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Middle School
Southwest Canyons – Whitewater Raft
Paddle through the red rock canyons, sleep under starry skies, all while discovering your confidence and a love for the natural world.
Scholarships
Open 
Wait List
Almost Full 
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: Salt Lake City -
Course End Location: Salt Lake City
Session Details
3 sessions are available for this course
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What You'll Learn
On Outward Bound courses designed for middle schoolers, you’ll do exciting things with new friends, build confidence, and discover you’re capable of more than you know! You’ll have fun, work on your willpower and crush right-sized challenges – together.
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What You'll Do
Spend each day paddling with your crew and enjoying the beauty of the desert canyon. You’ll enjoy dips in the river and day hikes through lush side canyons. 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, sandy shores, endless sunshine, and countless opportunities to take a dip in the river. Your desert oasis awaits in Utah!
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Why It Matters
You belong here! Outward Bound is a unique place to try new things, make friends, and discover your strengths. Building community – and new skills – through adventure is what we’re all about. Find your crew here!
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Confidence Starts Here
What if you learned how to face obstacles head-on while feeling brave, included, and proud of who you are?
One Week Courses for Middle School
Try exciting things and practice new ways of connecting with your group. You’ll take on challenges, weigh healthy risks and work together with your crew to find success! Are you ready for adventure? Let’s go!
Bravery Meets Belonging
Uncover your own bravery with support from your crew. Meet challenges designed to activate your strengths, develop persistence, and show you what you’re made of—even when things get tough.
Skills for Life
You’ll practice key skills like communication, taking initiative, and problem-solving with purpose. You’ll be given space to make choices – and take responsibility for them. Through trial and error, learn how to face obstacles head-on—growing more capable with every step.
Stronger Together
You won’t go it alone—crew is everything. You’ll explore common ground with your crew while also learning how to acknowledge each other’s uniqueness in a group where every voice matters. You will learn how to face challenges as a supportive team, forging strong friendships.
Life on Course
Each day will be a chance to have fun and build confidence on the river. You’ll learn to paddle, set up shelter on sandy shores, and cook as a crew. Calm waters will offer the chance to swim and explore canyon hikes. As you grow your new skills, you’ll take on more leadership to chart your daily path. Near the end of your expedition, you’ll work together to take on a big challenge – like being the boat captain. Among adventure-filled days will be time to slow down to enjoy nature 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 the river in a 6-person paddle raft. Your Instructors will teach you paddle techniques, navigation, teamwork, and backcountry camp skills. There will be opportunities for day hikes, swimming, and enjoying sandy shores. |
| 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, 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 phone-free 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.
