Outward Bound Brochure

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Join Thompson Island Outward Bound® this summer for a daring adventure.
Choose your expedition through the White Mountains of New Hampshire or
on the seas of Massachusetts Bay, and embark on a 10 to 22 day journey of
self-discovery. You will learn to test your limits both mentally and physically
and reach new levels of accomplishment.
Go Outward Bound®
SAIL
BACKPACK AND CAMP
S
E
ail in the waters of the Boston Harbor
Islands National Park Area and explore
34 surrounding islands while learning coastal
navigation skills. The legendary 30-foot
pulling boats are modeled after 19th century
whaleboats and accommodate 13 students
and instructors. Emphasis is placed on sail
training and the teamwork necessary to sail
the boat successfully. Students will take an
active role in learning seamanship skills such
as sail theory, navigation, reading wind and
tides, sailing, rowing and knot tying.
nhance your endurance backpacking
and camping in the White Mountains
National Forest of New Hampshire. Tackle
miles and learn the orientation and camping
skills to travel through the White Mountains.
Explore the trails, rock climb, and camp in
the wilderness, packing in all your gear and
food. Summit a peak with a great group of
new friends.
“There is more to us than we know. If we can be made to see
it, then perhaps for the rest of our lives we will be unwilling to
settle for less.”
—Kurt Hahn, Founder of Outward Bound®
When you choose to go Outward Bound®, you embark on adventure and
challenge that unleashes accomplishment and a refreshed perspective on
life. In an environment outside your comfort zone, you find potential and
inner strength hidden by daily routine. Join Outward Bound on a journey
of discovery this summer!
—Helen Keller
SEA-KAYAK
ROCK CLIMB
P
R
ropel yourself through the waters of the
Boston Harbor in a two-person kayak.
Learn paddling techniques, capsize and
rescue procedures, weather forecasting,
and navigation skills. Investigate water and
shoreline ecology that only a kayak can
access and camp out on island beaches. As
your skills progress, tackle new challenges
such as plotting your own course to another
island and night paddles.
CANOE
O
n the rivers and streams in New
Hampshire, master paddling strokes
and read water hazards and levels. Explore
the Connecticut River while honing your skills
and gaining experience to pilot the waters
and its obstacles. Learn about the wildlife
of the wetlands along with self-rescue skills,
map reading and compass navigation.
each new heights of physical and mental
vigor on rock faces in New Hampshire,
on the North Shore of Massachusetts or
the climbing tower on Thompson Island.
Familiarize yourself with the fundamentals of
climbing and belay systems as well as knot
tying and rope handling. Challenge your
stamina and build strength as you find faith
in yourself and teammates. Discover different
strategies of success in various climbs. The
spectacular view is only a portion of the
reward!
“You learn so much about yourself, you become a caring
and helping person. You push your abilities and go beyond
and you make some really great friends.”
—Student, Connecting with Courage
Connecting with Courage®
For 12-13 year old girls
M
any people think courage means
physical bravery; at Outward
Bound® we believe courage is more
than that, from speaking up for what you
believe to facing your fear of heights. On a
Connecting With Courage course you will
spend 10 to 14 days with other girls your age
on the expedition of your choice. Your course
may sail, climb, hike, kayak, and/or canoe.
Connecting With Courage offers challenges
“Her confidence in achieving whatever matter was at hand
poured out in her stories of Outward Bound. Her attitude was
wonderful and she talked non-stop about the challenges she
faced and what life had been like for the last 10 days. She had
underestimated her abilities in the past but she learned
that she is tougher than she thought!”
—Parent of Connecting with Courage Student
that help you identify your inner strength and
ability. You will have the opportunity to learn
about yourself in a supportive all-female
group and talk about current issues that girls
face, and strategies for dealing with them.
On your Connecting With Courage course,
we want to hear what you think—what you
believe. In addition to the physical activities,
you may draw, write, act, or sing, and you
will talk about the course and your lives.
While learning to live outside, you will form
friendships, self-confidence, independence,
and a powerful sense of accomplishment.
Passages®
For 12-13 year old boys
P
assages® is an adventurous and
challenging Outward Bound®
expedition, specifically designed
to guide your “passage” from adolescent
to young man. In the wilds of the White
Mountains or on the seas of the Boston
Passages course, your instructors and
fellow expeditioners will help you build
strength as you tackle individual and group
activities—both physically and mentally.
