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North Carolina Outward Bound School

Discover there is more in you than you know.

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About NCOBS

For over 55 years, North Carolina Outward Bound School (NCOBS) has delivered challenging adventure programs based in experiential education to people of all ages and walks of life. These programs help individuals discover their strength of character, ability to lead, and desire to serve. We are a nonprofit organization and are proud to be part of a national network of Outward Bound schools in the US and all over the world.

Why Outward Bound?

In today’s world, leaders are required to master a whole new set of skills to be successful—emotional intelligence, problem-solving, active listening, communication, resilience, and compassion. As the leading provider of experiential learning for teens and adults, we can help you sharpen those skills.

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Our Course Locations

North Carolina Outward Bound School offers programs year-round in some of the most extraordinary wilderness areas. From rushing mountain rivers to barrier islands, from mangrove tunnels to alpine peaks: we offer learning expeditions for every adventurer.

Where Will You Go?

Scholarships

NCOBS is committed to increasing accessibility to outdoor experiences for everyone through our extensive scholarship program. If the cost of a course is a financial stretch, we encourage you to apply for a scholarship.

Explore Scholarships

CB03 Program Paths

Choose Your Own Adventure

Outward Bound is for everyone. Our programs are designed for students of all ages and walks of life. Find the right course for you!

Courses for Individuals

Explore programs by age, course length, or affinity group.

Course Catalog

Schools and Groups

Bring your classroom out into to the wilderness.

Partner with NCOBS

Veterans Courses

Bridge your journey home alongside fellow veterans.

Free Programs for Vets

Professional Programs

Experience a team-building program like no other.

Elevate Your Team

Educators Initiative

Immerse yourself in experiential education methods.

Education for Life

CB12 Featured Courses

Featured Courses

A person wearing a black shirt and an orange cap is paddling a canoe through a river surrounded by lush green trees. The river reflects the sky and the surrounding vegetation. The canoe has some white buckets with black letters on them. The scene is peaceful and serene, capturing the beauty of nature.

Two rock climbers are on a cliff face, geared up with helmets and harnesses. They are surrounded by climbing ropes and equipment. Behind them, a scenic view unfolds with mountains, trees displaying autumn colors, and a clear blue sky. The climbers appear to be taking a break or preparing for their next ascent.

A group of people are huddled together in a snow trench, smiling and posing for a photo. Behind them, several colorful tents are pitched on the snowy landscape, suggesting a campsite in a mountainous or arctic environment. The sky is partly cloudy, with patches of blue visible.

Blue Ridge to Florida & Patagonia – Leadership Semester

Young Adults

Sessions for ages 18-25

Two people are navigating a red canoe through whitewater rapids. The person in the front is paddling, while the person in the back is holding their paddle up. They are both wearing helmets and life jackets. The water is turbulent and foamy, and the background shows rocks and trees.

The image shows a group of people gathered on a rocky mountaintop at dusk or dawn. The sky is a gradient of blue, and the landscape features rolling hills and mountains covered in lush greenery. The group appears to be enjoying the scenic view and each other's company in a serene outdoor setting.

A person in a yellow raincoat and pants stands on a rocky outcrop, arms outstretched, with a scenic mountain view in the background. The sky is overcast, and trees surround the person. A red rope is visible, possibly indicating climbing or safety equipment. The person is wearing a head covering and appears to be enjoying the view and the moment.

Blue Ridge – Backpack, Whitewater Canoe & Rock Climb

High School

Sessions for ages 14-16 and 16-18

Two young men are standing on a trail in a forest, wearing large backpacks and hiking gear. The man on the left is wearing yellow rain pants and holding hiking poles. The man on the right is wearing glasses and has his hand on his hip. The trail is surrounded by trees and there is fog in the distance.

A woman wearing a blue helmet is rock climbing on a sunny day. She is attached to a rope and is looking to her right. The background features a mountain range with trees in autumn colors. The rock face she is climbing is light gray and textured.

Two people are in a red canoe on a river. The person in the front is wearing a blue jacket and a blue hat and is holding a paddle. The person in the back is wearing a blue jacket and a helmet. The river is surrounded by trees and rocks. The sky is cloudy.

Blue Ridge – Pathfinder – Backpack Whitewater Canoe & Rock Climb

Young Adults

Sessions for ages 18-25

A group of people are sitting on a rocky outcrop, possibly a mountain peak, enjoying a meal with a scenic view. They are surrounded by trees, and in the distance, there are mountains and valleys. The sky is partly cloudy, and the overall atmosphere suggests they are having a picnic or break during a hike.

A group of hikers with large backpacks are walking along a grassy ridge under a blue sky with scattered clouds. The hikers are silhouetted against the bright sky, and the landscape includes rolling hills and mountains in the distance. The scene conveys a sense of adventure and the challenges of hiking in a natural environment.

A man in a red helmet is rock climbing, focused and determined. He's gripping the rock face with one hand and a rope is visible, suggesting he's secured for safety. The setting appears to be outdoors, with other people and climbing gear visible in the background, indicating a group activity or a climbing area.

Blue Ridge – Backpack & Rock Climb

High School

Sessions for ages 14-16 and 16-18

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.

Blue Ridge – Backpack & Whitewater Canoe

High School

Sessions for ages 14-16 and 16-18

CB04 Quick Course Search

A Gap Semester

The Chance to Give Back

A Family Adventure

From a high-angle perspective, the image captures two individuals on a ropes course, secured with helmets and harnesses. The woman, wearing a red jacket, smiles at the camera, while the man in a purple shirt looks upwards. Ropes and wooden platforms form the intricate course structure, set against a backdrop of trees.

A Stronger Team

A Connection to Nature

A New Challenge

A Different Kind of Classroom

The Feeling of Renewal

A Different Kind of Classroom

A Gap Semester

What Will You Find?

The best discoveries are made outside of your comfort zone.

Check out our course catalog.

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Meet Our Team

Behind every expedition is a dedicated team of instructors, administrative and support staff, board members, and advisory board members. Get to know the team who bring our mission alive and deliver life-changing experiences to students of all walks of life.

Get to Know the NCOBS Crew

Work with NCOBS

Turn your passion into a career! Join a team that thrives in challenge, inspires growth, and builds connections. Whether in the field or behind the scenes, every role makes an impact on the lives of others.

View Opportunities