Not all applicants are accepted to the Voyageur Outward Bound School. Outward Bound courses are designed to serve a wide variety of students at different points in their lives. However, the Voyageur Outward Bound School does expect that each applicant puts time and thought into their decision to attend Outward Bound. It is a unique program, unlike typical summer camps, and not everyone is prepared for the challenges that a true wilderness expedition presents. At a minimum, Outward Bound applicants must be willing and able to fully participate without risk to their physical or emotional safety, and committed to their own personal development.

In general, Outward Bound discourages friends and family from participating on the same course, unless the course is specifically designed for families. Outward Bound’s goal is to ensure a quality experience for each participant, and we have discovered that people in established relationships, however positive, have expectations and mental images of one another. An Outward Bound course is an opportunity to leave behind any preconceived ideas about oneself and discover new strengths and talents. An environment free of expectations is an important part of this process. When students attend with someone they know, they risk forfeiting much of the value of an Outward Bound experience. In addition, pre-existing relationships sometimes negatively impact group interactions. We therefore encourage friends and family members to enroll on separate courses so each student can experience the full measure of an Outward Bound experience.

Yes, the Voyageur Outward Bound School can accommodate most food allergies. We put a lot of energy into creating menu plans that work for people with a variety of food allergies, including people who do not eat meat, dairy, gluten, tree nuts and peanuts. In some cases we may ask students to provide some of their own food supplements.

Yes.  Voyageur Outward Bound offers payment plan options and scholarships based on financial need. For more information, check out our Need-Based Scholarships page.

Need-Based Scholarship Information

The tuition you pay prior to going on course covers all of your food while on course, instructors' salaries, land use permits and most of the equipment (backpacks, sleeping bags, cooking utensils) and other technical gear associated with the activities you will participate in at Voyageur Outward Bound School.  

Students will need to provide their own clothing, footwear and some gear, such as a headlamp, and will be responsible for the costs of any physician's exam (if  required) and travel to and from the course meeting site. A clothing and gear list will be provided to each student upon enrollment. You can always call us if you have questions about the clothing and gear requirements.

Once enrolled, a Course Advisor will provide a Travel Information document that will help students schedule their arrival and departure.

MN Courses:  In most cases, but not all, Voyageur Outward Bound School students meet in the Duluth International Airport baggage claim at 1:00 PM on the first day of the course. Students typically return to the Duluth International Airport around 11:30 AM on the last day of the course and should plan to fly out any time after 1:00 PM to account for check-in and security clearance.

TX Courses:  In most cases, but not all, Voyageur Outward Bound School students arrive in El Paso, TX the day before their course officially begins. Students spend the night in a local hotel (not included in the course cost) as directed by their Course Advisor. Students typically return to the El Paso International Airport around 1:00 PM on the last day of the course and should plan to fly out any time after 2:00 PM to account for check-in and security clearance.

Explicit travel directions will be shared with you after you enroll on a course.  Students should refrain from making travel plans prior to being approved for their course and receiving travel details for their specific course as the exact details may differ slightly from the directions listed above.

We recommend that you delay purchasing nonrefundable airline tickets until you have been approved for participation and the course is confirmed a "go." Occasionally, we cancel courses due to permit changes, low enrollment or other issues.

When you have been approved for the course and you know it is a "go," make sure you pay close attention to the start and end times and location of your course start/end before booking your tickets, to avoid any mistakes with your reservation.