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Middle School

Ten Thousand Islands – Families – Canoe

Strengthen family bonds on an unforgettable adventure through the Ten Thousand Islands.

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

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Florida

Two people wearing hats and life vests are giving each other a high five. The person on the left is wearing a grey hat and a white long-sleeved shirt under their vest. The person on the right is wearing an orange hat and a plaid shirt. They also have what appears to be a stuffed animal attached to their vest. The background is blurry, but it looks like they are outdoors with trees in the distance.
The image shows a serene waterscape with a canoe carrying two people gliding across the calm water. The sky is a vibrant blue, dotted with fluffy white clouds that add depth to the scene. Lush green vegetation lines the distant shore, creating a natural border between the water and the land. The overall impression is one of tranquility and outdoor adventure.
The image shows three women on a beach, all wearing hats. The woman on the left is holding a small object, possibly a seashell or a piece of driftwood, and examining it closely. The woman in the center is looking at the object in the other woman's hand. The woman on the right is looking off into the distance. The background is a blurry expanse of water and sky.
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

Setting & Location

  • The image shows a dark background with blue, pixelated shapes clustered in the lower-left and upper-left areas. These shapes might represent landmasses or abstract forms, with some resembling islands or coastlines. The pixelated style gives the image a retro or digital aesthetic, and the contrast between the blue and black creates a stark visual effect. Coastal
  • airplane Course Start Location: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
  • airplane Course End Location: Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Session Details

1 session are available for this course

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A person is writing on a piece of paper with a pen. The paper is on a wooden surface next to a compass and a map. The person is wearing a watch on their left wrist and has several rubber bands on their right wrist. The image suggests navigation or planning, possibly related to outdoor activities or orienteering. The scene is brightly lit, highlighting the details of the objects on the table.

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 person wearing an orange shirt and a blue life vest is paddling a canoe on a river. There are blue and white containers in the canoe. Other people in canoes can be seen in the distance. The river is surrounded by green trees and the sky is blue.

What You'll Do

Paddle together through the Ten Thousand Islands, set up camp on sandy beaches, and explore Florida's unique coastal wilderness

The image shows two people paddling a canoe through a narrow waterway surrounded by dense mangrove trees. The water is murky and reflects the sunlight filtering through the trees. The mangrove roots are visible along the banks, creating a tangled and natural environment. The scene evokes a sense of adventure and exploration in a tropical wetland.
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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.

A woman and a girl are posing for a photo in what appears to be a boat or canoe. The woman is standing behind the girl with her arm around her. They are both smiling at the camera. The background shows a body of water and some trees, suggesting they might be on a lake or river. The sky is overcast, creating soft lighting.

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.

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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

Paddle, camp, and explore side-by-side with your loved one on a journey through Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands.

Join your crew to navigate canoes through mangrove tunnels, open waters, and calm channels. Set up camp on remote sandy beaches, cook and enjoy meals together, and spend time deepening family bonds. Explore the area’s unique biodiversity, where you’ll find dolphins, manatees, and coastal birds. Throughout the adventure, you’ll learn paddling techniques, navigation skills, and Leave No Trace principles. Leave course with lasting memories and incredible stories to share.

The image shows a group of people on a beach. In the foreground, a person wearing a hat and an orange shirt is holding a slice of pizza. Behind them, another person is sitting and wearing sunglasses and a life vest. In the background, other people are standing near a cooler, possibly preparing food. The scene suggests a casual beach outing with food and relaxation.
A young boy is carefully applying makeup to a woman's face on a sunny beach. The woman is wearing a red bandana and sunglasses, while the boy is focused on his task. They are surrounded by buckets and other items, suggesting they may be preparing for an event or activity. The background shows a calm body of water and a clear sky.
The image shows a serene scene at sunset with several canoes on a calm body of water. Silhouettes of people are visible in the canoes, paddling and enjoying the tranquil atmosphere. The sky is painted with hues of orange and pink, reflecting on the water's surface. The overall impression is one of peace and natural beauty.
The image shows a green tent pitched on a white sandy beach next to a calm, turquoise sea. The sky is blue with scattered clouds. A line of trees runs along the coastline in the distance. The beach is covered with seaweed and the scene appears peaceful and isolated.

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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

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Day 1 Course start: load canoes, learn paddle strokes and rescue skills, and begin expedition.
Day 2 Canoe expedition: practice navigation skills and reading tidal charts and flow
Day 3 Canoe expedition: island beach camping, Everglades natural history lesson, and family reflection activity (duo)
Day 4 Final expedition back to land, course end ceremony, and transportation to the airport
CB27 Pull Quotes
The image shows a woman and a child, likely a mother and son, posing for a selfie outdoors. Both are wearing life vests, suggesting they are about to engage in a water activity like kayaking or boating. The woman is on the left, wearing a blue cap and sunglasses, while the child is on the right, also wearing a blue cap and sunglasses. They are both smiling at the camera. The background features trees and a glimpse of water, indicating a natural setting.

The aspect of Outward Bound called duo is one of the most important personal events on the trip. For 24 uninterrupted hours, my teenage son and I talked about life, relationships, sports, and anything that came to our minds. The duo brought each parent closer to their child than ever before. Years later, both Ryan and I still think back on that time.

Justice

Parent

CB17 FAQs

FAQs

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

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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?

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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.

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.

What is duo?

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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.
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