School was never like this! Trade your textbooks for topographical maps and your calculator for climbing gear. This is more than your average field trip - you'll travel with a group of like-minded adventurers toward the challenges of outdoor education. These course curricula combine multiple activities and locations into a challenging 50- to 81-day learning experience.
Semester courses are a fulfilling way to take a productive semester off from school, supplement your education during the summer, or return to learning years after graduation. From here, begin a career in the outdoors or simply apply what you've learned to excel in school or at your job.
On an Outward Bound semester course you will:
Explore wilderness areas across the U.S. or travel internationally to places such as Alaska, the Rocky Mountains, South America, and the Caribbean.
Develop a solid foundation in technical outdoor skills.
Learn the cultural and natural history of the areas you explore.
Practice leadership and decision-making skills that will last a lifetime.
Form lasting friendships with your course-mates.
Learn more about yourself than you ever thought possible.
Have options for earning college credit through Independent Study.
This is an 81-day semester length course. It includes three sections; a classic expedition by canoe into the north woods border country of Minnesota, desert, cross-cultural backpacking expeditions in Big Bend National Park and down into north central Mexico, exploring Copper Canyon. Then travel to the Sea of Cortez by train and complete a sea kayak expedition.
Activities: Desert backpacking, sea kayaking, rock climbing, canyoneering, service, canoeing, solo, service and final expedition
Lengths: 81 days
Ages: 18-30
Special Focus: Semester
This 81-day semester course takes place in a variety of desert landscapes as you complete an odyssey across the southwest. From Big Bend National Park, the Copper Canyon in Mexico, the Rio Grande and into the surreal landscape and gorgeous rivers of southeastern Utah. Paddle the Green or San Juan Rivers, explore canyons and mountains on this adventure of a lifetime. Semesters are demanding. Be ready to commit to the rigors of physical and mental challenge.
Activities: Desert backpacking, canoeing, canyoneering, service, rafting, solo, service and final expedition
Lengths: 81 days
Ages: 18-30
Special Focus: Semester
This is an 81-day semester length course. It includes three sections; a winter expedition by dogsled and ski into the north woods border country of Minnesota, desert, cross-cultural backpacking expeditions in Big Bend National Park and down into north central Mexico, exploring Copper Canyon and paddling the Rio Grande.
Activities: Desert backpacking, rock climbing, canoeing, canyoneering, service, dogsledding, solo, service and final expedition
Lengths: 81 days
Ages: 18-30
Special Focus: Semester
