Course Information
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We look forward to having you on course with us soon! If you have questions about the application process, submitting forms, or anything else, you may contact your student services representative directly, call the Student Services General Line, (828)-239-2376 or email us at, student.services@vobs.org.
WELCOME TO YOUR JOURNEY
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Minnesota Service Week for Alumni
Course Number
VMOW-2521
Date
September 21, 2025 - September 28, 2025
We at Outward Bound are pleased that you will be joining us for the Alumni Service Week at Homeplace, our wilderness base near Ely, Minnesota. You will come together with other alumni who are familiar with the Outward Bound challenge for this unique blend of service work and community building.
Please utilize the resource below to physically and mentally prepare for your course. The more preparation you do, the better your experience will be!
Maintaining personal hygiene in the wilderness is important and is taught on every course. You will be outside while on course and won't have access to a shower or bath. You will be able to do basic cleanup every day: brush your teeth, wash your face and comb your hair. At the end of your course, you will be able to do a more thorough cleanup.
As the Voyageur Outward Bound School is an outdoor program, you can expect to learn and use Leave No Trace camping techniques. Know that it is natural to have questions regarding sanitation in an outdoor setting. Your instructors will answer your questions and will teach you the hygienic and environmentally safe way to dispose of waste as well as techniques for basic cleanliness - don't hesitate to approach them with any questions or concerns
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW)
Over 10,000 years ago, continental-sized glaciers scraped their way across much of Ontario and northern Minnesota leaving deep ruts, ravines, and holes in their tracks. Eventually, as the glaciers melted, these ravines filled with water, creating a seemingly endless interconnected web of lakes and rivers.
In 1978, the United States designated over 1-million acres of this Northern Minnesota landscape as a protected wilderness area called the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). Because no roads, power lines, or motorized craft may enter its borders, the BWCAW has remained relatively unchanged since the glaciers receded. The BWCAW extends nearly 150 miles along the Canadian border and encompasses more than 1,000 lakes and rivers. Over 1,200 miles of navigable routes lead to over 2,200 campsites and provide an unparalleled opportunity to travel by canoe and dogsled.
In the winter, the BWCAW transforms into an even more severe and remote wilderness. While more difficult, winter enthusiasts’ travel over frozen lakes and rivers by dogsled, cross-country ski and snowshoe. Winter in the Boundary Waters is mesmerizing, peaceful, and exhilarating. It is a place of spectacular extremes, trackless snow, bracing cold air, glowing warm embers, and powerful silence.
Homeplace, Voyageur Outward Bound School Basecamp, Minnesota
Homeplace is located at the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in northern Minnesota. Situated where the Kawishiwi River meets Birch Lake in the Superior National Forest, the Voyageur Outward Bound School basecamp provides an ideal location for launching/ending BWCAW paddling and dogsledding trips, and practicing white water paddling skills. The surrounding boreal forest also makes Homeplace a great location for spotting moose, wolves, beavers, deer, woodpeckers, eagles and black bear.
Minnesota’s weather can be unpredictable with a wide range of temperatures. Fall brings red, yellow and bright orange leaves. It is cool and crisp and the forest is filled with peace and quiet. The weather can be unpredictable, ranging from bright sunshine, warm rain or sometimes snow. Average temperatures are cool, but can range from 30-70 degrees Fahrenheit. Evenings can be chilly but it’s typically sunny and very comfortable during the day. While you may experience the occasional thunderstorm or rain shower, most days are clear and comfortable.
Weather is always a factor when traveling in the wilderness and it adds an exciting element of challenge to each course. Learning to handle varying weather conditions is essential to a successful wilderness course.
The Alumni Service Week is not designed as a standard Outward Bound course, but as an opportunity alumni and us to benefit from each other's energy and enthusiasm. Participants will work with Outward Bound staff to prepare for the upcoming season. Work projects might consist of painting, staining, wood chopping, setting up cabins, landscaping, repairing waterfront docks, or repairing and reorganizing the equipment used during the previous season. We may also offer projects tailored to a participant's specific skills, such as computer or kitchen work.
