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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.
Scholarships
Open 
Florida
About This Course
Activity
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Canoeing
Setting & Location
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Coastal -
Course Start Location: Ft. Lauderdale, FL -
Course End Location: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Session Details
1 session are available for this course
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.
What You'll Do
Paddle together through the Ten Thousand Islands, set up camp on sandy beaches, and explore Florida's unique coastal wilderness
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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.
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?
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.
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.
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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
| 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 |
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.
FAQs
Can a family of three or more enroll in this course?
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?
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?
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?
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.
