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High School

Appalachian Trail – Backpack & Rock Climb

Explore, climb and hike a historic trail as you make new friends, sleep under the stars, and learn skills for outdoor adventure.

Savings Plan

Use a 529 College Savings Plan.

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Maryland/West Virginia

A group of young people are gathered around a campfire in a wooded area. They are sitting on logs and rocks, and some are talking while others are looking at the fire. There are tents pitched in the background, suggesting they are camping. The atmosphere seems relaxed and communal, indicative of a group activity like a scout trip or summer camp.
A group of hikers is walking down a dirt road in a forest. They are all wearing backpacks and carrying sleeping bags. The hikers are walking away from the camera, and the forest is dense and green. The road is narrow and winding, and the hikers are spread out along it.
A group of young people, possibly scouts or hikers, are posing for a photo outdoors. They are wearing backpacks and outdoor clothing, suggesting they are on an adventure or expedition. The background is a bit foggy, with trees visible, indicating a natural setting, possibly a mountain or forest. The group appears to be in good spirits, smiling and looking at the camera.
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
  • airplane Course Start Location: Baltimore
  • airplane Course End Location: Baltimore

Session Details

1 session are available for this course

Chat with the Customer Success Team
The image shows a group of people rock climbing. A climber is scaling a gray rock face, secured by a rope. Below, two people are on the ground, seemingly belaying or watching the climber. The surrounding area features a forest with fallen leaves and rocks, suggesting an outdoor climbing location. Everyone is wearing helmets for safety.

What You’ll Learn

On Outward Bound courses designed for middle schoolers, students 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.

A young girl with glasses and a pink shirt is stirring a pot of soup while camping. Other people are in the background, along with camping gear like a water container, bowls, and bags of food. The setting appears to be a forest, with trees visible in the background.

What You'll Do

Traverse the hilly and historic Appalachian Trail with your crew - camping, navigating, and learning together. Challenge yourself on a natural rock wall and take in the view from the top.

A group of people are sitting on a rocky outcrop, silhouetted against a vibrant sunset. The sky is a blend of orange, pink, and yellow hues, with the sun appearing as a bright orb on the horizon. The landscape below is a mix of trees and distant hills, partially obscured by the atmospheric haze. A water bottle sits in the foreground, adding a touch of everyday life to the scenic view.

Where You'll Be

The Appalachian Trail meanders through classic Mid-Atlantic deciduous forests with rocky lookouts. Along the trail, you'll break from hiking to experience an afternoon of rock climbing at one of three unique sites.

A young man is sitting on a fallen log in a forest. He is wearing a dark blue t-shirt, dark pants, and hiking boots. He has a large backpack behind him. The forest is green and lush, with tall trees and fallen leaves on the ground. The lighting suggests it is daytime.

Why It Matters

You belong here! Outward Bound is a unique place to try new things, make friends, and discover your strengths. Your crew will be there to support you as you navigate challenges and celebrate wins. Have an unforgettable adventure and learn skills that’ll last a lifetime!

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CB11 Scrolling Bullets

Better Together

What if you learned how to boldly forge meaningful connections while confidently developing your own sense of self?

Educational Approach

One Week Courses for Ages 14-16

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!

Risk and Reward

At a time when it really matters you and your crew will balance taking healthy risks as  you face challenges together. You voice is important to your crew’s success! You’ll own that voice and learn from the perspectives of your crewmates while you navigate towards your goals.

Connection and Care

Your unique personality is valued! You and your crew will practice the communication skills necessary to make everyone feel safe and, cared- for while working together.

Shared Success

This is a great opportunity to learn how your actions and words have an impact on other people. On this adventure, you’ll work through challenges and celebrate wins together.

CB31 Media Gallery

Life on Course

Traverse the Appalachian woods and camp with your crew as you prepare to take on the challenge of climbing a 6-story natural rock wall.

You and your crew will pack all your food and gear required to live on the trail for eight days before leaving the base in Baltimore. During the expedition, you’ll take turns sharing important roles for your crew such as cook, navigator and leader of the day. Your expedition also includes a day of rock climbing and instruction at one of three natural rock walls along the trail.

A group of young people are gathered around a campfire in a wooded area. They are sitting on logs and rocks, and some are talking while others are looking at the fire. There are tents pitched in the background, suggesting they are camping. The atmosphere seems relaxed and communal, indicative of a group activity like a scout trip or summer camp.
A group of people are gathered in a wooded area, likely on a hike or camping trip. They are standing and sitting around a wooden table. The group consists of both adults and children, dressed in casual outdoor clothing, including jackets and hats. The setting appears to be a forest, with trees visible in the background. The weather seems mild, as some people are wearing short sleeves.
A group of people are gathered in a forest, seemingly engaged in an activity that involves maps or printed materials. They are standing around looking at the items on the ground. The setting is a wooded area with tall trees and dappled sunlight. Some of them are wearing hats. There are backpacks and other gear scattered around, suggesting they might be hiking or camping.
A group of young people wearing helmets are gathered on a rocky, wooded hillside. Some are sitting on the rocks, while others are standing. They appear to be preparing for or taking a break from a climbing or outdoor adventure activity. The scene is set in a natural environment with trees and large rock formations.

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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.

8-Day Course

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Day 1 Course start, introductory lesson is backpacking, begin hiking
Day 2 Backpacking, lessons in backcountry skills
Day 3-5 Backpacking, lessons in map/compass travel & advanced camp craft
Day 6 Rock climbing and solo
Day 7 Backpacking final challenge, return to base, clean and de-issue gear, service project
Day 8 Graduation, depart from base camp
CB27 Pull Quotes
A group of people are standing in a forest, seemingly engaged in an activity or presentation. Some individuals are holding papers, while others are looking towards a person standing slightly apart from the group. The setting is a wooded area with tall trees and dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy. A person is sitting on the ground in the foreground.

The skills I gained here, both practical and interpersonal, will serve me well outside of school and in the workplace.

Charlie X.

I loved every moment of this trip, the good and the bad. I think everyone should experience Outward Bound at least once in their life.

Mary A.

Despite the challenges I faced, I received so much support to keep on going and to be where I am today. If ANYONE is looking for something that is missing in their social life, this is the place to be.

Elizabeth S.

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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