Opportunities for fun are incorporated into the week. Activities might include rock climbing and rappelling, canoeing, an overnight expedition, saunas, or visits to local points of interest such as the International Wolf Center and North American Bear Center. Additionally, opportunities for reflection, renewal, and initiatives may be offered. Participants will have time to interact with the base staff through the various projects and community meals. As alumni, you become part of the community.
Day 1: The week begins at the Duluth Airport before transporting to the Voyageur Outward Bound School basecamp in northern MN. Meet your Outward Bound liaison, settle into your accommodations, eat dinner and enjoy getting to know the group.
Day 2: Review the list of basecamp service projects with your Outward Bound liaison. Meet current Outward Bound staff, sign-up for tasks and get to work.
Days 3-6: Participate in a variety of optional activities like Voyageur canoe paddling, rock climbing and hiking while also getting work projects done around the basecamp.
Day 7: Finish up work projects and enjoy a final banquet celebration.
Day 8: Eat an early breakfast and depart for the airport to travel home.
Here are some books that we encourage you to read as you plan for your course:
- The Outward Bound Wilderness First-Aid Handbook by Jeff Isaac
- Leave No Trace: A Practical Guide to the New Wilderness Ethic by Annette McGivney
- Knots & Ropes for Climbers by Duane Raleigh and Mike Clelland
- The Outward Bound Backpacker's Handbook by Glenn Randall
- The Outward Bound Map & Compass Handbook by Glenn Randall
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness:
- A Boundary Waters History: Canoeing Across Time by Stephen Wilbers
- Magic on the Rocks: Canoe Country Pictographs by Michael Furtman
- Canoe Country Flora: Plants and Trees of the North Woods and Boundary Waters by Mark Stensaas
- Reflections from the North Country by Sigurd Olson
- Talking Sky: Ojibwe Constellations as a Reflection of Life on the Land by Carl Gawboy
- Talking Rocks: Geology and 10.000 Years of Native American Tradition in the Lake Superior Region by Carl Gawboy
- Root Beer Lady: The Story of Dorothy Molter by Bob Cary
Winter Dogsledding courses:
- Cold Nights, Fast Trails: Reflections of a Modern Dog Musher by Dave Olesen
- Winterdance: The Fine Madness of Running the Iditarod by Gary Paulsen
Website Resources:
Piragis Northwoods Company: BWCAW Resouces and books
COURSE PAPERWORK: If you've enrolled on this course you should've received an email from your Course Advisor within 2 business days. That email asks you to complete some medical and liability paperwork and return it to your Course Advisor by specific due dates. In order to participate on an Outward Bound course you must submit all of this required paperwork and, if applicable, be interviewed by your Course Advisor by the listed due dates.
Refer to your Registration Email to determine what paperwork is required and when it is due.
All applicants must adhere to the due dates listed in their Registration Email for payments and forms. If due dates are not met, you risk losing your position on the course as well as your deposit.
Click here for directions on how to complete and submit your forms. You need the most current edition of Adobe Reader's free software in order to access and complete these forms.
Because our courses are characterized by unpredictable weather, obtaining the proper clothing is crucial. Please bring all the items as described on the "Required Clothing and Gear" list below. You can find these items at camping, outdoor, Army/Navy surplus, and thrift stores. Clothing and gear can be expensive—shop around before you buy and keep these helpful tips in mind:
- Start at the thrift store.
- Buy last year’s model.
- Don’t worry about colors or style.
Your choices should be governed by whether or not the piece of clothing or gear will meet our requirements, not if it is the best looking or newest! Consider leaving the tags on any new items you have purchased and saving the receipts; in the event that an item is not needed for your expedition or you do not use it, you should be able to return it when you get back home.
NOTE: When you arrive for course start, you will not have an opportunity to purchase forgotten items.
