Ten Thousand Islands Canoeing for Families
This Outward Bound course guides youth from adolescence to adulthood, empowering them with family support every step of the way.
Families come in all shapes and sizes, and we’ve designed this course to foster connection between a young person and a trusted adult in their life. Whether the pairing is parent-child, grandparent-grandchild, aunts, uncles, or otherwise, taking this four-day course together provides a unique opportunity for youth and an adult who cares for them to deepen their appreciation and support for one another. As you tackle challenging backcountry activities like canoeing and navigating the Florida Everglades, the experiences and memories you share will forge a deeper connection that will extend well beyond the course.
Please note this course is built for youth-adult pairs to enroll together. Each participant must complete an application. We cannot accommodate individual enrollments or families of three or more. The cost is listed per participant.
UPCOMING COURSES
Course # NEFC-2411
Age 12 and up
Days 4
Cost $1,650
Dates 12/30/2024 - 1/2/2025
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.
Course # NEFC-2511
Age 12 and up
Days 4
Cost $1,650
Dates 12/31/2025 - 1/3/2026
APPLY NOW
This means a course has several open spots and is actively processing applications.
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.
The aspect of Outward Bound called Duo is one of the most important personal events on the trip. For 24 uninterrupted hours, my teenage son and I talked about life, relationships, sports, anything that came to our minds. The Duo brought each parent closer to their child than ever before. Years later, both Ryan and I still think back on that time.
During this course, family pairs will embark on a unique adventure, paddling together through lush mangrove tunnels in a land of contrasts: where tropical and semi-tropical climates, land and sea, and salt and freshwater meet. Each day, participants will navigate waterways in tandem (two-person) canoes, requiring effective teamwork and communication between parent and child. Crews will learn marine expedition risk-assessment and management, marine route planning and navigation, paddle strokes, canoe-based rescues, equipment use and how to work with a paddling partner.
The Everglades and Ten Thousand Islands
The Florida Everglades is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States and the third-largest national park in the lower 48 states. The aquatic preserve is home to an array of wild creatures and exotic plant life. More than 350 species of birds, 300 species of fresh and saltwater fish, 40 species of mammals, and 50 reptile species live within it. Because of this, it is one of only three locations in the world that is considered as an International Biosphere Reserve, a Wetland of International Importance, and a World Heritage Site.
This course area is in a subtropical region, with a 12-month growing season. The Florida peninsula is believed to be the last part of the continental United States to rise from the ocean, making it the youngest region geologically and only Alaska can claim a longer shoreline. The Everglades are mild and pleasant from December through April, with low humidity and clear skies. Temperatures reach average highs of 88 degrees and lows of 54 degrees. Strong cold fronts may occasionally create near-freezing conditions, but such events are rare in this subtropical climate. These regions are the ancestral lands of the Calusa, Miccosukee, and Seminole nations.
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Course Stories
The aspect of Outward Bound called Duo is one of the most important personal events on the trip. For 24 uninterrupted hours, my teenage son and I talked about life, relationships, sports, anything that came to our minds. The Duo brought each parent closer to their child than ever before. Years later, both Ryan and I still think back on that time.
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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.