Every Outward Bound Course will include the following elements:

Mandatory Components

• OB History, philosophy, objectives
• Student goals and expectations of the course and of the instructors
• Instructor goals and expectations of the course and of the students
• Meal circles, readings and evening meetings
• Briefings and debriefings of activities
• Fun!

Safety – physical

• Rules / policies
• Use of whistles
• First aid kit
• Personal hygiene and organization
• What to do if you get lost
• Fire and stove safety

Safety – emotional

• Group contract (including how they will treat each other, expectations of individuals) and continuous monitoring of group for adherence to this
• Non-negotiable items (no violence, sex, illegal drugs, cigarettes, alcohol or exclusive relationships)

Duffle Shuffle- Packing for expedition, leaving their own packs behind

• Clothing and gear to bring, what's in a pack
• Layering system (why, how, what?)
• Packing for expedition

Personal and group development skills (depending on length of course and school goals)

• Decision-making, interpersonal skills and problem-solving
• Leadership / followership
• Goal-setting

Camping skills

• Kitchen, fires and cooking
• Tour of the campsite
• Hygiene and bathroom lesson
• Sleeping warm, dry, comfortable
• Campsite management and setup

Environmental

• Leave No Trace code of environmental ethics
• Environmental activities/discussions which foster a connection to the land
• Transference activities/discussions which foster stewardship upon return home

Wilderness Solo Experience- With the ability to customize

• Purpose
• Safety
• Debriefing and transference

Transference

• Activities that will help students transfer or integrate on-trail learnings to their life after OB