If you are looking to shop online, many students use the following websites to find their clothing and gear:
On the first night of the course, your instructors will issue you the equipment provided by Outward Bound and assess all of the clothing/equipment you’ve brought in order to ensure that it meets the requirements of the expedition. You’ll repack exactly what you need into packs provided by Outward Bound. Everything you don’t need during the expedition, including your shower supplies, clean clothes for the trip home, valuables, and electronics will stay in your luggage and be stored in a secure location for the duration of the course. These items will be returned to you at the end of the trip.
Outward Bound will provide you with these items:
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping mat
- Backpack
- Rain gear
- All group camping, cooking, and traveling equipment
You only need to bring what’s on the Required Clothing and Gear list, mainly your personal clothing, toiletries, footwear, and a few additional items. We strongly discourage the use of personal camping equipment on Voyageur Outward Bound School courses because of the heavy wear and tear. We feel confident that the equipment we provide will best serve your needs on the expedition; it will keep you safe, warm and dry. If you have questions about using a piece of personal equipment normally provided by Outward Bound, please contact your course advisor to discuss. If you do decide to bring a piece of personal equipment, your instructors reserve the right to inspect it and ensure that it will adequately serve your needs during the expedition. If they do not think it will work, you can leave it with your luggage at the basecamp during the expedition.
Our packing list is based on layering principles; dressing in several light layers rather than one heavy layer allows you more flexibility as the weather and your exertion levels change. When shopping or packing, it is a good idea to try on all of your layers at once to ensure that they fit over one another. Read the information below to get a better idea of what we’re talking about.
- Inner Layer: This is usually called the wicking layer (long underwear, liner socks, and sometimes gloves) – Moisture is the enemy of warmth. Sweat from physical activity like backpacking, paddling, or climbing is your body’s attempt to cool itself off. Synthetic long underwear pulls moisture away from your body, so your sweat won’t cool you down too much and make you cold. This layer is worn next to your skin. Cotton items retain moisture and exaggerate sweat’s cooling effect, which is why we’ll sometimes ask you to avoid using cotton clothing.
- Middle Layer: This is usually called the insulation layer (fleece tops, wool socks, and sometimes fleece pants) – This layer should be thick and fluffy like a fleece or wool sweater that will trap and store the heat your body is producing. This layer is worn over the top of the base layer. Your packing list might require more than one “insulating layer” like a medium weight fleece and a heavier wool sweater. You can put on several "insulating layer" pieces at a time, so be sure to try them on over the top of your inner layer and over the top of each other to ensure you still have mobility and things aren't too tight.
- Outer Layer: This is usually called the wind/shell layer (jackets, pants, and rain gear) – Adding an outer windproof layer prevents the wind from stealing your store of built-up heat. The third layer is worn on top of the base and insulation layers. This layer will take the most wear and tear and look the most weather-beaten by the end of the trip. For dogsledding courses, we provide all outer layers for you. For all other courses, rain gear is provided.
Head & Hands
- 1 Warm Beanie. Used on colder days and evenings. No cotton.
- 1 Sun Hat. At a minimum, it should shade your face like a baseball cap. Having a brim all the way around is even better. Made out of something that can get folded up and packed.
- 1 Pair Work Gloves. Canvas or leather.
- 1 Buff. Versatile lightweight neck gaiter. Buff Example.
Upper Body
- 2 Light or Medium Weight Long Underwear Tops. These can be fitted (not restrictive) because it will be the base layer next to your skin.
- 1 Long Sleeve Sun Shirt. Loose, lightweight, and light-colored for sun and bug protection. Options include sun hoodies or an old button-down men's dress shirt. Many instructors use "sun hoodies" that offer protection for the neck and ears. Example. Will get dirty.
- 2-3 Short Sleeve Shirts. Work shirts that will experience a lot of wear and tear. Cotton or quick-drying fabrics are both absolutely fine.
- 2 Long Sleeve Shirts. For use in cooler wearther. Work shirts that will experience a lot of wear and tear. Cotton or quick-drying fabrics are both absolutely fine.
- 1 Medium-Weight Warm Top. This can be a polyester or 100 weight wool or fleece shirt. Usually comes with a 1/2 to 3/4’s zipper and nylon/spandex cuffs, collar, and hem.
