CB32 Program Banner

Middle School

Water Gap – Canoe & High Ropes

Paddle through the Delaware Water Gap and take on a high ropes challenge in this 8-day expedition that builds confidence, friendships, and real-world teamwork skills.

Schedule a Call
See Available Dates & Apply

Philadelphia

CB20 Course Overview

About This Course

Activity

  • The image shows a simple, stylized drawing of a canoe in blue against a black background. The canoe is depicted with curved lines outlining its shape, and there are horizontal lines inside the canoe to suggest its structure or design. The style is reminiscent of a basic illustration or icon, with a focus on clear, recognizable shapes rather than detailed realism. Canoeing
  • The image shows a blue rope against a black background. The rope is coiled and appears to be somewhat thick. The blue color of the rope stands out against the dark backdrop, making it the focal point of the image. The rope's texture and the way it's coiled add visual interest to the otherwise simple composition. Ropes Course

Setting & Location

  • The image shows a simple, hand-drawn style illustration of three evergreen trees, possibly pine or fir trees. They are depicted in a solid blue color against a white background. The trees are stylized with jagged edges to represent the needles and branches, giving them a whimsical and slightly abstract appearance. The trunks are simple vertical lines. Forest
  • The image shows a stylized, pixelated scene of nature. Two tall, slender pine trees frame a view of distant mountains. A body of water, possibly a lake or river, is visible in the foreground, reflecting the scenery. The color palette is limited, with a dominant dark blue against a black background, giving the image a retro, digital aesthetic. River
  • airplane Course Start Location: Philadelphia (Discover Center)
  • airplane Course End Location: Philadelphia (Discover Center)

Session Details

1 session are available for this course

Chat with the Customer Success Team

What You'll Learn

On Outward Bound courses designed for middle schoolers, you’ll do exciting things with new friends, build confidence, and discover you’re capable of more than you know! You’ll have fun, work on your willpower and crush right-sized challenges – together.

What You'll Do

Explore the Delaware Water Gap by canoe, navigating a variety of river conditions and camping under the stars. Practice paddling, problem-solving, and teamwork, and conquer a high ropes course together.

Where You'll Be

Explore the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, a stunning wilderness of winding rivers, forested ridges, and rocky outcrops, perfect for paddling, camping, and backcountry discovery.

Why It Matters

You belong here! Outward Bound is a unique place to try new things, make friends, and discover your strengths. Building community – and new skills – through adventure is what we’re all about. Find your crew here!

/

CB11 Scrolling Bullets

Confidence Starts Here

What if you learned how to face obstacles head-on while feeling brave, included, and proud of who you are?

Educational Approach

One Week Courses for Middle School

Try exciting things and practice new ways of connecting with your group. You’ll take on challenges, weigh healthy risks and work together with your crew to find success! Are you ready for adventure? Let’s go!

Bravery Meets Belonging

Uncover your own bravery with support from your crew. Meet challenges designed to activate your strengths, develop persistence, and show you what you’re made of—even when things get tough.

Skills for Life

You’ll practice key skills like communication, taking initiative, and problem-solving with purpose. You’ll be given space to make choices – and take responsibility for them. Through trial and error, learn how to face obstacles head-on—growing more capable with every step.

Stronger Together

You won’t go it alone—crew is everything. You’ll explore common ground with your crew while also learning how to acknowledge each other’s uniqueness in a group where every voice matters.  You will learn how to face challenges as a supportive team, forging strong friendships.

CB31 Media Gallery

Life on Course

Live, paddle, and grow alongside your crew as you explore rivers by canoe and conquer the high ropes in this fun, challenging wilderness adventure.

Each day on course brings new challenges and opportunities to grow. You’ll paddle through winding rivers, work with your boat partner to navigate, and set up camp under the stars. You’ll share responsibilities like cooking and leading, and build trust through teamwork. The adventure wraps up with a high ropes challenge that takes your confidence to new heights. With no screens or distractions, this course helps you form deep friendships, develop leadership skills, and discover your inner strength.

/

CB39 Table Feature

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.

8-Day Course

+ -
Day 1 Meet and pack your gear, practice paddling on flat water, camp at base.
Day 2 Wake up early and transport out to the Delaware Water Gap. Put on the river and paddle to campsite 1. Begin to practice expedition travel skills.
Day 3 Wake up at campsite 1, break down camp, pack your boats, and paddle to campsite 2. Practice technical paddling, teamwork, and outdoor skills.
Day 4 Paddle to campsite number 3. Start to take charge of the expedition with your crew. Make plans for the days ahead such as what campsites you will choose, what you will eat, and what everyone’s roles will be each day.
Day 5 From campsite 3, you and your crew will take over navigation and daily flow. It will be up to your crew to manage timing, map reading, and group responsibilities. Paddle to campsite 4.
Day 6 Final challenge and solo at campsite 4.
Day 7 Take off the river and return to base in Philadelphia. Work with your crew to conquer the ropes course, then take part in a small group graduation ceremony. Camp at base.
CB27 Pull Quotes

Outward Bound gave me a space, away from society, to find and show up for myself and the people who became my family.”

PP

CB17 FAQs

FAQs

What is an expedition?

+ -

It is a multi-day outdoor, overnight experience. Each student will be part of a crew comprised of 8-12 participants and 2-3 professionally trained outward bound instructors. Our expeditions begin at our base in Philadelphia before traveling to our designated course areas. Each expedition will have a focused outdoor skill component(s) which include backpacking, rock climbing, or canoeing – all of which take place in wilderness areas located throughout Pennsylvania and new jersey. Participants will be sleeping outside at multiple campsites throughout their course, and will be setting up camp, preparing meals, and navigating by map and compass during the length of their expedition.

What should I expect on course?

+ -

Participants should come prepared to work hard, have fun and learn new skills. Your time with us will be spent outdoors in the natural world, meeting challenges, practicing leadership, managing risks and working closely within a group. Along the way, you will be guided by your instructors and supported by the camaraderie of fellow participants.

What kind of food is provided?

+ -

On course you will be eating nutritious and portable food 5 times per day (breakfast, lunch, dinner and two snacks daily). Staples include grains, pasta, cheese, vegetables, fruit and nuts, selected to meet high-energy demands of the course. Typical meals include cereals and oats, burritos, macaroni and cheese, pasta and tuna or chicken sandwiches. The diet may differ from what you are accustomed to at home. To prepare, we suggest you cut down on soft drinks, coffee and junk food. We are able to accommodate any eating restrictions and allergy concerns with our backcountry menu.

THERE'S A BREAKTHROUGH OUT HERE. THERE'S A BREAKTHROUGH OUT HERE. THERE'S A BREAKTHROUGH OUT HERE. THERE'S A BREAKTHROUGH OUT HERE.
Back to Top

Sign Up for Updates from Outward Bound

+ -