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Adults

Blue Ridge – Outdoor Educator

Break into the outdoor industry by training with the world’s oldest and leading provider of wilderness education.

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Use a 529 College Savings Plan.

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North Carolina

The image shows three people in canoes navigating a whitewater river. Two are in a red canoe in the foreground, paddling through the rapids. The person in the front wears a white helmet and blue jacket, while the person in the back also wears a white helmet and a blue jacket. A third person is further back in a yellow and black canoe. The river is turbulent with white water, and the banks are lined with trees and rocks.
A group of hikers is resting on a rocky outcrop, likely a mountain summit or high point, enjoying a scenic view. They are surrounded by lush greenery, including trees and shrubs, with a backdrop of rolling hills and mountains under a partly cloudy sky. The landscape suggests a wilderness or natural park setting.
A person is rock climbing on a steep rock face. They are using ropes and gear for safety. In the background, there is a lush green forest covering rolling hills and mountains. The sky is blue with scattered white clouds, suggesting a clear day. The overall scene captures an adventurous outdoor activity in a scenic natural environment.
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 Responder

Session Details

1 session are available for this course

Chat with the Customer Success Team
A group of people are standing in a grassy area near trees, possibly a park or outdoor training ground. They appear to be participating in some kind of rescue or team-building exercise, as one person is throwing a rope towards a body of water in the background. Most of them are wearing outdoor clothing, including jackets and hats, suggesting it might be a cool day.

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.

A man is rock climbing on a sunny day. He is wearing a helmet, a harness, and climbing shoes. He is reaching for a hold with his right hand. The rock face is steep and textured. The man appears focused and determined as he ascends the rock. Shadows from the surrounding trees create contrast on the rock face, highlighting the climber's form and the challenging nature of the climb.

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.

The image captures a scenic mountain vista with hikers traversing a rocky trail adorned with vibrant pink rhododendrons. Lush green forests cover the rolling hills in the background, leading to distant mountain peaks under a partly cloudy sky. The foreground features a mix of trees with budding leaves, adding a touch of spring to the landscape.

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.

In the image, a person is lying on a red and black stretcher, secured with straps. Three individuals are attending to them. One person on the left is holding the person's arm, while another behind the stretcher is stabilizing their head. A third person on the right is smiling. The setting appears to be outdoors, with a gravel or paved surface visible beneath the stretcher.

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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CB11 Scrolling Bullets

Outdoor Educator Expeditions

What if I want to work in outdoor education?

Educational Approach

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.

CB31 Media Gallery

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.

A group of seven people are posing for a photo on a rocky mountaintop. They appear to be climbers, as some are holding ropes and wearing climbing gear. The background features a scenic view of mountains and a partly cloudy sky. The group is dressed in colorful outdoor attire, and some are making playful faces for the camera.
A man wearing a helmet and safety harness is carefully walking across a rope bridge high up in the trees. He is holding onto the ropes for balance as he navigates the challenging obstacle. The surrounding forest is lush and green, with sunlight filtering through the leaves. The scene captures a moment of adventure and focus as the man tackles the ropes course.
A man is meditating on a black mat in a forest clearing. He is kneeling with his hands in a prayer position, eyes closed, and head tilted upwards. He is wearing a white t-shirt and khaki pants. Behind him, there is a green tent set up among the trees. The ground is covered with leaves and pine needles, and the sun is shining through the trees.
Two people are paddling a red canoe down a river. The person in the front is wearing a white helmet and a red life jacket, and is holding a blue paddle. The person in the back is wearing a black helmet and a red life jacket, and is holding a black paddle with a yellow blade. The river is surrounded by trees and rocks.

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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.

50-Day Course

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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
CB27 Pull Quotes
A woman wearing a blue helmet and a blue long-sleeved shirt is standing outdoors, giving two thumbs up. She has a backpack on and a watch on her left wrist. The background features a rocky cliff face with greenery and trees. The woman appears to be happy and energetic, possibly on a hiking or climbing adventure.

I feel as though my world just got a whole lot bigger with new possibilities I once thought were unreachable but now are at my feet. I still have a lot to grow and learn, but Outward Bound was the first step in me becoming a better person.

Cole

I’ve learned so much from this course that I will use for the rest of my life: from technical camping skills, relationship building, community, and strength in mind and heart to learning how to lead in your own way. It’s honestly absolutely unbelievable how much I’ve gained from this experience.

Jasmine

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.

What gear is provided and what do I need to bring?

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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?

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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 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.

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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