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High School

Blue Ridge – Backpack & Rock Climb

Leave screens behind and embark on an unforgettable adventure where you’ll find genuine connections, stunning mountain views, and the confidence to take on anything.

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Use a 529 College Savings Plan.

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North Carolina

A group of people are sitting on a rocky outcrop, possibly a mountain peak, enjoying a meal with a scenic view. They are surrounded by trees, and in the distance, there are mountains and valleys. The sky is partly cloudy, and the overall atmosphere suggests they are having a picnic or break during a hike.
A group of hikers with large backpacks are walking along a grassy ridge under a blue sky with scattered clouds. The hikers are silhouetted against the bright sky, and the landscape includes rolling hills and mountains in the distance. The scene conveys a sense of adventure and the challenges of hiking in a natural environment.
A man in a red helmet is rock climbing, focused and determined. He's gripping the rock face with one hand and a rope is visible, suggesting he's secured for safety. The setting appears to be outdoors, with other people and climbing gear visible in the background, indicating a group activity or a climbing area.
CB20 Course Overview

About This Course

Activity

  • The image shows a blue outline of a hiking backpack against a black background. The backpack is fully packed, with a sleeping bag or similar item strapped to the top. It has multiple compartments and straps, suggesting it's designed for carrying a substantial amount of gear. The style is simple and graphic, resembling an icon or a line drawing. Backpacking
  • The image shows a stylized, blue drawing of a foot and ankle, possibly representing a ballet dancer's foot in a pointe shoe. The foot is positioned vertically, with the toes pointing downwards. The drawing has a simple, almost cartoonish style, with thick lines outlining the shape of the foot and shoe. The background is black, which makes the blue drawing stand out. The image could be used to represent dance, movement, or elegance. Rock Climbing

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 simple, cartoon-style drawing of two mountains. The mountains are depicted with triangular shapes and jagged peaks, suggesting a rugged terrain. Dashed lines adorn the sides of the mountains, possibly representing snow or rocky textures. The drawing is done in a single color, giving it a minimalist and somewhat childlike appearance. The overall impression is one of a basic, almost iconic representation of mountains. Mountains
  • airplane Course Start Location: Asheville, NC
  • airplane Course End Location: Asheville, NC

Students Can Earn

  • College Credit

Session Details

14 sessions are available for this course

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A group of about ten young people are sitting in a circle on a rocky outcrop, seemingly engaged in a lesson or activity. An adult figure is seated slightly apart, taking notes on a clipboard. The setting appears to be outdoors, possibly on a hiking trail or at a scenic overlook, with trees and a distant view visible in the background.

What You’ll Learn

Forge an epic adventure! On Outward Bound courses for high schoolers, you’ll make new friends and face exciting new challenges together while building communication and leadership skills that help your group soar to new heights!

A woman wearing a blue helmet is rappelling down a rocky cliff face. She is holding onto the rope with both hands and smiling at the camera. In the background, there are lush green trees and mountains under a partly cloudy sky. Other people can be seen rappelling further down the cliff.

What You'll Do

Spend your days backpacking lush trails, climbing rock faces, cooking over camp stoves, and forming lifelong friendships with your crew.

A group of hikers is walking along a rocky trail on a mountain ridge. They are carrying backpacks and hiking poles. The trail is surrounded by trees and shrubs. In the distance, there are mountains and a valley. The sky is cloudy and the sun is shining. It looks like a beautiful day for a hike.

Where You'll Be

Venture into the ancient and misty Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. With your crew by your side, you’ll discover rushing rivers, hidden waterfalls, and forests brimming with wildlife in one of North America’s most biodiverse regions.

In the image, a man with a beard is assisting a younger person, possibly a teenager, as they cross a shallow stream. Both are wearing backpacks, suggesting they are hiking or backpacking. The man is handing the younger person a pair of shoes, presumably to wear while crossing the water. The stream is surrounded by rocks and trees, indicating a natural, outdoor setting.

Why It Matters

High school is hard work – take a break and do something memorable! You’ll explore new places, make friends, and learn skills that will expand your belief in what’s possible. We are crew, not passengers which means you’ll share responsibility for your crew’s success through teamwork, communication, and leadership. Let’s go!

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CB11 Scrolling Bullets

Classic Courses for High School

What if you had space to feel more connected to yourself, to others, and to the challenging world around you?

Educational Approach

One Week Courses for High School

You and your crew will try adventurous things and practice new ways of being in a connected group. You’ll discover your unique contributions to the group as you take on challenges together, weighing healthy risks and considering other people’s perspectives to find success!

Two Week Courses for High School

You and your crew will participate in unique activities, forging skills to thrive! Sounding your own voice – and considering others’ – you’ll have time to try new ways of working together in a supportive environment. Connecting in moments of harmony and productive struggle, you and your crew will get to ask yourselves big questions like: “Who am I; who are YOU; and how can we best get along?”

Us. But Better.

You and your crew will learn how to support each other’s success, boldly tackling challenges and persevering together through epic adventures! Our skilled instructors protect the time and space students need to both recognize your strengths and consider the strengths of others.

Connection and Care

Focusing on building a connected group where each student’s unique personality is valued, you and your crew will practice the communication skills you need to feel safe, cared for, and pay forward that care for each other as you go adventuring!

CB31 Media Gallery

Life on Course

Immerse yourself in the wild beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains as you take on new challenges, share laughs, and grow into a confident leader.

