North Cascades Canoeing & Rock Climbing for Boys
Explore the backcountry with your crew, learning to rock climb and canoe in the “American Alps.”
North Cascades Canoeing & Rock Climbing offers you the opportunity to explore one of Washington State’s most beautiful recreation areas. You'll learn how to travel and camp in the backcountry, paddle canoes, set up tarps, rock climb, and navigate using a map and compass.
This is a traditional Outward Bound course, specially designed for boys and gender-expansive students who are looking for this kind of community on their course. And when we say “for boys,” we mean we believe trans-boys are boys. You are welcome here – let’s adventure together!
At Outward Bound, we are crew, not passengers. We support each other and share in our challenges and our victories. Your crew becomes a critical piece of your experience while on course, and beyond! While all our courses are inclusive for all gender identities, we understand the value of affinity spaces, too. During this time of development, when young people need a safe and supportive space, this course builds self-esteem and community, and creates opportunities to make lifelong friends.
This is a traditional Outward Bound course, specially designed for boys and gender-expansive students who are looking for this kind of community on their course. And when we say “for boys,” we mean we believe trans-boys are boys. You are welcome here – let’s adventure together!
Students can expect a progression of activities to initiate personal growth and conversation about our unique and shared experiences. We will spend time having guided discussions on a variety of topics, as well as opportunities for individual reflection, while embracing the affirming and healing powers of nature.
Outward Bound’s affinity courses are designed to build community and cultivate self-efficacy. Expeditions are led by trained Instructors and aim to create a safe space for those who have experienced being marginalized due to their identity, and/or are exploring their gender identity. Outward Bound is a place for all people to learn, grow, make friends, and have fun! We encourage you to talk with one of our course advisors if you have questions about which course is the best fit for you.
UPCOMING COURSES
This course is closed for the season.
APPLY NOW
This means a course has several open spots and is actively processing applications.
APPLY NOW – Almost Full
This means there are three or fewer currently available spots left on a course. To secure your spot click Apply Now to begin an application!
JOIN WAITLIST
Once a course has reached capacity, three waitlist positions become available. To join a course’s waitlist, click “Join Waitlist” to begin the application process. A $500 deposit is required. This $500 deposit includes a $150 non-refundable application fee and a $350 tuition payment. The $350 tuition payment is refundable only if you cancel your waitlist application or if an open position does not become available. If a position does become available, the applicant will be applied to the open position and the Application and Cancellation Policies of the Regional Outward Bound School will be followed, including forfeiture of the $500 deposit if you cancel 90 days or less prior to the course start date.
Waitlist applicants are encouraged to complete all required admissions documents while awaiting an open position. Positions may become available up to two weeks prior to the course start date. Applicants may only apply to one course. We recommend applying to a course with open positions instead of a course that is accepting waitlist applications. If you have questions, please call 866-467-7651 to speak with one of our Admissions Advisors.
CALL TO APPLY
This means a course is very close to its start date. Although it is unlikely to secure a spot this late, you can call the National Admissions office at 866-467-7651 to discuss your options.
COURSE IS FULL
When a course has reached maximum capacity, meaning all spots and the three waitlist spots are occupied, a course will read “Course Is Full.” This means applications are no longer being accepted.
CLOSED
As a course nears its start date, the availability status may read “Closed.” In this event, a course roster has been finalized and applications are no longer being accepted or processed.
I was scared if people would like me, but I learned teamwork and leadership. I will remember all my friends and the Instructors. Outward Bound taught me confidence, independence and survival skills.
During the canoeing expedition, students will travel between campsites along the lake. At camp, students will work as a team with their Instructors to learn the art of setting up a backcountry camp. Camp skills include setting up shelters, cooking meals, and helping helping plan for the days ahead. Along the way, students will encounter the natural wonders of lake travel, including access to waterfalls, wildlife and miraculously clear blue waters.
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Students learn the basics of climbing technique, belaying, rappelling and knots. Rock climbing is physically, mentally, and sometimes emotionally demanding. For many students, rock climbing is the high point of the course. For others, it’s a major mental challenge to face. Courses generally include 1-2 days of rock climbing, depending upon individual course itineraries and student groups.
Outward Bound promotes character development, leadership and service in the most engaging classroom possible, the wilderness. In real time, students experience the effects of their decisions on themselves and the other members of their group as they work to complete difficult tasks necessary for wilderness travel. Instructors challenge students to try new things and step outside their comfort zones. They also provide feedback that students implement on course and when they return to their communities.
Ross Lake, Washington
Accessible only by boat or trail, this glacier-fed lake borders the dramatic Pickets Mountain Range of the North cascades. Ross Lake is 25 miles long, and extends across the border into Canada. It is nestled in the North Cascades National Park and the Pasayten Wilderness Area. Nearby Jack and Hozomeen Mountains rise 9,066 and 8,066 feet respectively, soaring up out of the lake and crowning it with jagged ridge-tops. This part of the park is known for the stunning blue-green shade of the water and for the sheer cliff faces and deep glacially carved valleys. The area was made famous by the Beat Generation writer, Jack Kerouac whose writings were inspired by his work as a fire spotter at the Desolation Peak Lookout, on the east side of Ross Lake. Throughout your days on the lake, you may encounter any one of hundreds of natural wonders, including waterfalls flowing into the lake from the glaciers above, eagles soaring overhead in search of trout, and miraculously clear blue waters. These regions are the ancestral lands of the Nłeʔkepmx Tmíxʷ (Nlaka'pamux) and Syilx tmixʷ (Okanagan) nations.
Course Stories
I was scared if people would like me, but I learned teamwork and leadership. I will remember all my friends and the Instructors. Outward Bound taught me confidence, independence and survival skills.
Kellan came home in a blossoming stage which I have seen continue since his course. Open, strong, he has new knowledge and enthusiasm for the outdoors. He has made more friends this year than any other year. He has a different, more outgoing energy while still retaining his sweet thoughtful self too.
OTHER COURSES YOU MAY LIKE
Water Gap Backpacking & Rock Climbing
Courses: 1 date available Ages: 12-14 Length: 8 Days Cost: $2,900 Details & Dates
Appalachian Backpacking & Rock Climbing
Courses: 3 dates available Ages: 12-14 , 14-16 Length: 8 Days Cost: $3,200 Details & Dates
Water Gap Canoeing & Leadership
Courses: 1 date available Ages: 12-14 Length: 8 Days Cost: $2,900 Details & Dates
Getting Started
If you are ready to enroll on a course click the enroll button next to the course you wish to select or you can enroll over the phone by speaking with one of our Admissions Advisors (toll-free) at 866-467-7651.
To secure your spot on a course you must submit an enrollment form and $500 deposit that is applied toward the total cost of the course and includes a $150 non-refundable enrollment processing fee.