FAQ'S
» Why have you established an Outward Bound Center in the Bay Area?
» How is Outward Bound different from other outdoor experiential programs?
» Why go into the wilderness or to new places in the city to learn about leadership?
» How will Outward Bound maintain safety on these courses?
» How are your instructors trained?
» What should I bring on my Peer Leadership Expedition?
» Do I need to purchase gear or clothing for my course?
» What should I NOT bring on my expedition?
» What about medications?
» What kind of food will we eat?
» How will I stay clean?
» What happens if the weather is bad?
» What should participants expect on an Outward Bound expedition?
» Do I need money?
» Can I bring my cell phone?
» Whom should a parent/guardian contact in case of a true emergency at home while my child is on course?
» What paperwork is required?
» What should I wear on an Insight Day Program?
» What do I need to bring with me on an Insight Day Program?
» What should I expect on an Insight Day Program?
Why have you established an Outward Bound Center in the Bay Area?
Bay Area youth today face enormous pressures and yet have too few opportunities to develop the kind of personal strengths
and values they need to thrive. Simply put, we saw a great need to give these youth the opportunity to learn such capabilities
as self-reliance, leadership, teamwork and compassion, and know that Outward Bound's Urban Centers have been successful in achieving this.
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How is Outward Bound different from other outdoor experiential programs?
The Bay Area certainly has other high quality outdoor-oriented youth programs. Outward Bound, however, brings some distinctive
aspects that allow it to achieve more in the realm of character development and leadership. First, the Bay Area Center's
courses are more than an outdoor adventure - they are guided by a curriculum of challenging adventures and reflective exercises
designed to achieve changes in participants' capabilities and perspective. Second, experienced, well-trained, professional
instructors lead courses. Third, Outward Bound has been a leader in experiential education for over 40 years and sets the
standard for many safety practices and protocols used by others in the industry. Finally, the Center's progression of courses
allows participants to gain a deeper experience over time.
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Why go into the wilderness or to new places in the city to learn about leadership?
In addition to providing a beautiful setting, wild and natural places offer a unique learning environment, especially to urban
youth who often have had limited exposure to the outdoors. The unfamiliar spaces present participants with inherent challenges
and logical natural consequences. While learning to face these challenges as individuals and as a group, participants develop
the skills they need to step into leadership roles and more effectively face challenges in their daily lives.
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How will Outward Bound maintain safety on these courses?
Outward Bound has been a leader in managing outdoor safety for over 40 years. The safety of our participants is our top
priority, and Outward Bound maintains an excellent safety record. We invest considerable time and resources in training
our staff and reviewing our programs to ensure that they meet Outward Bound's national standards of safety and quality.
In fact, Outward Bound frequently advises and assists other organizations in outdoor adventure risk management.
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How are your instructors trained?
Outward Bound instructors are highly qualified outdoor professionals and educators, extensively trained and certified
in both hard and soft skills. Typical certifications include: Wilderness First Responder, Wilderness Lifeguarding,
AMGA Rock Climbing and ACA Canoe instruction. An instructor must be certified and have both personal experience and
professional guiding experience before becoming staff.
Outward Bound instructors receive an equal level of instruction in soft skills. This includes group management, conflict resolution,
goal-setting and action-planning, managing adolescents in the field, and judgment training. Instructors also learn curriculum, lesson
planning, and natural history. They are taught by Outward Bound staff, through the Blank-Read Training Institute and by other professionals.
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What should I bring on my Peer Leadership Expedition?
Bringing the proper clothing on your program is crucial. Because our program environments are characterized by
unpredictable weather, it can get cold any time of the year. Your clothing list has been carefully compiled
based on all the weather conditions you may encounter while on your program.
Our clothing list reflects the importance of the layering principle. Dressing in several light layers rather than one heavy layer allows you more flexibility as the weather and workloads change. Wool has been the long-time favorite of outdoors people, as it retains much of its insulating qualities when wet. Both synthetic and wool items are available in backpacking stores, surplus outlets and thrift stores.
We advise you not to bring cotton clothing, such as jeans or sweatshirts (t-shirts are okay). Cotton retains moisture and loses almost all of its ability to retain warmth when wet. Also, once cotton gets wet, it stays wet and weighs more.
Each participant should have a total of two pairs of closed-toe shoes for any course, one pair for daily use and one
pair that can get wet.
