Gap Year Expeditions

Learning Beyond the Classroom

A LETTER FROM OUR CEO Welcome to the first step in your journey with Outward Bound.

Picture this: you're surrounded by towering trees, sparkling rivers, and maybe even snowy mountain peaks.

Outward Bound isn't just about the unforgettable views though; it's about blazing your own path towards personal growth, making epic memories, and forming bonds with a new crew of friends.

My journey with Outward Bound began as an adult, through a team-building experience I did while serving on the board of a local nonprofit. Fast forward — I’ve been part of the organization for over a decade, sent my kids on Outward Bound adventures, graduated from my own dog-sledding expedition (yes, you read that right), and now I'm honored to be the first female CEO of Outward Bound USA. Let’s be real, there's no one-size-fits-all journey to Outward

Bound. You've landed here because you're itching to uncover more about yourself, ready to show the world what you're made of. Just promise me you won’t forget to embrace the twists and turns, the unexpected detours, and those "I-can't-believe-I-did-that" moments along the way.

And guess what? Once you've explored new landscapes (literally and figuratively), you'll be part of the Outward Bound alumni network – a group of incredible people who invested in themselves, just like you.

Your journey starts now, and it's going to be a page-turner. Get set, goal-crusher – you’re about to rewrite your story!

See you Outside,

Ginger Naylor CEO, Outward Bound USA

Micah Bowe

30-Day to 85-Day Expeditions with Outward Bound

What does a month to a semester outside really look like? It’s hard.

And yes, sometimes it’s rainy, but trust us, it’s worth it. You may develop some blisters along the way, but with those, you’ll gain deep friendships, unforgettable adventures, and some leadership skills you’ll probably appreciate a little more down the road.

Do it for college credit or do it simply for yourself, we don’t care.

These accredited expeditions are designed for you and your goals — make it yours on a Pathfinder, Semester, or Outdoor Educator expedition.

David Montero

Jon Reynolds

PATHFINDER

Discover Your Path.

Lean into Your Passion.

This is where challenge and discovery help you shape your vision for your future. Pathfinder expeditions focus on increasing self-knowledge, strengthening decision-making skills and processes, and setting goals – all life skills to help you chart a path forward with confidence and passion.

SEMESTER

Develop Connections.

Build Your Leadership Skills.

Travel with your crew through remote, rugged settings and broaden your worldview while building your confidence, leadership, and communication skills. These accredited expeditions are built for those seeking a challenging and formative experience through an unforgettable adventure.

OUTDOOR EDUCATOR Begin Your Journey Towards a Career in the Outdoors.

Gain the experience, knowledge, and integrity essential for effective leadership.

With an emphasis on student dynamics, group and individual facilitation, and safety and risk management, we’ll give you the tools to become a successful outdoor educator with proven and practical expertise.

“Perhaps more impactful however, was the team-like atmosphere and sense of togetherness that Outward Bound intrinsically creates. There is something about sleeping together in tents or sleeping under the stars in the middle of the ocean that brings people together.”

-Jack, Maine to Bahamas Leadership Semester Alum

“This course challenged me to climb mountains physical mountains and mental mountains. I learned how to build fires and set up a whisper light stove, how to carry my home on my back and how to do sit ups in my sleeping bag when I’m cold. But more than those things, I learned how to carry people; how to be solid when others are struggling and how to let yourself cry when that’s something you need. I learned how to be comfortable being exactly who I am in a group of 20 strangers – 20 strangers who I am now eternally bonded to.”

-Pathfinder Rocky Mountain to Canyonlands Alum

David Montero

“Outward Bound changed my life. It humbled me, yes. But in doing so it ultimately empowered me. It filtered out distraction and the hum of routine life so I could focus on what really matters. Maybe it was when we hiked a boulder field in a foot of snow. Or when we huddled under a tarp in a downpour. But at some point, I reconnected with myself.

And I took a long, hard look at what’s important to me.

So much of that journey had to do with my coursemates. I opened myself to a collective bonding like nothing I’d experienced before. It’s a camaraderie one remembers long after Outward Bound is over.

One where you take care of each other and wish for each other’s well-being as much as your own. In the snow. In the rain. In the outdoors with all comforts stripped away.”

-Jenny, Northwest Outdoor Educator Alum

WHERE WILL YOU GO?

Over 20 course locations across the US and internationally.

Rachel Veale

A Day in the Life on an Outward Bound Expedition

SIGNING UP IS ONLY STEP ONE. ARRIVING AT COURSE IS WHERE THE ADVENTURE BEGINS.

7:00

Wake up, get breakfast started.

Tear down shelters and pack up.

8:30

8:00

Travel debrief and map overview with your crew and instructors.

On the move. How many miles will you and your crew travel today? That’s up to the leader of the day and the crew’s objective.

9:00

12:00

1:00

Lunch time! Find a nice spot in the sun or shade to make some wraps as you listen to your Instructor give a lesson on leadership styles.

Back on the move with only a few more miles to go.

3:00

Rachael Pace

You made it to camp. Time to setup shelters, hang food and get cooking gear ready.

3:30

Head over to a close rock wall for a lesson in top knots that you’ll need for tomorrow’s traverse.

