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Photograph (above) taken by Jon Reynolds
Sample Itinerary
7-Day Course
DAY1
Course start, introduction to backcountry living
DAY2
Paddle school, immersion training, begin paddling
DAY3-4
Canoeing, introductory lessons in navigation and camp-craft
DAY5
Solo
DAY6
Final river challenge and graduation
DAY7
Clean and de-issue gear, transport home
10-Day Course
DAY1
Course start, introduction to backcountry living
DAY2
Paddle school, immersion training, begin paddling
DAY3-7
Canoeing, technical & group based lessons
DAY8
Solo
DAY9
Rock climbing and graduation
DAY10
Clean and de-issue gear, travel home

I connected with people I never thought I would. I will never forget the characters on this trip. I learned that staying positive makes everything more enjoyable. I had a great time.

— Elise Voyageur Outward Bound School Alum

It’s time to make your own adventure. Outward Bound’s Classic expeditions for middle and high school students are built with you in mind. Make new friends, sleep under the stars, and learn skills like backcountry navigation and how to cook a delicious meal no matter where you are. You’ve got this! Whether you’re in a raft or on a mountainside, you’ll learn what you’re made of – and you’ll see first-hand how far teamwork can take you. Join us for an unforgettable challenge and discover a whole new way to get outside.  

  • Build core skills: Learn and practice wilderness, teamwork and leadership skills. Form a crew that supports and encourages one another, and in the thick of challenges, discover there is more in you than you know.
  • Practice Outward Bound values: Learn to incorporate Outward Bound values into everyday life by pushing your own limits and seeking challenge as an opportunity for personal growth.
  • Demonstrate mastery: As the course nears the end, take on more leadership and decision-making responsibilities. Work together to apply new skills and achieve team goals during this final phase of the expedition.
  • What you’ll learn: Your connections matter – working together to navigate challenges will quickly turn your crewmates into friends. Together, you’ll find opportunities to carry more weight (literally and figuratively) and make impactful decisions with accompanying consequences. It’s all about confidence, communication, and independence. 
Three people wearing life jackets paddle a canoe away from the camera on calm water toward a tree-lined shore.
Photo courtesy of Jon Reynolds
Three people wearing life jackets carry a canoe down a concrete slope, presumably toward water.
Photo courtesy of Jon Reynolds
three people wearing life jackets paddle a canoe toward the camera. The person in the front of a canoe smiles at the camera.
Photo courtesy of Jon Reynolds
Three people wearing life jackets examine a map. One of them is leaning on a paddle.
Photo courtesy of Steve Woit
A person wearing a life jacket paddles a canoe on calm water near a tree-lined shore.
Photo courtesy of Steve Woit
People paddle two canoes on calm water near a tree-lined shore.
Photo courtesy of Steve Woit

Students paddle together on the upper section of both the Namekagon and St. Croix Rivers and enjoy pristine camping within this National Scenic Riverway. In two-person canoes, students learn to maneuver their boat through Class I or Class II rapids. After lessons in basic river travel, students learn about “reading” currents, anticipating obstacles, understanding river dynamics and working as an effective team to negotiate both technical and calm portions of the river. Students also learn about weather, swimming in moving water, paddle techniques and the importance of Recreate Responsibly ethics when camping and traveling.

Known by many as one of the best climbing crags in Minnesota and Wisconsin, Interstate State Park offers a variety of beginner and intermediate climbs that provide an ideal introduction to rock climbing. Regardless of a student’s rock climbing and rappelling background, everyone is sure to find challenge and success as they spend time climbing at Blue Mounds.

All Outward Bound rock climbing and rappelling experiences are carefully supervised and employ safety systems aligned with national standards. During climbing days, students learn about rock climbing equipment, safety and etiquette, belaying techniques and climbing rescue techniques. Encouraged and supported by their group, students push their perceived limits and expand their comfort zones in a safe, fun and non-competitive environment.

Please note: Rock climbing will occur on courses 8 days or longer. Rock climbing will not occur on 7-day courses. 

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.

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 Recreate Responsibly ethics. Students also practice regular acts of service for their team, including preparing and serving meals, helping others put on or take off packs or setting up shelters for the entire team.

Students will experience a sense of accomplishment as they learn about perseverance (or grit), risk taking, self-identity and self-reliance. Students will learn to trust themselves and push themselves harder as they own their choices and advance toward mastery in their skill development. Group adversity will teach each student critical thinking skills, collaboration and decision-making. They’ll experience leadership in action as they see their potential become reality while practicing empathy and compassion towards others. 

Canoeing and wilderness navigation techniques are great practice for the essential skills and habits that help prepare students 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.

St. Croix National Wild & Scenic Riverway, Wisconsin and Minnesota

The Riverway starts at the Namekagon River in Northern Wisconsin and flows into the St. Croix River just north of Danbury, Wisconsin, where the river becomes the border between Wisconsin and Minnesota. The entire Riverway includes over 200 miles of river travel and many rapids up to Class I or Class II, depending on water levels. The river section concludes near Minnesota’s Interstate State Park in Taylor’s Falls, Minnesota.

Carved by glaciers more than 10,000 years ago, the Riverway harbors centuries-old rock formations and glacial potholes found in very few places on earth. This corridor provides scenic views and a haven for native fish and wildlife including bald eagles, osprey, fox and bear. With a rich natural and human history including Dakota, Ojibwe, Voyageurs, loggers and settlers, traveling the St. Croix Scenic Riverway gives students a chance to enjoy a wilderness-like experience while connecting to the past within easy reach of a major metropolitan area. These regions are the ancestral lands of the Anishinabewaki ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᐗᑭ, Očeti Šakówiŋ (Sioux) and Wahpekute nations.

Course Stories

I learned that staying positive makes everything more enjoyable.

I connected with people I never thought I would. I will never forget the characters on this trip. I learned that staying positive makes everything more enjoyable. I had a great time.

— Elise Voyageur Outward Bound School Alum
What I’m most happy of learning is how to work as a crew.

I’m glad I learned how to control a canoe and set up a tent. But what I’m most happy of learning is how to work as a crew. I have learned and completed so much on this course!

— Mia Voyageur Outward Bound School Alum

OTHER COURSES YOU MAY LIKE

Getting Started


If you are ready to enroll on a course click the enroll button next to the course you wish to select or you can enroll over the phone by speaking with one of our Admissions Advisors (toll-free) at 866-467-7651.

To secure your spot on a course you must submit an enrollment form and $500 deposit that is applied toward the total cost of the course and includes a $150 non-refundable enrollment processing fee. 

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ENROLL TODAY