- 1 Heavy Fleece or Synthetic Puffy Jacket. Must have good breathability and dry quickly when wet. The fleece can usually be found at a thrift store or Salvation Army. Must fit over all other layers.
- 1 Warm Coat. Anything that will keep you warm.
- 1 Wind Jacket. Nothing fancy, basically an old-fashioned windbreaker. This can usually be found at a thrift store. Must fit over all other layers.
- 2 Sports Bras if needed. Should be appropriate for athletic activity.
Lower Body
- 2 Light or Medium Weight Long Underwear Bottoms. These can be fitted (not restrictive) because it will be the base layer next to your skin.
- 1 Pair Quick Dry Pants. Lightweight nylon fabric wicks moisture, dries quickly, and is easy to pack. Should be loose fitting to aid in movement and protect against bug bites through the pants (no yoga-style or tight pants). No cotton.
- 3 Pants. Jeans or work pants. Durable. Will experience a lot of wear and tear.
- Underwear - Quick Drying or Cotton. Bring what you’d like.
- 1 Swimsuit. You may choose to bring a swimsuit or use a pair of shorts and a sports bra (if needed) for swimwear. No bikinis or speedos.
Feet
- 4 Pair Mediumweight Hiking Socks. These socks must be wool. Sock Example.
- 1 Pair Hiking/Work Boots. Boots that will be useful for day hikes or construction tasks.
- 1 Pair Tennis Shoes. Lightweight, sturdy running shoes. Not fashion or skateboarding type sneakers. An old pair of running shoes is just fine. See “Footwear” for more details.
Personal Gear
- 1 Pair Sunglasses w/ Keeper Strap and Hard Case. Essential for protecting your eyes in a highly reflective environment. Keeper strap is important so they don’t fall into the water and sink.
- 1 Waterbottle. A 32 oz. wide mouth Nalgene-style bottle with a plain lid is recommended.
- 1 Small Headlamp with Extra Batteries. This is a hands-free flashlight. It is an LED headlamp that uses a minimum of three volts (two or more AA- or AAA-batteries). Bring one extra set of alkaline batteries per week of course.
Toiletries and Other Personal Items
- 1 Sunscreen. Waterproof, SPF 30 or greater. 8-oz. bottle. No aerosol.
- 1 Lip Balm. 30+ SPF or greater.
- 1 Toiletries Kit. Toothbrush, small toothpaste, comb or brush. Students who have periods Bring plenty of supplies. Change in activities can cause irregular periods.
- 2 Small bottles of Hand Sanitizer.
- 1 Digital Oral Thermometer. Small, battery-powered.
- Prescription Medications. If you use prescription medications, including inhalers, please bring enough for your entire stay. If possible, bring a back-up set. Outward Bound should be aware of any medications you are bringing, if not, please contact your course advisor immediately.
- 2 Pair Glasses or Contacts, if needed. Both glasses and contacts are acceptable. Stick with whatever you normally use. Bring plenty of supplies and at least one set of back-up glasses either way.
- 1 Medical Insurance Card. Please bring your Insurance card, or a copy of the front and back of the card, if you are covered under any medical insurance. The actual card is preferred.
- 1 Towel and Shower Supplies. You’ll have a chance to sauna and shower throughout your stay. Bring whatever shower supplies you normally use, ideally in travel sizes, and a towel (any cotton towel).
- 2-3 Sets Evening Clothes. You’ll wear these in the evenings around basecamp, in Ely, during down-time and when you travel home. Don’t forget to include socks and underwear. Please bring clothing that takes into consideration cultural differences and social expectations. Also consider layers as nights can be cold in the fall.
Travel
- Money. Bring a little money if you think you’d like to purchase a sweatshirt, t-shirt, map, or cap from the Voyageur Outward Bound School store after your course. The school store accepts cash or check only, no credit or debit cards.
- Travel Information. Carry a copy of the Outward Bound Travel Information for your course (on the tab next to this one) with the Outward Bound phone number in case of travel delays. See this information for directions on what to wear to the start of your course.
