 1.6.23	8	18 and up	$ 2,495	APPLY NOW
VRRB-221	12.30.22 - 1.6.23	8	30 and up	$ 2,495	APPLY NOW
VRRC-321	1.22.23 - 1.29.23	8	30 and up	$ 2,495	APPLY NOW
VRAB-321	2.6.23 - 2.13.23	8	18 and up	$ 2,495	APPLY NOW
VRAB-322	3.5.23 - 3.12.23	8	18 and up	$ 2,495	APPLY NOW

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!

Adult Courses

Do you ever want to unplug, step away from the daily grind to take on new challenges? Are you ready to conquer harder skills and remind your senses (or discover for the first time) what it’s like to crest a mountain peak, hear the echoes at the edge of a vast canyon or feel the rush of white water spray on your face? Take a break from your routine, radically change your surroundings and test your tenacity. Put some “firsts” in front of you and find moments of unexpected discovery along the way. Experience Outward Bound as an adult and prepare for an injection of adventure, awareness and adaptability that sticks with you long after you unpack your backpack.

Build skills, form connections: Meet like-minded peers and make connections as you work through priorities and adventures together, learn outdoor skills at the hands of expert Instructors and earn every good night’s sleep.
Value strengths and strengthen values: Re-discover your inner strength, renew your natural leadership abilities and practice adapting to new environments. Tap in to your trust and compassion as you tackle obstacles with a support crew standing beside you.
Demonstrate mastery: As you awaken your wilderness skills and dig deep to rise to the physical and mental challenges, the bulk of the expedition’s leadership and decision-making responsibilities transfer from the Instructor to the crew. Work together to achieve team goals, solve problems and succeed both individually and together.
What you’ll learn: Watch, try and share more difficult outdoor skills that you’ll master on your expedition. Discover and then remind yourself that there’s more in you than you know. Having taken the risks, learned from and adapted to all sorts of new situations and environments, you’re ready for whatever life hands you going forward.

Return home with newly expanded wilderness acumen, an energized outlook, a rekindled allowance of empathy into situations and relationships and an eye toward the future.

Photo courtesy of Emma Rapp

Photo courtesy of Emma Rapp

Photo courtesy of Rachael Pace

Photo courtesy of Calvin Croll

Desert Backpacking

At altitudes of 2,000-8,000 feet, backpack the vast Chisos Mountains and explore the Chihuahuan Desert, crossing mountainous terrain and traveling through water-polished canyons. Students hike both on and off trail, crossing mountain passes, exploring immense canyons and traversing a rugged desert where atmospheric clarity and wide-open spaces make distances deceiving and navigation challenging. While hiking, students will learn desert travel skills such as strategies for water management and environmental preservation and the finer points of balance and foot placement on rough terrain.

Photo courtesy of Holly Noble

Photo courtesy of Rachael Pace

Photo courtesy of Holly Noble

Photo courtesy of Rachael Pace

Photo courtesy of Steve Leroi

Rock Climbing and Rappelling

On the scenic cliffs of the Rio Grande, overlooking the mountains of Mexico, is Black Rocks – a beautiful climbing site in Big Bend Ranch State Park. Known mostly to locals, this seldom-visited spot gives participants a unique opportunity in back-country rock climbing. These 30 to 80 foot cliffs offer a variety of beginner and intermediate climbs that provide an ideal introduction to rock climbing. Regardless of a participant’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, participants learn about rock climbing equipment, safety and etiquette, belaying techniques and climbing rescue techniques. Encouraged and supported by their group, participants push their perceived limits and expand their comfort zones in a safe, fun and non-competitive environment.

Service

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 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 by preparing and serving meals, securing drinking water, setting up camp and giving their crew plenty of support.

Solo

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.

Outcomes

Outward Bound courses vary in length from four to 85 days. On shorter courses, participants will receive an introduction to leadership skills, strength of character and a desire to serve while activities fill most of the time and the pace is quick. With longer courses, the same outcomes and benefits are achieved with the opportunity to reach a more profound level of mastery as there are more chances to develop technical skills, receive and implement feedback and further personal development. However many days the expedition lasts, the strength and impact of the experience lasts a lifetime.

Backpacking and wilderness navigation techniques are great practice for the essential skills and habits that help prepare for new challenges at work, home and in the community. Outward Bound expeditions encourage students to:

Remain engaged and present, giving every challenge their best effort, even when the goal seems beyond reach.
Form a team and focus on the team effort.
Share responsibilities, communicate and lead. Leadership roles are shared within the group, and responsibilities rotate each day.

Find reserves of tenacity and compassion.

Outward Bound courses are designed to expand and stretch your limits so that every expedition is a true accomplishment and a memorable journey.

Photo courtesy of Emma Rapp

Photo courtesy of Ben Koshnick

Photo courtesy of Rachael Pace

Photo courtesy of Ben Koshnick

Photo courtesy of Billy Arnold

Photo courtesy of Mikaela Hamilton

Course Area

Big Bend State and National Parks, Texas
Along the U.S.-Mexico border in southwestern Texas, a powerful river and a mountainous desert unite in Texas’ Big Bend park system. The Texas course area is one of the most remote and geologically interesting in the country. The Rio Grande River carves a huge, sweeping bend where Big Bend National Park earns its name. This 750,000-square mile wilderness is the eighth largest national park in the lower 48 states and a desert backpacking, canoeing and rock climbing paradise. In this region, delicate desert flowers exist alongside fossilized trees millions of years old. Mountain passes give way to steep-walled canyons and cliffs. The land itself is awe-inspiring, with canyons towering 300 to 1,200 feet over the right. It is one of the last true desert regions in North America. Much of this rugged land has remained unchanged for centuries. Hundreds of species of birds and a healthy diversity of other animal and plant communities thrive within the splendid isolation of ancient limestone canyons, juniper and mesquite-covered mesas and coal-black night skies. These regions are the ancestral lands of the Jumanos, Yoli (Concho), Pescado, Mescalero Apache and Chiso nations.

SAMPLE ITINERARY

DAY 1

Course start in El Paso, TX

DAY 2-6

Backpacking in Big Bend, Solo

DAY 7

Rock climbing, cleanup, course end ceremonies

DAY 8

Travel home