Spend your days backpacking through the lush forests of Western North Carolina while learning essential backcountry skills like navigation, camp craft, and Leave No Trace principles. Reach new heights on rock climbing days, where you will take on the challenge of climbing up or rappelling down a rugged rock face. Put your teamwork to the test by navigating a high ropes obstacle course or engaging in a service project. Throughout your expedition, you will build confidence, leadership skills, and friendships that will last a lifetime. No experience required!

Three young hikers wearing yellow raincoats huddle together in a lush, green forest, carefully studying a large map. The hikers appear to be focused on navigation, possibly determining their route or current location. The dense foliage and overcast lighting suggest they are deep in the wilderness, likely on a challenging trek. Their expressions convey a sense of determination and teamwork as they navigate the trail.
A person wearing a life jacket is captured mid-air, leaping from a wooden dock into a lake or river. The water reflects the sunlight, creating a bright glare. In the background, lush green trees line the shore, and several ducks are swimming in the water. The scene suggests a warm, sunny day and a fun, adventurous activity.
A woman is rock climbing, wearing a helmet and harness. She's on a rocky cliff face with a rope extending upwards. Her arms are outstretched, and she appears to be smiling or laughing, possibly celebrating a successful climb. The sky is a clear, bright blue in the background.
The image shows a group of people standing on a grassy hill under a partly cloudy sky. The people are scattered across the hilltop, some standing and others bending over, possibly engaged in an activity like picking or planting. The landscape is dominated by green vegetation, and the sky features a mix of blue and white clouds, suggesting a bright, possibly breezy day.

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CB39 Table Feature

Sample Itineraries

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

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Day 1 Course start, duffle shuffle, camp craft, and begin backpacking expedition
Day 2-3 Backpacking training expedition: navigation and risk management skills
Day 4 Rock climbing and/or ropes course; belaying and rappelling; solo
Day 5 Backpacking expedition
Day 6 Personal challenge event; clean and de-issue gear; breakfast banquet; graduation ceremony. Course end and transportation to the airport.

9-Day Course

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Day 1 Course start, duffle shuffle, and camp craft
Day 2-3 Backpacking training expedition: navigation and risk management skills
Day 4-5 Rock climbing: climbing, belaying, and rappelling
Day 6 Solo
Day 7 Backpacking final expedition: practicing leadership and independence
Day 8 Personal challenge event; clean and de-issue gear; graduation ceremony
day 9 Course end and transportation to the airport

14-Day Course

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Day 1 Course start, duffle shuffle, and camp craft
Day 2-3 Backpacking training expedition: navigation and risk management skills
Day 4 Service project: trail building or work with community service organization
Day 5-7 Rock climbing: climbing, belaying, rappelling, and multi-pitch climbing
Day 8-9 Backpacking main expedition: advanced navigation and group decision-making
Day 10 Solo
Day 11-12 Backpacking final expedition: practicing leadership and independence
Day 13 Personal challenge event; clean and de-issue gear; graduation ceremony
Day 14 Course end and transportation to the airport
CB27 Pull Quotes
A group of young people are standing on a rocky outcrop, wearing helmets and harnesses, and holding onto a rope. They appear to be engaged in some kind of outdoor adventure activity, possibly rock climbing or rappelling. The background features a scenic view of mountains and trees, suggesting a natural environment.

I met people from all over the country with different backgrounds that all had something important to contribute. This group of people would otherwise never interact- but a shared challenge brought us together and we all have a very specific connection that cannot be matched.

Stella

My experience gave me new insight into myself, the outdoors, and most importantly, life. My course showed me exactly what I am capable of, it showed me that I AM a leader, and I AM strong, and that I CAN carry on. Outward Bound is the main reason I am here today, succeeding in college.

Cody

What is so striking about NCOBS is that you drop off your child who is nervous but excited about the experience, and you pick up someone who has a quiet confidence about themselves… Each of them gained a perspective about themselves that has helped them immensely as they go through the challenges of high school and beyond.

Outward Bound Parent

CB17 FAQs

FAQs

Is this like summer camp?

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Our courses are fast-paced and take place entirely outdoors in all types of weather. We unplug from devices. We have tons of fun. And we work hard, too. Come prepared to be part of the team and participate fully.

Where does course start and end?

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All Blue Ridge Mountains courses start and end at Asheville Regional Airport (AVL). A North Carolina Outward Bound School (NCOBS) representative will meet participants at baggage claim for check-in. Transportation is provided between Asheville Regional Airport and the course area at course start and end.

What are your essential eligibility criteria?

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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.

Is this a course meant to address patterns of concerning behavior?

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No. This is a Classic Outward Bound course-it is not designed for struggling teens or “at-risk youth.” Please check out Outward Bound Intercept courses that do focus on repairing behaviors and challenging family relationships.

What do Instructors do to manage risk on course?

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In addition to ongoing training and mentoring that is always happening for field staff, Instructors have numerous conversations before, during, and after course about how to manage risks and make specific plans to keep students safe emotionally and physically. The goal is to offer students enough opportunities involving perceived risk, such as rock climbing, so that they are stretched to step outside their comfort zones. It is through those experiences that they have powerful learning experiences. We are also teaching students how to use what they learn so they too can prevent incidents and respond proactively to our greater teacher–nature – which can often be unpredictable!

THERE'S A BREAKTHROUGH OUT HERE. THERE'S A BREAKTHROUGH OUT HERE. THERE'S A BREAKTHROUGH OUT HERE. THERE'S A BREAKTHROUGH OUT HERE.
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