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Adults

Blue Ridge – Veterans – Backpack and Rock Climb

Embark on a unique backpacking expedition through some of the oldest mountains in the world, reach new heights with a day of rock climbing and rappelling, and grow bonds with fellow veterans.

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North Carolina

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CB20 Course Overview

About This Course

Activity

  • The image shows a blue outline of a hiking backpack against a black background. The backpack is fully packed, with a sleeping bag or similar item strapped to the top. It has multiple compartments and straps, suggesting it's designed for carrying a substantial amount of gear. The style is simple and graphic, resembling an icon or a line drawing. Backpacking
  • The image shows a stylized, blue drawing of a foot and ankle, possibly representing a ballet dancer's foot in a pointe shoe. The foot is positioned vertically, with the toes pointing downwards. The drawing has a simple, almost cartoonish style, with thick lines outlining the shape of the foot and shoe. The background is black, which makes the blue drawing stand out. The image could be used to represent dance, movement, or elegance. Rock Climbing

Setting & Location

  • The image shows a simple, hand-drawn style illustration of three evergreen trees, possibly pine or fir trees. They are depicted in a solid blue color against a white background. The trees are stylized with jagged edges to represent the needles and branches, giving them a whimsical and slightly abstract appearance. The trunks are simple vertical lines. Forest
  • The image shows a simple, cartoon-style drawing of two mountains. The mountains are depicted with triangular shapes and jagged peaks, suggesting a rugged terrain. Dashed lines adorn the sides of the mountains, possibly representing snow or rocky textures. The drawing is done in a single color, giving it a minimalist and somewhat childlike appearance. The overall impression is one of a basic, almost iconic representation of mountains. Mountains
  • airplane Course Start Location: Asheville, NC
  • airplane Course End Location: Asheville, NC

Session Details

4 sessions are available for this course

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What You’ll Learn

Outward Bound Veterans courses have helped thousands of service members and veterans draw on the healing benefits of teamwork and challenge. Through adventurous wilderness expeditions, you’ll find the camaraderie, confidence, and clarity to thrive in civilian life.

What You'll Do

With the company of a supportive crew, you’ll brush up on your backcountry living and navigation skills, strengthen communication abilities, and have the opportunity to share stories and experiences.

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

Life after Military service can feel disorienting. Our Veterans courses offer a supportive crew and purposeful challenge through adventurous wilderness expeditions—so you can reset, refocus, and return home with renewed confidence.

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Veterans Courses

What if you can find familiar connections in unfamiliar places?

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Lead in New Ways

Tap into familiar leadership skills and learn new ways to engage with your crew to meet and navigate through unique challenges.

Connections That Last

Build connections that outlast the adventure as you and your crew learn to recognize each other’s strengths and celebrate success together.

Confidence Beyond the Uniform

Leaving the military can feel disorienting. Our Veterans courses offer a supportive crew and purposeful challenge—so you can reset, refocus, and return home with renewed confidence.

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Life on Course

Experience backcountry living as part of a crew united by a shared mission. Navigate wild terrain, climb to new heights, and accomplish daily goals together.

This six-day course brings veterans together in the outdoors for purposeful challenge alongside others who understand the pace and responsibility of service. Together, you will embark on a backpacking expedition through Pisgah National Forest, set up campsites, prepare meals, and practice Leave No Trace stewardship. Rock climbing days will take your teamwork to the next level as you work with ropes, climb rugged rock faces, and build trust while belaying your crewmates. Through hands-on activity and shared responsibility, this course builds camaraderie, renews confidence, and strengthens direction for what comes next.

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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.

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6-Day Course

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Day 1 Course start, duffle shuffle, and camp craft
Day 2-3 Backpacking training expedition: practice navigation and risk management
Day 4 Rock climbing, belaying and repelling, and solo
Day 5 Backpacking expedition
Day 6 Personal challenge event, clean and de-issue gear, graduation ceremony, and banquet. Course end and transportation to airport.
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Working with vets as a team to accomplish various missions is a scenario hard to recreate in a post-military life. When it is coupled with bonding, talking points, and being pushed to your limits- Outward Bound has created something very special.

Jennie

This course has re-motivated and reminded me that I can, and need, to reach out and get support from my ‘crew’. This course also has reminded me how much I love being outdoors and the healing power nature has. Being a part of this team really has re-lit a spark in me to move forward in a positive way.

David

As veterans, it is seldom that we can truly connect with people who have experienced what we’ve been through. Even more rare that we have a place to let down our guard and express what is in our hearts and minds. Outward Bound provided all of this with this opportunity, and every one of us is better for it.

Ryan

CB17 FAQs

FAQs

Where does course start and end?

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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.

Is there a maximum age limit for this course?

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No, there is no maximum age limit. Ages vary widely on adult expeditions. 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 gear is provided? Can I bring my own?

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All group gear, including shelter, backpacks, 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?

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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 secluded while remaining 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.

THERE'S A BREAKTHROUGH OUT HERE. THERE'S A BREAKTHROUGH OUT HERE. THERE'S A BREAKTHROUGH OUT HERE. THERE'S A BREAKTHROUGH OUT HERE.
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