Teamwork, compassion and solution-oriented
approaches to challenges are emphasized.
Meet new friends, enjoy the great outdoors,
and experience a summer adventure that
you’ll remember forever.
Harbor Islands National Park Area, learn
technical skills in sailing, rock-climbing,
kayaking, hiking and/or canoeing. Explore
the outdoors while making it your home with
your new-found friends. Discover new ways
to challenge yourself. You’ll learn to trust
others and work within a group, while
making independent decisions and
being responsible for them. On your
Sample Thompson Island Outward Bound
Course Schedule*
Day 1
Course start: registration, introductions
and gear issue
Day 2-3
Training expedition: hiking/backpacking,
canoeing, sailing or kayaking
Day 4
High challenge elements: rock climbing, high ropes, alpine
tower, and/or climbing wall
Day 5
Service project
Day 6
Creative adventure: a break from expedition
for creative activities
Day 7-8
Final expedition: hiking/backpacking, canoeing,
sailing or kayaking
Day 9
Solo and closing night celebration
Day 10
Course end: graduation ceremony with parents
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he
stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but
where he stands during challenge and controversy.”
—Martin Luther King, Jr.
“If you are looking
to challenge yourself
and learn how to work
together and get the tools
you need to become a better
man then you should go to
Outward Bound.”
—Student, Passages®
* This schedule is a loose example of a 10-day course.
Each course varies slightly due to variations in weather
or other unforeseeable circumstances and activities are
subject to change.
Outward Bound®
Environmental Expedition
A coed course for 14-17 year olds
O
n this 14-day expedition, explore
the wonders of Massachusetts Bay
from the Boston Harbor Islands
National Park Area to the shores of Cape
Ann. On this coed course with eight to
eleven other high school students, you
will live aboard a traditionally rigged
sailboat and learn the seamanship
skills to navigate, set anchor, read weather
and tides and set a course. Throughout
this journey you will be able to see how the
marine environment changes as you leave
the city and travel to the less populated
north shore. As you sail north, you will have
the opportunity to rock climb, explore wild
islands and take ownership of the boat as
you develop your sailing skills. Home to some
of nature’s richest ecosystems, Cape Ann
provides an exceptional outdoor classroom
for ocean-bound science discovery. During
the expedition,
you will explore
coastal ecosystems.
Topics you may
study throughout
your expedition
include biodiversity,
marsh and tide
pool ecology, water
quality, conservation, and resource
allocation challenges.
“The boat became our home.
The crew became family.”
—Student, Environmental
Expedition
“It is an incredible
experience that helps
build character and
skills—and makes
you think about the
environment.”
—Student,
Environmental
Expedition
“It is a great learning experience. It pushes
children to their limits and helps them to
understand that life is about personal choices.”
Parent of Intercept Student
“The aim of education is to impel people to
value forming experiences—to insure the
survival of these qualities: an enterprising
curiosity, an undefeatable spirit, tenacity in
pursuit, readiness for sensible self-denial and,
above all, compassion.”
—Kurt Hahn, Founder of Outward Bound®
Intercept
A coed course for 13-17 year olds
who need to get back on track
I
ntercept is a coed course designed to
give struggling youth the tools to make
positive and lasting changes in their lives.
The 22-day expedition is part adventure and
part prevention program for young people
having trouble in school and at home. Away
from the pressures of home and/or the
streets, you learn the process of becoming
responsible, compassionate adults. The
“The course made me more sympathetic
to other people’s situations and made
me realize how blessed I really am.”
—Student, Intercept
challenge of backpacking, rock climbing and
canoeing with a group of peers highlights
the importance of teamwork and pulling
your own weight. You learn to trust yourself
and your choices and to find your own voice
in a group. Intercept allows students to
redefine themselves, as leaders and positive
thinkers channeling energy along productive
avenues with anger management, goal
setting and conflict resolution skills. In a safe
team setting, find out what motivates you,
experience success, and have fun.
“His experience during the 14 days of this course really
put wind in his sails! He returned confident and energized
with a renewed commitment to taking control of his life,
an appreciation for the opportunities that await him out in
the world and an excitement about his new skills including
sailing and rock climbing.”