- Cell Phone and Charger. It’s a good idea to travel with a cell phone in case of travel delays.
Camp Shoes
Your Camp Shoes are worn each evening and morning at your campsite. They get packed away in a safe spot while you travel so they remain dry. Camp shoes should be lightweight, sturdy running shoes, not sandals. Full coverage shoes are required while you’re cooking and working around the campfire to protect your feet from hot embers and boiling cooking-water.
Some Voyageur Outward Bound School courses finish with a Challenge Event that often involves a running component, and some groups do morning runs or day hikes. You can use your camp shoes for these events. For this reason, you’ll need sturdy running shoes NOT fashion or skateboarding type sneakers.
OPTIONAL ITEMS
None of these items are required and you will be fine without them. Please only buy them if you plan to use them again after your service week or you think they will be of great assistance to you during your stay.
- 1 Belt. Non-leather recommended. For use with quick-dry trail pants with belt loops/ zipper/ snaps; they will loosen from not being regularly washed. A belt will help keep them up.
- Camera. Waterproof disposables (bring a few) are great and you don’t have to worry about protecting them from the elements. A small regular camera would also work well, but you’ll need to take extra precautions to protect it. Ziploc bags work, or consider getting a waterproof case.
- 1 Small Journal.
- Ear Plugs. If you are a light sleeper, earplugs can be very helpful.
Arrival Time and Location
Location: Duluth International Airport.
VOBS staff will meet students in the baggage claim area. The Duluth airport is very small; our staff will be easy to find.
Arrival Time: No later than 1:00 PM. (Please try to arrive before this time as we hope to depart from the airport by this time.)
- For drop-offs: Please plan to arrive between 10:30-11:30 AM. This will help us check you in and avoid a rush right at 1:00 PM. If you plan to leave a car at the airport during drop-off or during your course, short and long-term parking are available in a secure pay lot.
- For flights: If you are unable to find a flight arriving in Duluth by 1:00 PM on your course start day, you will need to arrive the night before and stay in Duluth. Please see the Pre & Post Course Accommodations Tab for information about hotels in Duluth. If you arrive the night before, arrange to return to the airport between 10:30-11:30 AM on your course start day.
- For shuttle service: Shuttle services are available between the Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport (MSP) and Duluth, which may be a good option for some travel plans. Services available include Landline Shuttle Services and Groome Transportation. Groome will pick you up at the MSP airport. Select your drop-off destination as the Duluth International Airport..
Additional Important Arrival Day Information:
- Recently, we have found that there are fewer flight options overall, and far fewer connecting flights into Duluth, MN. Many families have had a more positive and stress-free travel experience if they arrive the day before the course, spend the night in Duluth, and meet the group at the airport the next day. While not required, this can be a nice option to consider as you make your travel plans.
- Please eat lunch before meeting at the Airport. Also, plan to make any final phone calls before arriving at the airport. Expect to be at the airport until your whole group has arrived, at which time we will transport you an additional 2-3 hours to your course-start location.
- CLOTHING/DRESS ON ARRIVAL DAY – Please arrive at the meeting place already dressed in your expedition clothes. Boots or tennis shoes, wool socks, quick-dry pants, underwear, t-shirt, and an accessible warmer, long-sleeved layer work best on the first day. Please see the Packing List tab for further information about appropriate luggage, clothing and layering principles.
Travel Delays or Late Arrivals
If you experience delays or cancellations on arrival day, please contact our Travel Coordinator at: (218) 491-6799.
With so many people traveling on the same day, we anticipate some hiccups. If your arrival is delayed, don’t worry too much. Contact our Travel Coordinator and we will do our best to coordinate an alternative plan with you.
Students will be transported back to Duluth, Minnesota at the end of their course.
- For pick-ups, plan to meet your student at the Duluth International Airport at 11:00 AM.
- For departures via flight, please do not book a flight departing before 11:00 AM from the Duluth International Airport. If you're having difficulty finding a departing flight after 11 AM, please speak with your course advisor and we'll work to accommodate your request.
