FAQ / General Questions FAQ

We offer much more than just a summer camp experience! Here’s what sets us apart:

  1. Diverse activities in epic locations: We offer a variety of programs in Canada’s most beautiful landscapes, tailored to age groups, interests and goals to ensure each participant’s experience is relevant and impactful.

 

  1. Holistic learning: Our programs blend adventure, experiential education, and reflection to create a holistic learning journey that goes far beyond the traditional classroom setting.

 

  1. Expert instructors: Our instructors are skilled outdoor leaders and experienced educators who cultivate inclusive and transformative spaces for personal growth.

 

  1. Unique methodology: We work with a proven pedagogical approach that challenges participants to step out of their comfort zone and encourages deep learning and self-discovery.

 

Key ways we stand out:

  • Gradual transfer of leadership: Participants gain responsibility throughout the course, developing their technical skills and decision-making abilities.

 

  • Solo experience: The “solo” is time spent alone in nature allows for reflection, personal insights, and a chance to reset. It provides a change of pace and varies in length depending on the duration of the course.
    The solo is often described as the most transformative part of the experience. It gives participants the opportunity to reflect on their experiences on the expedition so far, gain important insights about themselves and leave behind anything that won’t be useful to them in the future.
  • Hands-on service projects: We partner with other youth programs and communities to provide reciprocal programs with service-learning environmental projects during the expeditions. By working on these projects, participants have the opportunity to demonstrate leadership skills, engage in civic activities, and learn about and discuss critical issues such as climate change and the biodiversity crisis 

Outward Bound Canada offers a transformative journey that empowers young people to become resilient, confident, and environmentally conscious leaders. Learn more about how we’re different and check out our participant stories.

A detailed menu is planned before each program, which may change based on a number of factors. We can accommodate many dietary restrictions and most food allergies. Please provide as much detail as possible about your dietary restrictions and allergies on your confidential medical history form. We may ask you for further information so that we can plan your menu.

Participants will receive sufficient calories through the physical activities on the course. It is not necessary for you to bring your own food to the course. Please speak to the Admissions Department to make sure you understand the dietary concerns of the other participants before packing any extra snacks.

The possession and/or consumption of non-prescription drugs, alcohol, tobacco products, cannabis or illegal substances during the course is strictly prohibited. This also applies to the misuse of prescription medications.

If you wish to use tobacco for ceremonial purposes, please speak with your instructor when you arrive for your program. You will be asked to sign a Code of Conduct & Assumption of Risk form acknowledging that you understand these guidelines. Any participant who brings these substances to the course will be sent home at the participant’s/family’s expense.

Although being in nature can be described as therapeutic, it is important to note that Outward Bound Canada is not designed as a therapy program. Our instructors are trained in outdoor education and expeditionary travel and are not mental health professionals. The Outward Bound program can be very challenging both physically and mentally, and it is important to your success that you arrive with some healthy coping strategies to deal with these challenges.

Didn’t find what you were looking for? Reach out to us, we’d love to help.