—Parent of Passages® Student
The Leader in Outdoor Adventure Education
Serving Students for
over 60 years
Founded in 1941 by German
educator Kurt Hahn, Outward
Bound® is the world’s leading
provider of adventure-based
learning. The experiential based
philosophy continues to excel in its
long-standing tradition of using the
wilderness as a classroom for selfdiscovery. Each year, over 60,000
students participate in Outward
Bound programs.
based learning paradigm as he
encouraged students to take similar
journeys within themselves. The
courses encourage individuals
to reach beyond self-imposed
limitations and try new challenges.
Student Safety
Outward Bound has pioneered
safety management processes
and procedures that have become
the model for the industry. We
conduct routine safety checks on all
equipment and at all course sites.
Personal Growth Instructors
Thompson Island Outward Bound®
aspires to unleash the potential in
each student. We encourage kids
to push themselves beyond their
perceived limits and tackle new
challenges and to achieve their
goals. Instructors promote active
participation in all aspects of the
expedition such as cooking, setting
up shelters, making group decisions
and reflecting on experiences.
All Outward Bound instructors
are required to complete intensive
training programs. Emphasis
is placed on both the technical
skills needed for expedition,
such as sailing and climbing,
as well as facilitation and group
dynamic skills. Preparation for
instructors also includes diversity
and curriculum training, and
island protocols. Courses have at
least one lead and one assistant
instructor. Lead instructors have
prior experience working with
Outward Bound or comparable
wilderness programs. Additionally,
lead instructors have medical
training (Wilderness First Responder
certification) and many have
Journey of
Self-Discovery
The term “Outward Bound” comes
from the days of tall ships and refers
to the moment a ship heads for the
open seas, leaving the safety of
the harbor behind. Hahn mirrored
this philosophy in his experiential-
backgrounds in education, child
development and outdoor education.
Assistant instructors are required to
be certified in Wilderness First Aid.
GIS National background checks
are completed on all staff. Staff on
sailing courses include Coast Guard
licensed captains.
Low Student to Staff Ratio
Courses typically have two staff
members per group of up to eleven
students including a lead and
assistant instructor. Additionally
support personnel assist the groups
arranging food, transportation and
gear. The Intercept program has
three instructors per group of up to
ten students.
Who comes to Thompson
Island Outward Bound?
Our students come from all over the
United States and the world, from
big cities to small towns. We serve
a large portion of New England
residents and strive for diversity
on our expeditions to enrich the
experience for all participants. The
young men and women between
the ages of 12 -17 have varied
experience and backgrounds. Some
have never spent a night away from
home and others have gone on
camping trips, sailed and canoed.
No experience
Necessary
Courses are designed to be
challenging but not beyond the
ability of someone in average
physical condition. No prior outdoor
experience is needed—just a
positive attitude and willing spirit.
We expect that each student
has made the decision to GO
OUTWARD BOUND® and is willing
to participate fully in the adventure.
Specialized Equipment
is Provided
Thompson Island Outward Bound
provides students with the majority
of equipment they will need while on
course. Backpacks, sleeping bags,
tents, climbing gear, life jackets, foul
weather gear, all cooking supplies
and food are made available to
participants.
hiking boots. (For Outward Bound
logowear, check out our school store
on the web at www.thompsonisland.
org and click on “Store.”)
What Students Need to Bring
Thompson Island Outward Bound
expeditions take place in Boston
Harbor, Massachusetts Bay, the
White Mountains of New Hampshire,
and the Connecticut River.
Students will be provided with a
clothing list with the enrollment
materials. The list includes items
students may already own such as
long underwear, a fleece or wool
sweater and a flashlight. Some
things are easily obtained from an
outdoor retail store or even a thrift
shop. The most expensive item that
might need to be purchased (for
land courses) is a sturdy pair of
Course Areas
What is Expected of Students
In order to maintain the
highest standards of safety,
all students must comply with
procedures and backcountry
practices as explained by
instructors. Students who,
through misconduct or unsafe
practices, pose a danger to
themselves or others may be
removed from their course.
Every student is a full
participant on course and
is integral to the overall
experience and success of
his or her group. Students are
expected to demonstrate their
commitment with an honest
best effort throughout the
course.