- For departures via Groome, VOBS will transport you to the Holiday Station Burger King drop-off location (210 South 27th Avenue West, Duluth, MN 55806) after stopping at the Duluth Airport.
- For other departure options, please schedule transport from the Duluth Airport to your destination.
- IMPORTANT NOTE: if a student tests positive for COVID-19 on their course, an alternate travel plan will need to be made.
If you have any questions, please speak with your Course Advisor.
MEALS AND MONEY ON ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE DAYS - Please bring a little cash for meals during your travel days. Outward Bound will provide dinner on the first day, breakfast on the last day, and some snacks on both of these days. There are minimal food options once you exit the security gate at the airport so plan to get something before you arrive or before you exit security. Remember to drink plenty of water throughout travel days!
MEDICATIONS – If you take a prescription medication, please ensure that you have enough to complete the entire course, and bring a back-up set if possible. If you use an inhaler or carry an Epi-pen, please bring 2 sets.
Remember to pack your medications and other important items (contacts, glasses, travel documents, money) in your carry-on luggage in case your checked bag is delayed or lost.
CLOTHING/DRESS ON ARRIVAL DAY – Please arrive at the meeting place already dressed in your expedition clothes. Your boots or tennis shoes, wool socks, quick-dry pants, underwear, t-shirt and warmer long-sleeved layer (accessible) work best on the first day. Please see the provided packing list for further information about appropriate luggage, clothing and layering principles.
If you are unable to arrive by 1:00 PM on the first day of the course, we advise that you arrive a day early. There are multiple hotel options in Duluth near the airport. Hotels may or may not offer a shuttle to the airport. If not, students can take an Uber between the airport and the hotel.
Days Inn and Suites. Can accommodate 18+ students, no minors. Students must have credit card in hand when they arrive to complete the payment.
909 Cottonwood Ave. Duluth, MN
218-727-3110 - Call this direct line to make reservations. If you are staying between November and May they will offer a special VOBS rate.
AmericInn by Wyndam Duluth. Can accommodate minors with parents' authorization.
901 Joshua Ave. Duluth, MN
218-723-8607 - Call to make reservations. A VOBS discount may be available depending on the time of year.
If you are over 21 years old there are many other hotels near the Duluth airport that are available to you.
General info
Please familiarize yourself with the policies outlined in the Policies Page. By enrolling in Outward Bound you are accountable for and subject to the information contained on these pages.
If a student’s family experiences an emergency and needs to contact them while he/she is in the wilderness, the family should contact their designated course director or the emergency response number at 218-491-6799 and listen to the voicemail message for instructions. Each student has a designated course director and their contact information is emailed to the student shortly before the course begins. Students should share these important phone numbers with their family before their course begins.
Please follow this link to read VOBS' Essential Eligibility Criteria.
Students on courses that are 14 days or longer can receive mail. Because students are in the wilderness for most of their expedition, mail is not distributed until the last day of the course. If families need to share important information before the last day of the course, they should contact their course director.
Addressing Mail:
Student Name/Course Number
Voyageur Outward Bound School
PO Box 450
Ely, MN 55731
Tick-borne disease is a risk in the areas where VOBS runs the majority of their courses. Fortunately, there are prevention steps that are very effective, and in the case of infection, treatment is relatively simple and recovery complete, so long as the diagnosis is made early. Students and their families should educate themselves on the risks, prevention measures, and signs and symptoms of tick-borne diseases by reading the information provided below.
Risks
Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne disease, but is not the only risk. Some of the other common tick-borne diseases reported include Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, Powassan (POW) virus, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Tularemia, and Anaplasmosis. There are treatments available for these diseases, but prevention is by far the best and first step!
*Lyme Disease Incidence Rates by State 2010- 2019 http://www.cdc.gov/lyme/stats/chartstables/incidencebystate.html
Prevention
- Staff will teach students to recognize ticks and remove them as soon as they are found. This is the BEST form of disease prevention. Removing ticks within 24 hours considerably reduces the risk of being infected with a disease-causing bacterium.
