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High School
Southwest Canyons – Whitewater Raft
As you paddle whitewater through the red rock canyons and sleep under starry skies, you’ll find connection with yourself, others, and the natural world.
Scholarships
Savings Plan
Almost Full 
Open 
Utah
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About This Course
Activity
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Rafting
Setting & Location
- Desert
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River -
Course Start Location: Grand Junction -
Course End Location: Grand Junction
Students Can Earn
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College Credit
Session Details
3 sessions are available for this course
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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!
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What You'll Do
Spend each day paddling through rapids and enjoying the magnificent beauty of the desert canyon. You’ll swim, hike, and learn about the rich history of the region. In the evenings, camp and cook on sandy shores with sweeping views of the Milky Way.
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Where You'll Be
Stunning red rock walls, riverside beaches, abundant sunshine and endless opportunities to cool off in the river. Your desert oasis awaits in Utah!
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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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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?
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!
Us. But Better.
You and your crew will learn how to support each other’s success, boldly tackling challenges and persevering together on this teen expedition! 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!
Shared Success
You’ll start to learn how to be thoughtful about your own actions, your words, and the impact of both on other people. You will practice holding all of this at once while you just how magical facing challenges and succeeding as a team can be!
Life on Course
Each day will be a new adventure on the river. You’ll learn to paddle a 6-person raft, set up shelter on sandy shores, and cook as a crew. Calm waters will offer the chance to swim and admire rock art along canyon walls. As you build confidence in your new abilities, rapids will offer the chance for excitement, leadership and teamwork. Among adventure-filled days will be time to slow down to enjoy nature, reflect, and connect with your crewmates.
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Sample Itinerary
Every day you’ll paddle, camp on sandy shores, and laugh often.
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.
Let's Go
| Course Start | Start your journey by meeting your crew, repacking your gear, and getting familiar with the course area. Instructors will guide you through what to expect, what you will learn, and introduce skills to keep you comfortable in the backcountry. |
| Rafting | Grab a paddle and learn to work as a team to navigate whitewater rapids. Your Instructors will teach you paddle techniques, navigation, teamwork, and backcountry camp skills. There will be opportunities for day hikes to learn about the human history of the region. |
| Practicing Leadership & Teamwork | As you and your crewmate hone your rafting skills, you’ll take on more responsibility to chart your daily path. Each day, you’ll take on "Leader of the Day" roles, helping guide your crew through each day’s goals. |
| Solo & Final Challenge | Embark on a personalized final group challenge designed to test the skills you’ve learned in teamwork, leadership and outdoor adventure. You also might have the chance for a Solo experience, quiet time spent relaxing on your own, anywhere from a few hours to 48 hours, with Instructors nearby for support. |
| Course-end | Celebrate your accomplishments during a final pin ceremony. Share what you’ve learned and experienced before heading home with new skills, friendships, and memories. |
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FAQs
Do I need to be an experienced swimmer?
You do not need to be an experienced swimmer to join us. You should be comfortable swimming short distances while wearing a personal flotation device (PFD). Many participants find that their comfort and confidence in the water grow naturally during the course. Plus, our Instructors will be there to encourage you every step of the way.
Will I have my phone on course?
This course is a totally unplugged adventure! Although some students are hesitant about this at first, many reflect on their experience as a well-needed break from screens and social media. No phones means more time to be present with nature and your crewmates too.
What kind of food will I eat?
Every day you’ll be eating something different and meals will always be full of the carbs and nutrients needed to fuel long days of adventuring. Think oatmeal with dried fruit for breakfast, salami and hummus tortillas for lunch, chili for dinner, and lots of snacks along the way! If you have questions about dietary accommodations, reach out to our customer success team.
