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Middle School

Potomac River – Canoe & Environmental Service

Challenge yourself while canoeing along one of the most treasured waterways on the East Coast. You’re bound to see wildlife, experience the night sky like never before, and gain insights about the environment along the way.

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Maryland/West Virginia

A group of people are gathered on a rocky shore next to a river or lake, with several canoes pulled up onto the shore. Some individuals are standing near the canoes, while others are in the water. A large, rocky hill covered with trees rises in the background, and the sky is partly cloudy. The overall scene suggests an outdoor recreational activity, possibly canoeing or kayaking.
The image shows a group of people canoeing down a river. There are two canoes visible, each carrying several people. The people in the canoes are paddling, and the canoes are moving through the water. The river is surrounded by trees, and the sky is overcast. The overall scene suggests a recreational or team-building activity in a natural setting.
A group of people are carrying a red canoe up a muddy bank from the water. The canoe is being held by two people, one on each side, while others are helping from behind. The bank is covered in rocks and dirt, and there are trees and bushes in the background.
CB20 Course Overview

About This Course

Activity

  • The image shows a simple, stylized drawing of a canoe in blue against a black background. The canoe is depicted with curved lines outlining its shape, and there are horizontal lines inside the canoe to suggest its structure or design. The style is reminiscent of a basic illustration or icon, with a focus on clear, recognizable shapes rather than detailed realism. Canoeing
  • The image shows a stylized, blue-outlined graphic against a black background. Two hands are cupped together, as if holding or presenting something delicate. Above the hands, there are three leaf-like shapes, suggesting a plant or nature. The overall impression is one of care, growth, or environmental stewardship. The simplicity of the design and the use of a single color give it a clean and modern look. Service Projects

Setting & Location

  • The image shows a stylized, pixelated scene of nature. Two tall, slender pine trees frame a view of distant mountains. A body of water, possibly a lake or river, is visible in the foreground, reflecting the scenery. The color palette is limited, with a dominant dark blue against a black background, giving the image a retro, digital aesthetic. River
  • airplane Course Start Location: Baltimore
  • airplane Course End Location: Baltimore

Session Details

2 sessions are available for this course

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The image shows a group of people canoeing on a river. They are in several canoes, paddling through calm water surrounded by lush green trees. The sky is partly cloudy. Everyone is wearing life vests. The person in the foreground is taking a selfie, wearing a hat and sunglasses.

What You'll Learn

On Outward Bound courses designed for middle schoolers, you’ll do exciting things with new friends, build confidence, and discover you’re capable of more than you know! You’ll have fun, work on your willpower and crush right-sized challenges – together.

The image shows a group of people canoeing on a river. The person in the foreground is a young man in a yellow life vest, holding a red paddle. He is sitting in a red canoe. Other canoes with people are visible in the background, along with trees lining the riverbank. The water is calm, and the sky is overcast.

What You'll Do

On this expedition you'll travel between unique riverside campsites, sleeping in the forest at night and paddling on the river in 2-person canoes during the day.

The image shows a serene view from a canoe on a calm river. Lush green trees and vegetation line the riverbank, with a backdrop of distant hills or mountains under an overcast sky. Branches with leaves hang over the water, framing the scene. The canoe's bow is visible in the foreground, suggesting a peaceful journey through nature.

Where You'll Be

The Potomac River is located along the mid-Atlantic Ocean coast of the United States and flows into the Chesapeake Bay. The river is approximately 405 miles long - in terms of area it's the fourth largest river along the Atlantic coast.

The image shows three people in a canoe on a river, likely engaged in a recreational activity. They are wearing life jackets, suggesting a focus on safety. The canoe is filled with gear, including containers and bags, indicating a possible multi-day trip. The surrounding environment features lush green trees lining the riverbanks, creating a natural and serene backdrop for their adventure.

Why It Matters

You belong here! Outward Bound is a unique place to try new things, make friends, and discover your strengths. Building community – and new skills – through adventure is what we’re all about. Find your crew here!

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CB11 Scrolling Bullets

Confidence Starts Here

What if you learned how to face obstacles head-on while feeling brave, included, and proud of who you are?