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Do I need to purchase gear or clothing for my course?
Please don't feel that you must buy anything. Outward Bound provides all technical equipment, including rain gear,
sleeping bags, sleeping pads, duffel bags, back packs, stoves, food, etc. Even if you bring your own equipment,
we may insist you use ours.
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What should I NOT bring on my expedition?
Please do not bring the following items:
» Jewelry and other valuable articles.
» Electronic devices (e.g. cell phone, mp3 players, videogames, etc.)
» Playing cards
» Pocket knives
» Books or magazines
» Candy and/or snacks
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What about medications?
Prescription medications must be approved by the Medical Screening Department before the program starts. If you
cannot go for 24-36 hours without your medication, in case of an emergency, we recommend that you bring double
the amount needed (with written instructions) in separate, non-breakable, waterproof containers.
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What kind of food will we eat?
While on course you will be eating nutritious and portable food - grains, pasta, cheese, vegetables, fruit and nuts -
selected to meet high-energy demands for your program. Typical meals include burritos, macaroni and cheese, and tuna
sandwiches. The diet may differ from what you are accustomed to at home. To prepare, we suggest you cut down on soft
drinks, coffee and junk food.
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How will I stay clean?
We are very aware of basic sanitation in the wilderness. You will wash your hands regularly and learn tricks of the
trade to staying clean, even though you will not be able to shower. Deodorant is not advised because it has a
tendency to irritate skin when not washed off regularly, and the scent attracts many unwanted insects and animals.
Personal soap is not necessary, as we provide all you will need.
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What happens if the weather is bad?
The course will continue regardless of weather. Instructors will teach students basic safety precautions and protocols.
All participants are provided with rain gear for use during the course.
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What should participants expect on an Outward Bound expedition?
Participants should come prepared to work hard, have fun and learn new skills. Time with Outward Bound will be spent
outdoors in the natural world, meeting challenges, practicing leadership, reaching goals, problem solving and working
closely within a group. Along the way, participants will be guided by instructors and supported by the camaraderie of teammates.
Do I need money?
You will only need money to pay for lost or broken gear. $15 - $20 should suffice.
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Can I bring my cell phone?
Participants may NOT bring cell phones or other electronic devices on course. The instructor team is equipped with an
emergency phone. Participants will not be allowed to place or receive calls during the course.
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Whom should a parent/guardian contact in case of a true emergency at home while my child is on course?
Parents/guardians may contact our Course Director during an emergency 24 hours a day at (415) 615-0939. For all other calls
and questions, please contact our offices during business hours.
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What paperwork is required?
In order to participate, each participant must complete a medical form and acknowledgement of personal responsibility form.
Each form must be signed by the student and a parent/legal guardian (if participant is under the age of 18). Please fill them
out entirely and return them to the appropriate person for your group. Every question is important! Please be sure to
include your height, weight and blood pressure. We do not require a doctor's signature; however missing information may
compromise participation in the program. Your forms will be confidentially reviewed by our Medical Screening Department.
Outward Bound's screening process is very thorough and rigorous in order to ensure the safety of our participants. Our
Medical Screener may need to contact you for further clarification or to request additional information.
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What should I wear on an Insight Day Program?
Participants should wear closed-toe shoes. Sneakers are great, sandals are not. Clothes should be comfortable and appropriate
for an active day outside. Please be aware that the program runs rain or shine. Dress appropriately. Except for t-shirts, do
not bring cotton items, as they lose their insulating quality when wet. Wool or synthetic clothing is recommended for cooler weather.
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What do I need to bring with me on an Insight Day Program?
The most important thing you need to have is a good attitude and an adventurous spirit. Your group may ask you to bring a
bagged lunch. Outward Bound provides all necessary technical equipment, as well as raingear and water. No electronic devices,
including cell phones, mp3 players, videogames, etc. are allowed during the program.
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What should I expect on an Insight Day Program?
Participants should come prepared to work hard, have fun and learn new skills. Your time with us will be spent outdoors in
the natural world, meeting difficulties, practicing leadership, managing risks and working closely within a group. Along
the way, you will be guided by your instructors and supported by the camaraderie of fellow students.
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"Outward Bound quickly relinquishes the decision-making process to the students, who in turn realize potential consequences... Course instructors teach, and then the course begins!"