A clear head and fast
reactions are essential to
safety and the success of
each course. Use of tobacco,
alcohol or illegal drugs is
prohibited. Violation of
this policy is grounds for
immediate dismissal.
All students shall maintain a
fundamental respect for the
rights and dignity of others.
Respect and courtesy will
be emphasized at every
opportunity.
Outward Bound courses visit
pristine and fragile wilderness
environments. Students are
guests who must respect and
help preserve the natural
conditions for resident
animals and plants and for
other visitors’ enjoyment.
While we make every attempt to keep motivation high, if a student is not willing to complete the course in such a way that meets our expectations or is determined
to leave we will call and arrange to send him/her home. There will be NO refund. We will not keep a student against his/her will and we expect full participation from
all participants.
Additional Thompson Island
Outward Bound® Programs
School and Community Youth Groups
Thompson Island Outward Bound’s School and
Community Youth Group programs include a variety of
teambuilding, leadership, and environmental activities.
We serve students in the 5th grade, middle school and
high school, as well as undergraduate college students
and teachers ranging from one to multi-day programs.
For more information call: 617-328-3900 ext. 116.
Outward Bound Professional
We deliver experientially based training and
development focused on improving the effectiveness of
individuals, groups or organizations. Outward Bound
Professional serves adults and graduate students from
one to multi-day programs. For more information call:
617-328-3900 ext. 103 or 114.
Thompson Island Conference Center
Thompson Island Conference Center provides a unique
destination for work or play. The island offers 204 acres
of hills, meadows, fields, beaches, conference space,
outdoor venues, dormitory accommodations, catering
and hospitality services. All proceeds help to fund our
youth programs. For more information call: 617-328-3900
ext. 107 or 110.
Outward Bound USA
For older teen and adult courses, call 845-424-4000 or
visit www.outwardboundwildness.org.
Outward Bound International
For worldwide locations and information, call 801-5236118, or visit www.outwardbound.net.
Courses fill early. Apply now to reserve your spot!
How to Apply
Apply by Mail:
Mail the completed Enrollment Application form (see
insert in brochure) with the non-refundable application
fee (check, money order, or credit card number)
directly to:
Tuition does not include the non-refundable
application fee, transportation to and from the course
start location, personal clothing, or footwear.
Full tuition and a complete medical form are due 60
days before course start to secure a space on course. If
applying within 60 days, full tuition and the completed
medial form are due immediately upon receipt of the
enrollment package.
Admissions Policies
Non-Discrimination Policy
Thompson Island Outward Bound
P.O. Box 127
Boston, MA 02127
Attn: Admissions
Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center
is a nonprofit, tax-exempt educational organization
and admits students of any race, gender, and sexual
orientation, national or ethnic origin to all the rights,
privileges, programs and activities available to students.
Thompson Island Outward Bound does not discriminate
in the administration of its educational and admission
policies, financial aid or other school-related programs.
Apply by Phone:
Enrollment Policy
Call 617-328-3900 ext. 144 or 142
Upon receipt of the completed application, Thompson
Island will send an enrollment packet to the parent
or guardian of the applicant. The packet includes an
Outward Bound medical form, risks form, clothing
list, course description, payment schedule, and other
required forms. The Outward Bound medical form
needs to be fully completed and sent back as soon as
possible. Acceptance of the applicant is pending our
review and approval of the completed medical form. It is
your obligation to inform us of any changes in physical
condition once the medical form has been submitted to
Thompson Island Outward Bound.
A non-refundable application fee is required. Use VISA,
MasterCard, American Express or Discover to reserve a
spot.
Internet
Check out our web site to see our course offerings at:
www.thompsonisland.org. Click on “Courses for Youth,”
then click on “Summer Expeditions.” Please email your
course selection, second choice, age, gender, parent(s)
name, and contact information. Our admissions director
will contact you to finalize details.
Application Fee
All participants are required to pay a non-refundable
application fee. This fee is not applied to tuition. The
non-refundable application fee reserves a space on
course for up to 60 days before the course start date.
Tuition
Please refer to the insert in this brochure for up-to-date
tuition and course dates. Tuition includes all equipment,
food, transportation, and instructional costs while on
course.
Refund and Course Cancellation Policy
The application fee is non-refundable.