Educational Approach

One Week Courses for Middle School

Try exciting things and practice new ways of connecting with your group. You’ll take on challenges, weigh healthy risks and work together with your crew to find success! Are you ready for adventure? Let’s go!

Bravery Meets Belonging

Uncover your own bravery with support from your crew. Meet challenges designed to activate your strengths, develop persistence, and show you what you’re made of—even when things get tough.

Skills for Life

You’ll practice key skills like communication, taking initiative, and problem-solving with purpose. You’ll be given space to make choices – and take responsibility for them. Through trial and error, learn how to face obstacles head-on—growing more capable with every step.

Stronger Together

You won’t go it alone—crew is everything. You’ll explore common ground with your crew while also learning how to acknowledge each other’s uniqueness in a group where every voice matters.  You will learn how to face challenges as a supportive team, forging strong friendships.

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Life on Course

Experience a different camp sight each night as you traverse the twists and bends of the Potomac River.

You’ll have to work as a crew to navigate the river, while transporting all your gear from one campsite to the next each day. Learn paddling techniques, river navigation, and other technical canoe skills from our Instructors as you progress through a river steeped in history and wildlife.

A group of about ten young people are gathered around a wooden picnic table in a wooded area. They appear to be on an outing or camping trip, as suggested by the natural setting. Some of them are sitting on the benches, while others are standing or leaning against the table. There are water bottles on the table. They seem to be enjoying each other's company.
Two young women are sitting cross-legged inside a green tent. They are both smiling and appear to be enjoying their camping trip. The tent is set up on a grassy area, and there are trees in the background. One woman is wearing a blue headscarf and a gray tank top, while the other is wearing a black headband and a black t-shirt. There are camping supplies scattered around them.
In a grassy field at dusk, a group gathers around a campfire. Tents are pitched in the background, suggesting an overnight camping trip. The fire casts a warm glow on the people nearby, some sitting on the ground, others tending to the flames. The atmosphere appears relaxed and communal, with the focus on enjoying the evening outdoors.

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CB39 Table Feature

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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8-Day Course

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Day 1 Course start, introductory lessons in canoeing and river dynamics, begin paddling
Day 2-5 Canoeing, lessons in advanced paddling techniques and Potomac River ecology
Day 6 Canoeing final challenge, solo
Day 7 Return to base, clean and de-issue gear, service project
Day 8 Graduation, depart from base camp
CB27 Pull Quotes
CB17 FAQs

FAQs

What will be happening on the expedition?

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In addition to the physical activities of an outdoor overnight expedition, Outward Bound’s Educational Framework uses challenge and adventure to allow students to learn through experience. A supportive environment of peers and instructors make it easier to try new things, speak your mind, listen, and to be heard – all elements of today’s most successful leaders. We value and teach compassion, integrity, excellence in craft, inclusion, and diversity. Each student will return having practiced the skills of a leader and they will be more aware of their personal strengths and abilities

Where do students sleep?

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Students on expedition will not be in cabins or permanent buildings, but will sleep outdoors in tents or tent like structures. Sleep groups will be determined by students’ gender. Crews will be moving to multiple camping locations during the duration of their expedition.

Will students have their cellphones while on course?

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When students depart from our Baltimore basecamp, their phones will be left in a secure area on base and returned to them on the last day of the course.

Is it safe?

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Outward Bound courses take place outdoors and include activities that present risks that can be managed but not eliminated. Running our courses safely is central to our educational goals and our safety record is excellent. Our instructors not only identify and reduce risks but also teach students to assess and address hazards with preparation and care, rather than fear and avoidance. Students and their families participate in our safety systems by familiarizing students with the course description prior to the course and by filling out our application and medical forms completely. We regularly review our safety training systems with our peers and other industry experts and continually seek to create or adopt the most effective practices. Every course is equipped with the ability to get help in an emergency. For more information, visit our Safety & Risk Management page.

What should I do if there is an emergency?

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Please understand that you will not be able to speak with your child while they are on course. You will be provided with an emergency phone number for questions, concerns, or if there is a family emergency during the expedition. This phone is available strictly for true emergencies, and is monitored 24-hours a day, 7 days a week.

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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