- When traveling or camping in areas with woods, bushes, high grass, or leaf litter, staff and students will check themselves for ticks at least once every day.
- Wear and use protective clothing/equipment (long pants tucked into socks, for instance). Light colors make it easier to see ticks.
- Use a chemical barrier. Some Outdoor clothing comes pre-treated with Permethrin, such as BugBeWear, Insect Shield, L.L. Bean’s No Fly Zone, and ExOfficio’s BugsAway. You can also treat any clothing and footwear (long-sleeve shirts, jackets, hats, gaiters, and boots) with Permethrin to repel and disable ticks. Two methods for treating your own clothing are to send clothing away to Insect Shield or to treat it yourself at home with a spray-on Permethrin solution available from Sawyer or Repel. This treatment will last up to a month. Follow instructions on the bottle for how to apply permethrin to clothing items. Clothing must be treated prior to traveling to course start. DO NOT treat base layers (long underwear tops and bottoms for example), or any item that will cover your face (buffs, masks, etc).
- Use a chemical repellent. Apply insect repellent containing about 30% DEET to exposed skin, according to the directions on the container. This lasts for a few hours before you have to reapply it.
You should include this with your child if it is on the course packing list. Insect repellent containing DEET will also be supplied on all courses where there is a significant chance of vector-borne illness transmission.
Signs and Symptoms
There are many symptoms associated with tick-borne diseases. Infected people may not have all of these symptoms and many of these symptoms can occur with other diseases as well. Some common symptoms of infection with tick-borne diseases include body/muscle aches, fever, headaches, fatigue, joint pain, rash, stiff neck, and facial paralysis. Seek medical attention if signs and symptoms of a tick-borne illness appear. Tick-borne diseases are diagnosed based on symptoms and the possibility that the person has been exposed to infected ticks. Most cases can be successfully treated with specific types of antibiotics.
Additional information
There are other vectors in addition to ticks that inhabit the areas VOBS travels in, mainly mosquitos. Some vectors may be capable of transmitting West Nile Virus, LaCrosse Encephalitis, Jamestown Canyon Virus, Lyme’s disease, Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Ehrlichiosis, Powassan Virus, Tularemia, and Swimmer’s Itch.
Additional information on vectors, vector-borne diseases, and their prevention can be found on the CDC, WHO, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Texas state department of health websites.
Safety is our number one priority. At all levels of our school, we demonstrate our dedication to participant safety by our words, actions and values. Outward Bound has been a national leader in wilderness safety for over 50 years and frequently advises and assists other organizations in outdoor adventure risk management. Living and traveling in a remote wilderness setting exposes you to risks different than those you may encounter in your daily life. We believe that accepting appropriate risks and training and preparing participants to manage those risks, provides invaluable life experience.
Regardless of precautionary measures, risk and uncertainty are central to the concept of challenge and adventure. The intent is not to avoid activities involving risk but to recognize, prepare for and successfully manage risk. In order to identify any potential hazards and update best practices, our programs are regularly reviewed by outdoor professionals from inside and outside the Outward Bound system.
Outward Bound instructors receive regular training in the activities and environments in which we deliver our courses. They are trained to anticipate and manage risks inherent in remote areas. They are also trained in first aid, search and rescue and emergency management. Our instructors are certified Wilderness First Responders; some are Wilderness Emergency Medical Technicians or equivalent. Outward Bound maintains a minimum staff-to-student ratio of approximately 1:6. Instructors work in teams of two or three with six to 12 students. Instructor teams are usually co-ed but balancing skills and teaching styles is our primary staffing focus. One instructor in every team is a lead instructor with multiple seasons of training and experience. The lead instructor has single point accountability for the safety and effectiveness of the course in the field as well as mentoring their staffing team.
For more information on our instructors, please check out our staff profiles page or our careers page for instructor requirements. As a participant, you must take responsibility for yourself by following instructions and practicing the skills taught by your instructors.
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St. Paul, MN 55104
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