EXPERIENCE AN UNFORGETTABLE ADVENTURE, a real accomplishment and something to be proud of for the rest of your life with an Outward Bound wilderness expedition. Outward Bound California runs courses in the Sierra Nevada mountains for youth and young adults during the summer.
On these courses, students learn about teamwork and gain a feeling of accomplishment and pride while mastering new wilderness skills and experiencing physical and group challenges.
Whether you’re backpacking, rock climbing or mountaineering, the wilderness can teach you skills that will become lifelong tools.
Summer Expeditions
Sierra Nevada
Physically challenging but infinitely rewarding, these two- to three-week courses require students to dig deep and discover hidden strengths. The awe-inspiring and rugged landscape, filled with granite domes, alpine peaks and lush meadows, delivers inspiration.
Mountaineering (ages 16-18)MORE
Travel on and off trail and into the backcountry of the Sierra Nevada. Learn navigation, camp craft and the technical skills for mountain travel as you prepare for a peak ascent. Peak ascents on mountaineering courses are very likely to be “technical” meaning they require the use of ropes and protection (anchors and other types of climbing hardware) along the route. Mountaineering courses attempt peaks that are high in altitude and can be physically challenging.
Alpine Backpacking (ages 16-22)MORE
The emphasis of this course is to teach you smart and efficient backpacking and alpine travel techniques. Upon your arrival at your course area, you will meet your instructors; divide into patrols of 7 and 10 people and issue food and gear. Throughout your course you will learn Leave No Trace camping and travel skills, outdoor cooking, basic first-aid, map and compass use and route finding skills. You will backpack through the alpine environment and ascend at least one peak.
Alpine Backpacking & Rock Climbing (ages 16-18)MORE
Students will simultaneously learn the techniques and equipment for both safe backcountry living and technical rock-climbing. Experience a wide variety of climbing, including crack routes, face climbs and bouldering. You will also learn gear placement, basic anchor systems, belaying and rappelling.
Alpine Backpacking & Rock Climbing - Youth (ages 14-16)MORE
This course is a backpacking course in the Sierra Nevada with a focus on rock climbing. It is designed for teenagers age 14 to 16. Courses spend most of their time above 9000 feet and are physically challenging. Students should be ready for an experience full of adventure and success. Designed for teens, these courses allow participants to explore their budding independence with Outward Bound instructors trained to serve this age group.
Alpine Backpacking & Rock Climbing - Super Youth (ages 12-13)MORE
This seven-day course is expedition-style featuring backpacking and rock-climbing in the southern Sierra Nevada mountains. This course is designed for middle school students (ages 12 and 13) who are looking to improve their leadership skills, are interested in challenging themselves, and are open to discovering the lifelong benefits and perspective that only wilderness travel with Outward Bound can offer.
Outward Bound programs are designed to teach youth how to meet challenges and find strength and courage through outdoor experiences.
To speak with a Course Advisor call 866-846-7745.
