CB32 Program Banner

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

Learn about scholarship opportunities.

Savings Plan

Use a 529 College Savings Plan.

Schedule a Call
See Available Dates & Apply

Boundary Waters, MN

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 blue rope against a black background. The rope is coiled and appears to be somewhat thick. The blue color of the rope stands out against the dark backdrop, making it the focal point of the image. The rope's texture and the way it's coiled add visual interest to the otherwise simple composition. Ropes Course
  • 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 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 blue silhouette of a landscape against a black background. The landscape includes trees, mountains, and water, possibly a lake or river. The style is simple and graphic, resembling a logo or emblem. The scene evokes a sense of nature and tranquility, with the dark background emphasizing the blue elements of the natural landscape. Lake
  • airplane Course Start Location: Duluth, MN
  • airplane Course End Location: Duluth, MN

Students Can Earn

  • College Credit

Session Details

2 sessions are available for this course

Chat with the Customer Success Team

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.

Play Icon play

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.

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!

/

CB11 Scrolling Bullets

Classic for Young Adults

What if you learned how to build community and connection while confidently forging your own sense of self?

Educational Approach

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!

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.

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.
CB27 Pull Quotes

Never once would I have thought that I could emotionally have been able to challenge myself like I have on this course. Truly, I appreciate the privilege of this. It has created an impact and prepared me for the real world. It has also helped me find my place with myself and learn how to really live to my full potential.

JR

It was an amazing experience that enabled me to push my mental and physical limits. Through this journey, I was able to identify my needs for the future ahead. I also pushed myself to show vulnerability to my peers by opening up to them about my past struggles.

Addie

I have learned that both my mood and body can do so much more than I gave them credit for. The mantra of one of my instructors motivated me to try everything despite fearing failure, and I will continue to keep it in my mind my whole life: “Your body can do anything if your mind lets it.”

Zoe

CB17 FAQs

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

CB31 Media Gallery

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.

/

THERE'S A BREAKTHROUGH OUT HERE. THERE'S A BREAKTHROUGH OUT HERE. THERE'S A BREAKTHROUGH OUT HERE. THERE'S A BREAKTHROUGH OUT HERE.
Back to Top

Sign Up for Updates from Outward Bound

+ -