North Carolina Outward Bound Schools: Course Preparation
Course Preparation

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The following information is for anyone preparing to participate in a wilderness course as a member of a Group Education Program. Group organizers should refer to How to Start an Outward Bound Program for a step-by-step guide to preparing your group for a course.

Fitness and Training

Runners

Wilderness living requires long active days in varying weather conditions. Improving your strength and endurance before your course will help prepare you for the following activities that may be included on your course:

Backpacking
Rock Climbing
Canoeing
Sea Kayaking
Coastal Canoeing

For Group Education Programs we recommend that all participants ensure they can complete an hour of non-stop rigorous exercise. This could be:

Jogging or walking 4 miles without a break
An hour on a rowing machine
Cycling 10 miles without a break
A lively aerobics session

Fitness Test

Hike at least five miles on hilly terrain with a 50+ lbs. backpack in two to three hours. (Begin this training with a smaller pack of perhaps 20-30 lbs. and work your way up to 50+ lbs.)
Run three miles in 35 minutes or less.
For courses with a water component, be able to row on a rowing machine at a moderate pace for 45 minutes.

Nutrition

While on the course, you will be eating wholesome and nutritious foods selected to meet the high energy demands of the program. Grains, cheeses, vegetables, nuts, fish, etc. will be part of your diet. To prepare, we suggest you cut down on soft drinks, coffee, pastries and junk food.

Moderating caffeine, alcohol and tobacco consumption will contribute to your fitness. These products will not be part of your Outward Bound course as a clear head and fast reflexes are essential to safety and success on course.

Clothing

We supply you with the technical equipment needed for your course including a backpack, sleeping bag, rain gear and other specialized gear dependent on your course. Because our courses are characterized by unpredictable weather, obtaining the proper clothing for your course is crucial. Please bring every item on the clothing list as described.

Code of Conduct

The North Carolina Outward Bound School expects that all participants come prepared to put forth their best effort. Every Outward Bound course requires participants to follow instructions, try new activities and work as part of a team (crew). Our courses are physically, mentally and emotionally challenging and require a strong commitment from the participant. A participant will be removed from a course by a staff member it they exhibit behavior deemed inappropriate to our school’s mission and policy. The use of non-prescription drugs, tobacco and tobacco products, or alcohol is against Outward Bound policy and will result in expulsion.

North Carlina Outward Bound Schools