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Young Adults

Blue Ridge – Pathfinder – Backpack Whitewater Canoe & Rock Climb

Not sure where you’re headed? We get it. Let this expedition be your space to grow, reset, and discover the path that is right for you.

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North Carolina

Two young men are standing on a trail in a forest, wearing large backpacks and hiking gear. The man on the left is wearing yellow rain pants and holding hiking poles. The man on the right is wearing glasses and has his hand on his hip. The trail is surrounded by trees and there is fog in the distance.
A woman wearing a blue helmet is rock climbing on a sunny day. She is attached to a rope and is looking to her right. The background features a mountain range with trees in autumn colors. The rock face she is climbing is light gray and textured.
Two people are in a red canoe on a river. The person in the front is wearing a blue jacket and a blue hat and is holding a paddle. The person in the back is wearing a blue jacket and a helmet. The river is surrounded by trees and rocks. The sky is cloudy.
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 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 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
  • 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: Asheville NC
  • airplane Course End Location: Asheville NC

Students Can Earn

  • College Credit

  • Wilderness First Aid

Session Details

3 sessions are available for this course

Chat with the Customer Success Team
A young woman with a red headband is sitting on a rock by a stream, writing in a notebook. She is wearing a blue shirt, olive-green pants, and hiking boots. The stream is clear and shallow, and there is another person sitting in the background, also writing. The surrounding area is green and lush, with trees and rocks visible.

What You'll Learn

Welcome to Pathfinder; here’s your reset button. As in the field, so in life: challenge yourself to dream big, then identify your steps to get there and start moving. We’ll put the map in your hands. You chart your path.

Two young women are hiking in a forest. They are wearing large backpacks and carrying gear, suggesting they are on a multi-day trip. Both women are smiling and appear to be enjoying their adventure. The forest is dense with trees, and the lighting indicates it is daytime.

What You'll Do

Backpack through the rugged wilderness where you will navigate the trails, paddle through rapids, climb rock faces, and camp under the stars. Break up the days with goal-setting exercises, service initiatives, and Wilderness First Aid 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.

A young woman with a red cap is smiling and working outdoors. She is wearing gloves and holding a branch, possibly clearing a trail in a wooded area. The background shows a scenic view with trees and mountains, suggesting she is in a natural environment. Her attire includes a long-sleeved black shirt and khaki pants, suitable for outdoor work.

Why It Matters

Sometimes you need to disrupt your routine to find your path to success. Discover your unique strengths while navigating new landscapes and new relationships. Communication skills and teamwork provide lessons that reach far beyond your Outward Bound course, and time away offers clarity for what you want to do next.

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CB11 Scrolling Bullets

Pathfinder Expeditions

What if this is where your path unfolds?

Educational Approach

A balanced experience.

This course balances adventure with time to reflect, skill building with setting goals for what’s ahead. You have so much potential; we’ll help you uncover it!

A new chapter.

We get it, launching into a new life stage can be exciting, confusing, fun, and a little scary at times. And we know you have a lot of options to help you navigate that; join us for the backcountry option: grab a map and compass and navigate stunning landscapes, new connections, and the awesome realization that there is more in you than you know.

An experience just for you.

Pathfinder expeditions meet you where you are to focus on increasing self-knowledge, strengthening decision-making skills and processes, and setting goals – all life skills to help you chart a path forward with passion and confidence.

CB31 Media Gallery

Life on Course

Set foot on a path to self-discovery as you explore some of the oldest mountains in the world.

This 30-day expedition leads you on a journey through the Blue Ridge Mountains and into a deeper understanding of yourself. Work with your crew to backpack through lush forests, navigate rushing rivers by canoe, build trust by belaying one another while rock climbing, lead service initiatives, and earn your Wilderness First Aid certification. Throughout the course, you’ll participate in life coaching sessions and structured goal-setting activities that help clarify priorities, strengthen character, and define a new self-directed path.

A smiling woman in a white helmet and blue life vest gives a thumbs up while sitting in a raft with yellow rope and a rescue throw bag. In the background, other people are kayaking and swimming in a river with large rocks on the banks. The scene suggests a whitewater rafting or kayaking adventure on a sunny day.
Two people are camping on a grassy hilltop with a scenic mountain view. One person in dark clothing is pouring something into a cooking pot, while another person in a tan jacket is crouched nearby. Camping gear and scattered items are on the ground, and the remnants of a campfire are visible to the left. The sky is blue with scattered clouds.
A person with a backpack and climbing gear stands on a rocky outcrop, looking up at a steep rock face. The individual is dressed in dark pants, a blue jacket, and a helmet. A tall pine tree grows nearby, and a forest stretches out in the background under a partly cloudy sky. The lighting suggests it's a sunny day, highlighting the textures of the rock and the surrounding landscape.
A group of people are resting in a field. Some are lying down, while others are sitting. They appear to be taking a break from hiking, as they have backpacks and are surrounded by nature. The sky is cloudy, and there are mountains in the distance. The overall scene suggests a peaceful and relaxing moment during an outdoor adventure.

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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.

Swipe on table below to view more.

30-Day Course

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Day 1 Course start
Day 2 Ropes course and team-building initiatives
Day 3-6 Backpacking training expedition: navigation and camping skills, exploration of personal strengths, first coaching session, and introduction to goal setting
Day 7-9 Rock climbing, belaying, rappelling, and multi-pitch climbing
Day 10-13 Backpacking main expedition: advanced navigation, group decision-making, and second coaching session
Day 14-16 Wilderness First Aid certification
Day 17 Service project: trail-building or work with community service organization
Day 18-21 Whitewater canoeing: paddle strokes, boat maneuvers, rapid scouting, and self-rescue
Day 22-25 Solo, third coaching session, and goal setting for post-course
Day 26-28 Backpacking final expedition: leadership and independent student travel
Day 29 Personal challenge event, clean and de-issue gear, support phone calls, and graduation ceremony
Day 30 Course end and transportation to airport
CB27 Pull Quotes
In a scenic outdoor setting, a group of six women stand together, posing for a photo. They are dressed in casual outdoor attire, including jackets, pants, and hats, suggesting they are prepared for the elements. The backdrop features lush greenery, trees, and a glimpse of a cloudy sky, indicating a natural environment, possibly a forest or park. The overall atmosphere is one of camaraderie and enjoyment of the outdoors.

Everyone here helped my growth and overall rekindling of my soul and self. I believe Outward Bound is a continued journey that will go on for the rest of my life… This course presented a new challenge every day and I truly believe I learned something new every day. I could see myself grow every day.

Isabella

I have never been as motivated as I am today… Words will never be enough for all that I have learned during the physical and mental challenges on course. I am certain that there are no limits to what we are capable of and will never forget the pillars nor the valuable skill we were taught.

Estefane

After completing this course, I feel so much more competent and confident in myself. I have always struggled to believe in myself and love myself. On course, I learned how to do both of those things and so much more.

Abby

CB17 FAQs

FAQs

What are your essential eligibility criteria?

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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?

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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.

How is Pathfinder different from other Outward Bound courses?

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A big part of what makes a Pathfinder course unique is goal setting. Before course, students are asked to identify someone from their support system (parent, friend, coach, teacher, etc.) that can help them stay committed to their goals once they’re home. Then, before the course ends, students will participate in a call with that support person and their Outward Bound instructor. The call will highlight any lessons learned on course, identify goals for the future, and determine how to best incorporate all of this newfound knowledge into their lives at home.

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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