If the student cancels for any reason before the start
of the course, the amount of tuition refunded will vary
based on the following schedule:
Days before course start:
60 days or more:
100% tuition refund
30 to 59 days:
50% tuition refund
15-29 days:
25% tuition refund
Fewer than 15 days: No tuition refund or transfer
Outward Bound® Core Values
Outward Bound programs have evolved from Kurt Hahn over
60 years ago; six core values have stayed central to each
program:
Learning Through Experience
Should Thompson Island Outward Bound
reject an applicant for medical reasons,
all monies paid, with the exception of the
application fee, will be refunded immediately.
A refund for medical rejection is conditional on
all enrollment forms having been returned by
the indicated due dates.
Thompson Island Outward Bound cannot
make exceptions to any of its stated policies for
any reason, including personal emergencies,
weather or illness. In the unlikely event that we
must cancel a course, all tuition and fees will
be fully refunded. We will not be responsible for
any other costs including travel, medical fees or
clothing.
Financial Aid Policy
The goal of Thompson Island Outward Bound
is to make this exceptional educational
experience available to a diverse group
of applicants regardless of their ability to
pay. Because of this commitment, and the
wonderful support of Boston area businesses,
philanthropic organizations and individuals, we
offer scholarships and financial assistance.
To apply for financial aid, check the
appropriate box and complete the financial aid
portion on the application form. Financial aid is
awarded based on need and distributed on a
first-come first-served basis. Within 10 business
days of receiving your completed application
form and application fee, we will inform you of
your award.
Donate a Scholarship today!
Contact our development office at 617-3283900 ext. 105, or donate online at www.
thompsonisland.org and click “Support.”
“Self discovery is
the end product of
a great challenge
mastered,
when the mind
commands
the body to do
the seemingly
impossible,
when strength
and courage are
summoned to
extraordinary
limits for the sake
of something
outside the
self—a principle,
an onerous task,
another human
life.”
—Kurt Hahn,
Founder of
Outward Bound
Learning through experience is a lifelong process based
on action and reflection. Experiences are intentionally
designed, presented and reflected upon to instill values and
promote skill and mastery for people at all stages in their
life span. Outward Bound deliberately draws students out
of their comfort zones and provides them with a sense of
accomplishment. We impel students into acquiring skills and
forming values.
Character Development
Character development means developing capacities
of mind, body and spirit to better understand one’s
responsibilities to self, others and the community. Key
areas Outward Bound emphasizes are self-knowledge,
craftsmanship, tenacity, physical fitness, leadership, the
ability to go beyond self-imposed limitations and selfreliance.
Compassion and Service
Compassion is a heartfelt, caring connection to each other
and the world around us. Service is an active expression of
valuing our common humanity and the natural world. Group
experiences are designed to demonstrate compassion and
service through behavior modeled by instructors.
Adventure and Challenge
Challenge is an action that requires special effort. Adventure
is an exciting and remarkable experience that involves
uncertain outcomes and acceptable risks. At Outward
Bound, we challenge you to rise to your physical, mental and
emotional potential. We enable successful, responsible risktaking and know challenge isn’t always easy, but the rewards
are great.
Inclusion and Diversity
Welcoming and respecting differences strengthens the
richness of ideas and perspectives brought to bear on
challenge and learning. The transformational experience of
Outward Bound is more powerful when it takes place in the
company of others as diverse as the society in which we live.
Social and Environmental Responsibility
Social and environmental responsibility instills in students
a sense of integrity, which results in choices and actions
that have a positive effect on society and the environment.
Courses are designed to transfer the attitudes, skills and
behaviors to act consistently for the benefit of community
and the environment.
Our Mission
T
hompson Island Outward Bound is a not-for-profit organization
whose primary purpose is to provide adventurous and challenging
experiential learning programs that inspire character development,
compassion, community service, environmental responsibility and
academic achievement. Our organization principally serves early
adolescents from all economic and social communities of greater
metropolitan Boston, and the institutions and adults who support them.
Please visit: www.thompsonisland.org
Photo credits include: Fielding Armstrong, Zak Klein, Kristy Swenson,
Kathy Macdonald, Mitsu Iwasaki, Dan Evans, and other instructors.
Non-Profit Org
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit #18678
Boston, Mass
P.O. Box 127
Boston, MA 02127
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