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Blue Ridge – Outdoor Educator
Break into the outdoor industry by training with the world’s oldest and leading provider of wilderness education.
Scholarships
Savings Plan
Open 
North Carolina
About This Course
Activity
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Backpacking -
Canoeing -
Rock Climbing
Setting & Location
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Forest -
Mountains -
River -
Course Start Location: Asheville, NC -
Course End Location: Asheville, NC
Students Can Earn
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College Credit
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Wilderness First Responder
Session Details
1 session are available for this course
What You'll Learn
Designed for individuals interested in pursuing positions as outdoor instructors, guides, or outdoor teachers, Outdoor Educator courses offer in-depth technical skill development while exploring group dynamics, leadership, assessing risk, and problem solving.
What You'll Do
Lay the foundation to begin or further your career in the outdoor industry. Practice technical skills, learn Outward Bound’s experiential education principles, and earn your Wilderness First Responder certification.
Where You'll Be
Venture into the ancient and misty Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. With your crew by your side, you’ll discover rushing rivers, hidden waterfalls, and forests brimming with wildlife in one of North America’s most biodiverse regions.
Why It Matters
This hands-on learning experience sets aspiring educators up for success in the outdoor industry and beyond. Group management and facilitation transfers to myriad career paths; communication makes strong leaders; and technical skills learned from some of the best in the industry builds a strong resume.
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Technical skills.
On this course, you’ll learn and practice the technical skills necessary to design an itinerary, navigate landscapes and activities, and to assess and manage risk.
Group management.
You’ll learn how to set your crew up for success, create a culture of belonging and shared responsibility, and to engage groups and individuals in their unique journeys
Train in wilderness medicine.
Learn the principles and techniques of patient assessment, care, and treatment in remote and extreme environments. Earn Wilderness First Responder (WFR) Certification.
Your career awaits!
Return home with the knowledge and skills necessary for teaching and leading field-based education programs, and a solid grounding in the Outward Bound philosophy and methodology for teaching and facilitation.
Life on Course
Dreaming of a career in the outdoor industry? This course will provide you with the tools, skill development, and hands-on experience you need to begin your journey.
Set in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, this 50-day course provides comprehensive training designed to teach Outward Bound’s experiential education principles and prepare aspiring outdoor educators to successfully lead group travel in the backcountry. Begin your course immersed in the student experience during a wilderness expedition before taking the reins and practicing facilitation skills. Hone your skills through immersive technical skill phases, whitewater canoeing and rock climbing days, professional workshops, facilitation practice, service projects, and Wilderness First Responder certification.
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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.
50-Day Course
| Day 1 | Course start, duffle shuffle, and team-building initiatives |
| Day 2-8 | Backpacking training expedition: navigation, campcraft, safety management, and outdoor teaching skills |
| Day 9 | Resupply and transition day |
| Day 10-19 | Wilderness First Responder certification |
| Day 20-24 | Whitewater canoeing: paddle strokes, boat maneuvers, rapid scouting, self-rescue, tandem and solo canoe paddling |
| Day 25 | Resupply and transition day |
| Day 26-28 | Backpacking main expedition: advanced navigation and group decision-making |
| Day 29 | Service project: trail building |
| Day 30-31 | Skill workshops: risk management, working with diverse populations, and facilitation skills |
| Day 32-35 | Rock climbing: belaying, rappelling, anchor building, and multi-pitch climbing |
| Day 36 | Resupply and transition day |
| Day 37 | Service project: work with a community service organization |
| Day 38-39 | Ropes course, personal experience and team building, facilitation, rescue skills |
| Day 40-43 | Solo |
| Day 44-47 | : Backpacking final expedition: leadership and independent student travel |
| Day 48 | Service project; debrief: student performance evaluations and feedback |
| Day 49 | Personal challenge event, clean and de-issue gear, graduation ceremony |
| Day 50 | Course end and transportation to the airport |
FAQs
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.
Where does course start and end?
All Blue Ridge Mountains courses start and end at Asheville Regional Airport (AVL). A North Carolina Outward Bound School (NCOBS) representative will meet participants at baggage claim for check-in. Transportation is provided between Asheville Regional Airport and the course area at course start and end.
What gear is provided and what do I need to bring?
All group gear, including shelter, backpacks, whitewater gear, and climbing equipment, is provided. You will receive a detailed packing list upon enrollment outlining additional items to bring, including clothing layers, footwear, and other personal items.
What is solo?
A little more than halfway through course, students will participate in a reflection period called Solo. During this time, Instructors assign students their own individual spaces within a designated area. These sites are both secluded and within hearing distance of other group members and Instructors for safety. Students will be given all the necessary gear, food, water, and skills to enjoy solo time. Solo is a great opportunity for students to relax, recharge and reflect on their course after having long days of strenuous group activities. Instructors will be monitoring students closely during this experience.
