CB32 Program Banner

Middle School

Blue Ridge – Families – Backpack & Rock Climb

Strengthen family bonds and create lifelong memories in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.

This course requires two applications–one for the child and one for the caretaker. A reduced deposit of $150 is required for both applications.

Scholarships

Learn about scholarship opportunities.

Schedule a Call
See Available Dates & Apply

North Carolina

A group of people are gathered on a rocky mountaintop, some wearing yellow raincoats. A man in a dark jacket appears to be addressing the group, with mountains and a cloudy sky in the background. The setting suggests an outdoor educational or team-building activity.
Two people wearing helmets stand on the edge of a cliff, looking down at the landscape below. The person in the foreground has blonde hair and is wearing a green t-shirt and beige pants. The other person is standing behind them. The background features a mountainous landscape with trees and a cloudy sky. They seem to be enjoying the view or preparing for an adventurous activity.
Two people are rappelling down a rock face. The person in the front is wearing a green shirt and red helmet, while the person behind them is wearing a white shirt and red helmet. Both are wearing harnesses and are attached to ropes. The rock face is textured and has some vegetation growing on it.
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

Session Details

2 sessions are available for this course

Chat with the Customer Success Team
In the image, two individuals are examining a large map spread out on the ground. A younger person, possibly a child, is seated and appears to be pointing at something on the map with a pen or similar object. An older person, likely an adult, is leaning over the map, looking at it closely. The setting appears to be outdoors, possibly in a wooded area, as suggested by the ground covered with leaves and twigs.

What You’ll Learn

On Classic Family expeditions, families experience the fun and connections made by facing unique challenges together. You’ll learn new things about yourselves and each other while navigating stunning landscapes. Try something new together and make memories that last well beyond course.

A woman and a young man stand side-by-side in a forest clearing, both wearing hiking attire and large backpacks. The woman is on the left, and the man is on the right with his arms crossed. Behind them, there's a circle of stones, suggesting a former campfire site. The area is surrounded by tall trees, creating a dense, green backdrop.

What You'll Do

Spend your days backpacking scenic trails, climbing rock faces, cooking over camp stoves, and strengthening family bonds through shared challenges and adventures.

The image shows four people sitting on the edge of a cliff, looking out at a scenic view of mountains and trees. The sun is setting in the distance, casting a warm glow over the landscape. The people are dressed in casual clothing, and they appear to be enjoying the view. There are trees framing the image on both sides.

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 an outdoor setting, a group of approximately ten people are gathered in a close circle, embracing each other in a group hug. The individuals vary in age and appearance, with some wearing casual clothing like t-shirts and hats. Their heads are bowed towards the center, suggesting a moment of unity, support, or shared emotion. The background features a grassy area and a glimpse of a building or fence.

Why It Matters

When families adventure together, they learn and practice skills that strengthen their relationships. Teamwork and communication are cornerstones of an Outward Bound experience and on Classic Family expeditions, families experience the fun and connections made by facing unique challenges together.

/

CB11 Scrolling Bullets

Courses for Families

What if you and your family grow closer through adventure?

View Our Educational Approach

Stronger Families Through Adventure

Families who adventure together learn skills that strengthen their relationships. Teamwork and communication are cornerstones of an Outward Bound experience.

Challenge. Growth. Confidence.

Our expert Instructors will facilitate right-sized challenges so each participant can explore the edges of their comfort zones. You’ll discover there’s more in you than you know!

Family Bonds That Last Beyond Course

You and your family will discover new ways to support each other as you learn to set up camp, navigate new terrain, and celebrate your successes together. These strengthening moments will carry into life after course.

CB31 Media Gallery

Life on Course

Travel side-by-side with your loved one as you navigate the lush forest trails and rugged rock faces of Western North Carolina.

Spend meaningful time together as you spend your days backpacking and learning backcountry skills like navigation, campcraft, and Leave No Trace principles. Work as a team to set up camp, cook meals, and tackle challenges on the trail. Build communication skills and trust on climbing days, where you will climb up a rock face, rappel down it, or tackle a high ropes obstacle course. Along the way, you’ll share laughter, stories, and quiet moments in nature. By the end of course, you’ll return home with stronger connections, lasting memories, and deepened appreciation and support for one another.

Two people are sitting on a rocky outcrop, enjoying a meal with a scenic mountain backdrop. The person on the left is younger, wearing glasses, a hat, and a white shirt, holding a bowl. The person on the right, presumably older, also wears a hat and is holding a bowl. They both appear to be on a hike, taking a break to eat and enjoy the view of the lush, green mountains under a cloudy sky.
A group of about a dozen people are posing for a photo in front of a waterfall. They appear to be of various ages and are dressed in casual clothing, suitable for hiking or outdoor activities. The waterfall is wide and multi-tiered, creating a scenic backdrop for the group. The overall impression is one of a group outing or excursion in a natural setting.
Two people are rappelling down a rocky cliff face. Both individuals are wearing helmets, one white and one red, and are secured with ropes and harnesses. The person in the foreground is wearing a grey t-shirt and khaki pants, while the other person is wearing a light-colored t-shirt. The cliff is textured with moss and lichen, and trees are visible in the background, suggesting an outdoor setting.

/

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.

4-Day Course

+ -
Day 1 Course start: learn backpacking and camping skills
Day 2 Backpacking expedition: practice navigation skills and summit a peak
Day 3 Rock climbing, belaying, and rappelling. Family reflection activity (duo)
Day 4 Personal challenge event, course end ceremony, and transportation to airport
CB27 Pull Quotes
A man is kissing a young woman on the cheek while standing on a mountain trail. The woman is wearing a light blue shirt, and the man is wearing a black shirt. They are surrounded by lush greenery, and in the background, there are rolling hills and mountains. The sky is overcast, creating a soft, diffused light. The photo captures a candid moment of affection amidst a scenic outdoor setting.

My proudest accomplishment on course was having a 2 hour-long conversation with my daughter, during which we talked about some difficult topics. It left us both feeling more connected.

Parent

CB17 FAQs

FAQs

Can a family of three or more enroll in this course?

+ -

NCOBS Family Courses are built for youth-adult pairs. We cannot accommodate individual enrollments or families of three or more.

Where does course start and end?

+ -

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?

+ -

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 is duo?

+ -

Near the end of every course, students will participate in an adapted version of the Outward Bound ‘Solo’ experience. Parent and child duos will separate from their crew to be alone together for a period of time, sometimes overnight. During this time, instructors assign each duo with their own individual campsite within a designated area. These areas are both secluded and within hearing distance of other group members and instructors for safety. Students will be provided all necessary gear, food, water, and skills to complete this part of the course. They will also know the location of their instructors’ campsite should they need to contact them for any reason. Instructors will be monitoring students closely during this time and the Duo will last no longer than 24 hours. This experience is a great opportunity for families to relax, recharge, connect, and reflect on their course after long days of strenuous group activities.

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

+ -