“Participation in the Outward Bound wilderness course has been the first opportunity for me since my return from Iraq to socialize with other vets. Doing so in this environment was a wonderful opportunity, and has been the best post-deployment experience; giving me a breather from the demands of my daily life; an opportunity to deal directly with the changes in my life related to my time in Iraq.” –Veterans Expedition Participant
“I truly had a breakthrough and a life-changing experience. I don’t think it would be possible if the program wasn’t put together specifically for Vets. I feel like a new man, with a different direction in life.” – Veterans Expedition Participant
“I have confidence and pride about what I accomplished and what I can accomplish. My can-do attitude has been reawakened.” – Veterans Expedition Participant
This seven-day canoeing and white water rafting expedition is a prime opportunity for veterans to revisit leadership skills, challenge themselves and discover the lifelong benefits and perspective that only wilderness travel with Outward Bound can offer.
This expedition-style course, features a 100-mile paddle down the Delaware River. “Expedition-style” means that you will leave the Philadelphia base on the first day of your course and not return to it until the last day of the course. You will travel with all the food and equipment you need to conduct your expedition in your canoe: stoves, tents, food, etc. Your group might occasionally sleep at the same campsite twice, but generally you will be moving to a new campsite every night as you move along your river expedition route. This means no showers (perhaps some swimming), no cell phones, no television, nor any other modern luxuries to which you may be accustomed. You should come to your course prepared for, and excited about, devoting all of your time and energy to your expedition, your crew, and your Outward Bound experience.
This course starts within the next week. Please call us at 866-467-7651 to assess the possibility of applying for this course!
Veterans Courses
Outward Bound Veterans expeditions build on camaraderie and the challenge of the natural world as a pathway to healing. These expeditions encourage participants to connect with existing strengths and bond with fellow veterans in a safe, positive, mission-driven environment. As they harness the power of wartime experiences like carrying heavy packs, moving fatigued muscles and sleeping outside, these courses help build the self-confidence and sense of purpose veterans need to continue serving as leaders in their families, communities and the nation.
Build core skills: Veterans receive hands-on training on expedition and personal skills. As part of an inclusive, supportive crew, they gain communication skills, establish trust and validate experiences among other veterans.
Practice Outward Bound values: Instructors focus on Outward Bound core values like compassion, integrity, excellence, inclusion and diversity to help veterans reflect, share insights and live in the present moment.
Process and Reflect: Journaling, one-on-one and group discussions help veterans understand how Outward Bound experiences might translate to coping skills back home.
What participants learn: Veterans return home inspired, ready to tap into rediscovered strengths and eager to find new ways to contribute to society.
Photo courtesy
of Kenja Griffin
Photo courtesy
of Rebecca Hesselink
Photo courtesy
of Jason Estrada
Photo courtesy
of Jason Estrada
Photo courtesy
of Jason Estrada
Photo courtesy
of Jessica Vargas
Canoeing & Whitewater Rafting
Be prepared to canoe in the Delaware Water Gap where each section of the river is different and has its own personality. Students will begin the course by traveling on the upper portion of the Delaware Water Gap, known for it’s narrowing bends, swift water and technical rapids. Enjoy lots of wildlife and scenic views from Matamoras to Kittatinny Point stopping over at Minisink and Namanock islands for breaks. After honing paddling technique students will participate in a final challenge – rafting level 3 & 4 rapids on the Lehigh River. The crew will travel with all the food and equipment needed to conduct the expedition such as tents, stoves, maps, emergency equipment and much more. As students paddle down the river with their expedition crew, they’ll learn how to work together and discover the commitment and effort it takes to truly work as a team. Students will learn basic outdoor skills such as Leave-No-Trace Ethics, outdoor living, and backcountry travel. This process will hone communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills. During the expedition, students will learn to use technical equipment, tie knots, paddle and camp.
Solo
Students will engage in solo, a period of solitude, as a way to take a break from the physical nature of the expedition and experience a time and opportunity for self-awareness, reflection and application of learning. Students will experience a tone set and preparation for their solo and have opportunity to reflect on their current experience and personal growth as well as the application of their experience into their learning and social environments.
Outcomes
During this unique expedition, students will learn new skills for working as a team to manage a group travel and living arrangements. They will recognize the familiar skills and connections they have to fellow veterans and discover and articulate lifelong benefits of wilderness travel and the perspective it brings. Through the experience and practice of working together as a team, developing trust and applying progressively learned personal and group skills, students will recognize and recall sound principles for being a successful and efficient crew and the application to their home and work lives.
Course Area
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area encompasses 67,000 acres of mountain ridge, forest and floodplain on both sides of the Delaware River in the states of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. From the southern end of the park, you can view the S-shaped chasm of the Delaware Water Gap, where the river cuts a twisting path through 1,400-foot Kittatinny Ridge. Within the river watershed, you'll discover steep wooded-and-rock slopes, bountiful rhododendron, dark hallows, tinsel-like ravines and tumbling waterfalls.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
DAY 1
Course start
DAY 2-3
Paddling the lower section of the Delaware Water Gap and introduction to canoeing basics.
DAY 4-5
Transport to the upper section of the Delaware Water Gap and paddling (river rescues, river dynamics and navigating rapids)
DAY 6
Transport to Lehigh River for white water rafting
DAY 7
Course End Graduation Celebration and BBQ
Testimonial
“Participation in the Outward Bound wilderness course has been the first opportunity for me since my return from Iraq to socialize with other vets. Doing so in this environment was a wonderful opportunity, and has been the best post-deployment experience; giving me a breather from the demands of my daily life; an opportunity to deal directly with the changes in my life related to my time in Iraq.” –Veterans Expedition Participant
“I truly had a breakthrough and a life-changing experience. I don’t think it would be possible if the program wasn’t put together specifically for Vets. I feel like a new man, with a different direction in life.” – Veterans Expedition Participant
“I have confidence and pride about what I accomplished and what I can accomplish. My can-do attitude has been reawakened.” – Veterans Expedition Participant