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High School

Blue Ridge – Backpack & Whitewater Canoe

Experience the thrill of paddling whitewater rapids and navigating the trails of one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world.

Scholarships

Learn about scholarship opportunities.

Savings Plan

Use a 529 College Savings Plan.

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North Carolina

The image shows two people kayaking down a river. The river is surrounded by lush green trees and vegetation. The kayakers are navigating through the rapids, and the water is churning around them. The scene is bright and sunny, suggesting a pleasant day for outdoor activities.
A group of hikers with large backpacks walks through a field of white flowers on a sunny day. The hikers are lined up, suggesting they are following a trail. The backpacks are various colors, and the field of flowers stretches out to a line of trees in the background. The sky is blue with some clouds.
The image shows a group of seven young people standing behind a metal barrier in a wooded area. They are all wearing backpacks, suggesting they are hikers or campers. The group is diverse in appearance, and they are all looking towards the camera. The background is filled with lush green trees, indicating a natural setting. The overall impression is one of a group of friends enjoying an outdoor adventure.
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 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

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
  • 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: Asheville, NC
  • airplane Course End Location: Asheville, NC

Students Can Earn

  • College Credit

Session Details

15 sessions are available for this course

Chat with the Customer Success Team
A group of people are preparing to go canoeing on a river. They are wearing helmets and life jackets for safety. The canoes are colorful, and the river is surrounded by lush greenery. The people seem to be enjoying the outdoors and are ready for a fun adventure on the water. The rocky shore suggests a natural and scenic environment.

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!

Two people are paddling a red and yellow canoe through some rapids. They are both wearing helmets and life jackets. The canoe has the letters 'NCOBS' on the side. The water is white and foamy, and there are rocks on either side of the river. The overall impression is one of adventure and excitement.

What You'll Do

Trek rugged trails with everything you need on your back. Break up backpacking days, grab your paddles, and make a splash as you navigate rivers by canoe.

A group of hikers is walking along a narrow, rocky trail on a mountain ridge. The trail is surrounded by lush green vegetation and trees. In the distance, there are more mountains and a cloudy sky. The hikers appear to be enjoying the scenic views and the natural beauty of their surroundings.

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.

A group of young women are gathered in a grassy area, possibly a park or camp. One woman is reaching down to pick up a water bottle. The others are standing or kneeling around her, some with their arms linked or resting on each other's shoulders. They appear to be interacting in a friendly and supportive manner.

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

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

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

Navigate mountain trails and rushing rivers with a crew that will feel like family.

Spend your days backpacking through Western North Carolina’s scenic trails and paddling whitewater rivers with your crew. On land, you’ll master campcraft, cook meals together, and sleep under the stars. On the river, you’ll learn paddle strokes to tackle whitewater rapids. Each challenge brings new skills and unforgettable memories. You will leave with strong leadership skills, new friendships, and the confidence to take on the world. All experience levels welcome!

A group of about ten people stand in a line on a gravel road, each wearing large backpacks and holding hiking poles. They appear to be preparing for a hike, possibly unloading gear from a small trailer parked nearby. The background features a dense forest, suggesting a wilderness or outdoor recreational area.
A group of people wearing life jackets and helmets are paddling in canoes on a river. They are surrounded by lush green trees and the sky is blue. One person in the middle canoe is raising their arms in the air, seemingly enjoying the activity. The canoes are brightly colored, adding a vibrant touch to the scene.
The image shows a group of people in a body of water, likely a lake or river, with canoes nearby. Most of them are wearing helmets and life jackets, suggesting they are participating in water sports activities like canoeing or kayaking. One person in the foreground is giving a thumbs-up. The background features trees and a shoreline, indicating a natural outdoor setting.
In a wooded area, two people are preparing food. One person, wearing a black long-sleeved shirt and khaki pants, is pouring liquid from a plastic bag into a pot. The other person, in a green jacket and dark shorts, is stirring the contents of the pot with a black utensil. The pot is sitting on the ground amidst fallen leaves and twigs.

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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.

9-Day Course

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Day 1-2 Course start and backpacking training expedition: duffle shuffle, camp craft, navigation, and risk management skills.
Day 3-5 Whitewater canoeing: paddle strokes, boat maneuvers, rapid scouting, and self-rescue
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 Whitewater canoeing: paddle strokes, boat maneuvers, rapid scouting, and self-rescue
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 young woman with dark hair and glasses is lying on her back in a grassy field. She is wearing a black jersey with the words "Diamond Divas" on it, along with khaki shorts. Her arms are outstretched, and she is smiling. The sun is shining, and the grass is green. The overall impression is one of joy and relaxation.

I am stronger, I feel more capable, and I have more resilience…This trip helped me grow into the person I want to be.

Ivy

On this trip I figured out that I am much more tough and capable of conquering challenges than I’d thought. This has made me so excited to see what I can do in the future.

Glenn

The experience at Outward Bound was more than I could have hoped for my daughter. She talked for nearly an hour about her past nine days with such clarity and conviction… she did not sound like the same woman I left with you last week.

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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