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Ten Thousand Islands – Veterans – Canoe
Navigate winding mangrove tunnels and canoe through the wild beauty of the Everglades alongside fellow veterans.
Open 
Florida
About This Course
Activity
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Canoeing
Setting & Location
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Coastal -
Course Start Location: Ft. Lauderdale, FL -
Course End Location: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Session Details
1 session are available for this course
What You’ll Learn
Outward Bound Veterans courses have helped thousands of service members and veterans draw on the healing benefits of teamwork and challenge. Through adventurous wilderness expeditions, you’ll find the camaraderie, confidence, and clarity to thrive in civilian life.
What You'll Do
As a team, you will work together to navigate with tide charts and maps, explore fragile and unique ecosystems, cook and set-up camp on white sandy beaches under the stars, and paddle to new areas each day.
Where You'll Be
Explore across the subtropical waters through the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge and Everglades National Park. Navigate lush mangrove tunnels, spot incredible wildlife, and experience one of the most unique and vibrant ecosystems in the world.
Why It Matters
Life after Military service can feel disorienting. Our Veterans courses offer a supportive crew and purposeful challenge through adventurous wilderness expeditions—so you can reset, refocus, and return home with renewed confidence.
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Veterans Courses
What if you can find familiar connections in unfamiliar places?
Lead in New Ways
Tap into familiar leadership skills and learn new ways to engage with your crew to meet and navigate through unique challenges.
Connections That Last
Build connections that outlast the adventure as you and your crew learn to recognize each other’s strengths and celebrate success together.
Confidence Beyond the Uniform
Leaving the military can feel disorienting. Our Veterans courses offer a supportive crew and purposeful challenge—so you can reset, refocus, and return home with renewed confidence.
Life on Course
Paddle into the remote waters of the Everglades as part of a crew united by challenge and adventure.
During this six-day expedition, you will paddle tandem canoes from campsite to campsite, practicing marine navigation, reading tides, and coordinating with your paddling partner to travel efficiently across the water. Evenings at camp offer time to reflect, connect with your crew, and prepare meals to share. Through adventure, teamwork, and time on the water, many veterans leave course with strong bonds with their crew and a renewed sense of direction.
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Sample Itinerary
Here’s an example of what your course itinerary might look like. The actual plan will depend on permits, weather, group skills, and instructor evaluation.
Swipe on table below to view more.
6-Day Course
| Day 1 | Course start. Load canoes and learn paddle strokes, rescue skills, and marine environment camping skills |
| Day 2 | Canoe expedition through mangrove tunnels, practice navigation skills, and Everglades natural history lesson |
| Day 3 | Canoe expedition through tidal bays, tidal charts and flow workshop, and beach campfire |
| Day 4 | Canoe expedition to island in the Gulf of Mexico and solo reflection activity |
| Day 5 | Final expedition with night paddle to basecamp and closing ceremony |
| day 6 | Course end and transportation to the airport |
FAQs
Where does course start and end?
All Ten Thousand Islands courses start and end at Ft. Lauderdale International Airport (FLL). A North Carolina Outward Bound School (NCOBS) representative will meet participants at baggage claim for check-in. Transportation is provided between Ft. Lauderdale International Airport and the course area at course start and end.
Is there a maximum age limit for this course?
No, there is no maximum age limit. Ages vary widely on adult expeditions. Our Essential Eligibility Criteria shares what participants must be able to do during course. Full disclosure of all health and medication information is required during the admissions process.
What gear is provided and what do I need to bring?
All group gear, including shelter, backpacks, and canoeing gear, is provided. You will receive a detailed packing list upon enrollment outlining additional items to bring, including clothing layers, footwear, and other personal items.
What is solo?
A little more than halfway through course, students will participate in a reflection period called solo. During this time, Instructors assign students their own individual spaces within a designated area. These sites are secluded while remaining within hearing distance of other group members and Instructors for safety. Students will be given all the necessary gear, food, water, and skills to enjoy solo time. Solo is a great opportunity for students to relax, recharge, and reflect on their course after having long days of strenuous group activities. Instructors will be monitoring students closely during this experience.
