16 + years
This challenging course acts as a rite of passage for young people as they move into adulthood. This journey-based expedition includes hiking, kayaking and camping in beautiful natural surroundings. This tough programme empowers young people to learn more about themselves, mobilize their strengths, accept their weaknesses, overcome their fears and grow compassion for others and the environment. The programme is divided into six main phases, each providing exciting experiences and specific growth outcomes.
Phase One: Hiking
The group will be provided with everything they need to survive on their own for the duration of the course and will work together to sort and pack the supplies amongst each other. They will then embark on a multi-day hike through magnificent mountains. This demanding hike will challenge even the strongest participants as it tests their endurance, perseverance and navigation skills. The group will need to work together and motivate each other during this phase, growing a strong bond amongst participants. This phase will also include abseiling, giving the participants an opportunity to face their fears.
Phase Two: Community Service
The programme is designed to grow a feeling of personal responsibility to look after ones community and environment. The community service phase is vital for the group to have hands on experiences with how they can make a positive difference in the world around them. This time will be spent removing alien plants from the nearby nature reserve. They will be informed on the natural habitat they are working with and how the work they do will improve their environment and the animals that live there.
Phase Three: Solo
The most impactful aspect of all Outward Bound courses is the time participants are asked to remain completely alone in nature. This is a great time for young people to reflect on aspects of themselves they would like to improve upon. During this time participants create their own private shelter and spend at least one night by themselves. They are encouraged to journal during this time of independence and solitude. This is a personal challenge of introspection that matures participants and concretes the growth they have experienced while on course.
Phase Four: Canoeing/kayaking
The next phase will allow the participants to rest their tired legs and get on the water. They will travel in double canoes or sea kayaks with their carefully packed supplies. This part of the journey required effective communication and team work between group members as they move along the water together as a group. They will learn swimming and kayak rescue techniques to grow a sense of independence and safety in the group.
Phase Five: Completion and Celebration
The final phase will be a celebration of the challenging journey each participant has completed. This will consist of games, high rope activities and sharing their stories of victory around a bonfire. The groups will unpack and clean the gear, teaching responsibility and respect towards what they used during this time. On the morning of the final day the participants will take part in a final challenge run which encourages them to push themselves as an individual and demonstrate how much they have learnt through the programme. Having completed this tough journey, the participants will receive a certificate for their achievements in a special ceremony that celebrates the completion of the course.