Joshua Tree Desert Backpacking - Family

This is a one week desert adventure in the mystical and amazing Joshua Tree National Park. Outward Bound Family courses are designed for any familial group of, ideally 2 or 3 members. Shared adventure means shared memories, laughter and fun.

A surreal and alien landscape is an apt description for Joshua Tree National Park. The federal government protected this unique region in 1936. Two distinctly different deserts, the Sonoran and Mojave merge at a transition zone where one can see different species indicative of each desert ecosystem. Canyons, small mountains, and broad valleys are the canvas that nature has used to create this intricate and subtle landscape. Doctor Seuss-like plants and a multitude of rock formations rise out of this magical topography. The best way to explore the park is to put a pack on your back and start walking. Desert trekking expeditions are an excellent introduction to the art of desert wilderness travel.

Family courses
Watch your child rise to the occasion and your parent face new challenges. Family OB courses breed inspiration, mutual respect and the joy of shared memories. Expect to share time with family members to mix with other families and to have the opportunity for a “duo” rather than a solo. These courses do not offer any family counseling services are not intended to serve families in crisis.

The Outward Bound Difference
You should know that this will not be a guided trip, it is a real expedition. That means you and everyone in your group will participate in everything from cooking to navigation to learning knots. You should also know that a team effort means sharing the load and working to make sure that the gear is divided appropriately, that the team works together to reach goals each day.

Course Description
Your course will begin with lessons in basic travel and camping techniques. As the course progresses you will gain more knowledge of "leave no trace", map and compass navigation, knots and rope handling, camp craft, as well as, the human and natural history of the area. Pushing your limits and working as a team is all part of your Outward Bound experience. Along the way you will be able to identify some of the 200 species of birds in the park, along with the unique animals and plants as you travel through boulder-filled canyons and navigate across valleys. The course will involve climbing and rappelling on a few of the many rock formations. There will be group discussions in order to touch base, share information, and review the day.

To enroll in this course click the enroll button next to the course dates that work for you. To shop comparatively on line visit our Advanced Course Finder or better yet call one of our expert Admission Advisers at 866-467-7651. Course tuitions listed below do not include our Application Fee or Transportation Fee.

Region: California

Activities: Desert backpacking, rock climbing, solo, service

Additional Information:
Application Fee
Transportation Fee

Dates	Days	Age	Focus	Location	Tuition	Course	Enroll
12/27/08 to 01/02/09	7	14+	Family	California	$1195.00	JJF921