4:30

Put the climbing gear away, it’s your turn to visit the nearest water source to get the group’s water supply filled up as the cooks get to cooking and the leader and navigator for tomorrow work on the route and schedule.

7:00

Chow time. Enjoy a bowl of pad thai as the sunsets.

Wash the dishes in time to put on your camp socks before evening meeting commences.

8:30

8:00

Welcome to evening meeting! Discuss the highs and lows of the day, read the group’s journal entry and take a bird’s eyeview at tomorrow’s events.

Zip up your sleeping bag and catch some zzz’s.

9:00

Dive deeper with these past participants stories!

Watch “A Day in a Life” video!

Jon Reynolds

THE TEN MOST ESSENTIAL THINGS TO KNOW PRIOR TO GOING ON AN OUTWARD BOUND EXPEDITION.

YOUR EXPEDITION WILL BE CHALLENGING BUT ACHIEVABLE. It’s no secret that our expeditions are hard. Your muscles will ache, blisters will form on your feet, and callouses will appear on your hands. Some moments you might catch yourself thinking or saying, “I can’t do this” but the truth is, you can. All of our courses are designed to be both challenging and achievable for all experience levels. You’ll be taught the skills needed along the way and have a team alongside you to encourage you in the moments you feel like giving up. Get ready to surprise yourself with your tenacity and capability.

Dalton Johnson

YOU CAN EARN COLLEGE CREDIT WHILE DOING THINGS LIKE THIS, SERIOUSLY.

Micah Bowe

LOOKING FOR FINANCIAL AID? CHECK HERE.

Rachel Veale

YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE AN ULTRA-ATHLETE TO GO ON AN EXPEDITION, BUT IT DOES HELP TO GET IN ROUTINE EXERCISE AS YOU PREPARE FOR YOUR EXPEDITION.

From walking your dog and checking out a local trail, to weightlifting and stuffing backpacks, we’ve got a blog that will help you prepare for your expedition. Check it out through the QR code in the upper right corner.

GET READY TO STEP INTO AN UNFORGETTABLE COMMUNITY.

Individuals who go on an Outward Bound expedition come from all over the country, and while they may know someone who has gone on a course before, they don’t know who will be on their expedition. We encourage all of our participants to sign up alone as the friendships that are made between a crew are special. From strangers to crewmates to lifetime friends, many of our alumni highlight their crew being the best part of their expedition experience.

6

YOU CAN’T TAKE YOUR PHONE. WHAT?! WE KNOW, AND YES.

10 reasons why you won’t care!

From left to right: Isabella Moriones, Charis Nichols (2&3), Mac Gaither, Rachel Veale.

7

THE FOOD IS ACTUALLY GOOD. Check out this sample menu!

Pad Thai Fajita Bowls Cinnamon Rolls Pancakes Pizza Breakfast Burritos Apple Crisp

Brownies Mac & Cheese Peanut Noodles Pesto Pasta Charcuterie Boards Warm Oatmeal Hummus & Veggie Wraps

Grain Bowls Split Pea Soup Spicy Chili Strawberry Scones Kettle Corn Cream Cheese & Bagels Vegetable Soup

8

PACKING FOR AN EXPEDITION LOOKS A LITTLE LIKE THIS...

From boots to underwear count, puffy jackets and toiletries, when you sign up for an expedition you’ll receive a detailed packing list that will go over everything you will need to arrive with and the gear provided for you at basecamp! Pro Tip: not everything on the list needs to be brand new. See what items you can thrift or find at a second hand gear store.

New or Used? Guide to Buying Outdoor Gear

9

YOUR BEDROOM LOOKS A LITTLE DIFFERENT OUT HERE.

You won’t mind it!

Far Left: Charis Nichols, Top Middle Left: David Montero, Bottom Middle Left: Sophia Lacambra, Far Right Bottom: Rikki Dunn

10

THEY’RE MORE THAN INSTRUCTORS.

David Montero

Whether your worry is around technical experience or group dynamics, our staff are always available to walk through your feelings and answer questions to prepare you both mentally and physically for your time Outward Bound. With over 150+ hours in training and current certifications in Wilderness First Responder and CPR, our Instructors are equipped to meet you where you’re at and in the environment you find yourself.

Picture yourself here.

READY TO APPLY?

Follow the journey from application to going on course.

Found your course? Click that enroll button, fill out some details, pay your deposit, and hit submit!

After applying, you'll receive a call from a course advisor within one to two weeks to go over a few details related to your course including a health questionnaire!

Time to celebrate, you've been approved for your course!

Book your flights, start moving your body, and think about what gear you need to buy or rent!

You're a week out! Look at your packing list and check it twice. Make sure your bag is ready to go and don't forget your Nalgene!

Onward. Today's the day! Once you arrive at the airport you'll be greeted by Outward Bound staff as you wait for your crew to arrive. Then into the van and on to your expedition you go!

You made it! You're in full-on expedition mode now. No matter if you're on a 30-day course or 82-day expedition, you'll be trekking through highs and lows both literally and figuratively with your crew. Enjoy it!

EXPLORE ALL OF OUR GAP YEAR EXPEDITIONS ON OUR WEBSITE! Have questions? Give us a call at 866.467.7651

National Admissions Office 866.467.7651 outwardbound.org