ILLNESS PRACTICES

Updated December 2025 - Subject to change based on California Department of Public Health (CDPH) guidelines.

Please know that while Outward Bound California (OBCA) is making every effort to implement protocols that minimize the risk of illness transmission, we cannot guarantee that COVID-19 or other respiratory viruses will not be present on course. 

Reach out to your Course Advisor (for Open Enrollment programs) or Program Manager (for group courses) if you have additional questions.

PRIOR TO COURSE START

• Participants (and parents/guardians of participants under the age of 18) will read and adhere to the requirements listed on this website. Doing so is for the protection of your investment in the course, as OBCA does not offer refunds due to illness.
• Participants must not be symptomatic of contagious illness at course start. Participants must advise OBCA if they have exhibited any symptoms, tested positive, or been in close contact with someone testing positive or showing symptoms of respiratory viruses within 5 days of course start.
• Symptoms of a respiratory virus include fever, chills, fatigue (tiredness), cough, runny or stuffy nose, headache, chest discomfort, decrease in appetite, diarrhea, muscle or body aches, new loss of taste or smell, sneezing, sore throat, vomiting, weakness, and/or wheezing.

OBCA recommends that you follow the the California Department of Public Health's Six Steps to minimize the chance of getting sick before your course:

• Stay up to date with Respiratory Virus Vaccine Recommendations. 
• Stay home if you're feeling sick: Staying home when you're sick slows the spread of flu, RSV, COVID-19 and even the common cold. 
• Wear a mask: Wear a quality mask, such as a N95 or KN95. Masks are especially helpful if you are already sick, in a crowded space, or indoors.
• Wash your hands: Wash hands throughout the day with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If not available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. If you touch something contaminated and then touch your face before washing your hands, you could get infected.
• Cover your cough or sneeze: Cough or sneeze into your elbow, arm, or a tissue. Make sure to throw away your tissue. Then wash or sanitize your hands.
• Bring in fresh air: If it is safe to do so, open doors and windows to bring in fresh outdoor air. This prevents virus particles from building up indoors.

COURSE START

• Participant health will be evaluated upon arrival by program staff. If feverish or experiencing signs or symptoms of a respiratory virus (see above section), participants will not be allowed to start the course, and will be sent home. Outward Bound courses are physically demanding and participants will not have a place to rest and recover on course.
• OBCA may administer a COVID-19 test at course start if warranted. If a participant tests positive for COVID-19 at course start or refuses to take the test, they will not be allowed to join the course and will be sent home.
• If a participant is sent home, cancellation policies will apply for Open Enrollment participants. OBCA strongly suggests families research insurance options. More information can be found on the Policies website.

DURING COURSE

• Enhanced personal hygiene will be practiced on every course.
• Instructors will conduct daily health checks. Anyone experiencing symptoms of a respiratory virus will be evaluated and possibly tested for COVID-19 at the earliest convenience, and participants may need to depart the course. If so, participants will follow their backup travel plan and depart within 48 hours. 
• Participants will wear approved face masks when requested to do so. Please see your packing list for requirements.

OUR STAFF & INSTRUCTORS

• All OBCA employees instructing or supporting multi-day/overnight expeditions will be cleared to work based on the current California Department of Public Health (CDPH) guidelines at the time of the expedition. 
• Staff will follow the same CDPH Six Steps our students are asked to follow (outlined above).
• Staff will utilize COVID-19 testing and masking as additional prevention strategies.