OUTWARD BOUND COURSE

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Outward Bound?

Outward Bound is an international organization that was founded over 60 years ago by Kurt Hahn to provide adventure-based education for all types of people. The Hurricane Island Outward Bound School, based in Rockland, Maine, was founded over 40 years ago; it is now part of Outward Bound USA. Most Outward Bound courses take place in the wilderness, and consist of activities like backpacking, sailing and rock climbing. The purpose of Outward Bound courses is to “impel students into value-forming experiences”, from which they learn about leadership, teamwork and themselves, in addition to wilderness skills. Outward Bound courses are designed to be challenging. They push students’ comfort levels, which helps them gain confidence in facing challenges in their everyday lives.

Expeditionary Learning Schools Outward Bound is a branch of Outward Bound USA. Expeditionary Learning’s Design Principles are based on from Kurt Hahn’s educational beliefs and practices.

Why is Casco Bay High School going on an Outward Bound course?

The Outward Bound course helps to create a positive, inclusive school culture at CBHS. Building a supportive community of students and faculty is an essential aspect of a healthy school culture. The course will provide a unique opportunity for students and faculty to build trustful, positive relationships with one another, to learn how to work as a team to overcome challenges, and to form school community values. Individuals will practice being both leaders and supportive group members. They will learn the importance of perseverance in the face of challenge. From that, they will recognize they can achieve more than they thought possible, on the course, at school, and even in their daily lives. The experiences, key learnings, and values the school community forms on the wilderness course will directly shape how the community works together back at school. Since Outward Bound is the foundation of Expeditionary Learning schools, this wilderness course is a great introduction to the four-year Expeditionary Learning experience these teenagers will have. Current CBHS students and staff refer back to their OB trip frequently; it has been a cornerstone experience for most of our students and staff.

Will my child receive school credit for this course?

Students will receive at least .5 credits in Physical Education for the Outward Bound course.

Who will go?

All 9^th grade students will attend the wilderness course (Hiking or Sailing). A CBHS staff member will also go on the course. Two Outward Bound instructors will organize and lead each course.

When is the course?

September 25-28th (tentatively)

What will my child do on the Outward Bound course?

The course activities will include sailing in the Gulf of Maine near Rockland or backpacking in the mountains near Sunday River. The courses might include rock climbing or rope course elements. The courses will be wilderness expeditions. This means each group will travel from one place to another each day, from campsite to campsite (or anchorage to anchorage). The group will work together to set up camp at night, cook meals, etc., and will pack up camp each morning before hiking or sailing for the day. Students will be placed in a hiking or sailing course along with members of their crew (advisory group).

Will my child be safe?

Outward Bound is renowned for its safety policies and procedures. The instructors will ensure the group practices these procedures while on course. Also, Outward Bound instructors are minimally certified as Wilderness First Responders. A First Responder certification requires 70 hours of intensive medical training. They carry a medical kit with them on the course, should a need arise.

Where will my child stay during the course?

Each group will stay under tarps or in tents while camping on land. The sailing groups will sleep on the sailboat at night, under a tarp. Boys and girls will not be allowed to share tents.

What clothing or gear does my child need to have?

Outward Bound will provide you with a clothing list. We will work with you to make sure your child has the appropriate clothing. We do not expect you to buy expensive outdoor gear to go on the course.

How will I communicate with my child while s/he is at Outward Bound?

Since Outward Bound is a wilderness course, there are no phones or mail drops on the six-day course. However, you will be provided with contact information to use in the event of an emergency.