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Young Adults
Boundary Waters – Canoe & High Ropes
You belong in the Boundary Waters this summer! No experience? No worries, Outward Bound is for everybody. Pack your sense of adventure, unplug, and explore the wilderness with a new crew of friends.
Scholarships
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Boundary Waters, MN
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About This Course
Activity
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Canoeing -
Ropes Course -
Service Projects
Setting & Location
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Forest -
Lake -
Course Start Location: Duluth, MN -
Course End Location: Duluth, MN
Students Can Earn
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College Credit
Session Details
2 sessions are available for this course
What You'll Learn
On an Outward Bound course, you’ll have an unforgettable adventure while refining skills like teamwork, leadership, and navigation that expand beyond your time on course. Try new things, remember what you’re made of, and return revitalized and ready for what’s next.
What You'll Do
Make new friends, sleep under the stars, and learn skills for outdoor adventure. This course is designed for young adults to hone the tools and confidence they need to navigate life’s ever-changing tides. By taking on challenges outdoors, students discover their strengths, make meaningful connections, and return home with the skills needed to embark on bold futures.
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Where You'll Be
Established in 1978, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is a beautiful labyrinth of over one million acres of lakes, streams, and rock that’s true American wilderness - no roads, power lines, or motorized craft allowed.
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Why It Matters
At this point in life, so many paths are unfolding and opportunities can feel a little blurry. Give yourself some dedicated time to try something new, reflect on your strengths and areas for growth, and recommit to who you want to be. There’s much to discover when you break your routine; let’s go!
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Classic for Young Adults
What if you learned how to build community and connection while confidently forging your own sense of self?
Hit the reset button.
You might be surprised at what you’ll find in the silence between footsteps; the quiet between paddle strokes; the space between stars.
Build community.
Connection is more important than ever and where better to build bonds than on an adventure where everyone works together? You and your crew will support each other through challenges and celebrate success together.
Where will you go next?
Get to know yourself better as you navigate new landscapes, new relationships, and draw on strengths that are waiting just below the surface. This fresh perspective might lead to some renewed goal-setting!
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.
8-Day Course
| Day 1 | Course start |
| Day 2-3 | Canoe training expedition (introductory lessons in canoeing, portaging, camp-craft, cooking over a fire, and navigation). |
| Day 4 | Solo |
| Day 5-6 | Continued canoeing expedition (increased group responsibility over navigation, travel, and camp-craft). |
| Day 7-8 | Return to base for gear clean, high ropes, and course end ceremonies. |
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FAQs
Is prior experience necessary?
No prior experience is necessary to participate on an Outward Bound expedition! Our talented instructing staff will start the course by going over the basic skills needed for backcountry travel. All we ask is students come prepared for and open to new experiences. We’ll handle the rest!
How can I be physically prepared to attend course?
Students do not need to be in peak physical condition to complete course successfully. However, it’s always a good idea to physically prepare for course ahead of time to increase comfort, especially at the start of your journey. Check out how to physically prepare for course through our Preparing for Course page.
How will I know what to bring?
Outward Bound will provide the activity-specific and camping equipment for course including tents, tarps, backpacks, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and cookware, etc. You will receive a packing list of items to bring, consisting mainly of clothing*, footwear, personal items, and toiletries after applying. If you’d like to see a packing list for a specific expedition ahead of time, reach out to our Customer Success Team at 866-467-7651 or [email protected]. A Customer Success Specialist will be happy to provide this information!
*Pro tip: Not everything on your pack list needs to be brand new! See what items you can thrift or find at a second hand gear store
Life on Course
Make new friends, sleep under the stars, and learn outdoor adventure skills to feel empowered in navigating life’s ever-changing tides.
You’ll learn the art of paddling a canoe in a variety of conditions, master map and compass reading, and walk tightropes in the treetops on our ropes course. Groups navigate a variety of waterways such as lakes, rivers and swamps, and work as a team to carry packs and canoes over portage trails. Once at camp, it’s possible to quietly observe bald eagles, moose and peaceful sunsets on mirror-calm lakes. Together with your Instructors and crew, learn how to care for one another, work together, and practice essential skills to prepare for new challenges at school, home, and in the community.
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