FAQ'S

» What should I expect on course?
» Is it safe?
» Why go into the wilderness or to new places in the city to learn about leadership?
» What is a Peer Leadership Expedition?
» Who are our instructors?
» What should I bring on my Peer Leadership Expedition?
» Do I need to purchase gear or clothing for my course?
» What should I NOT bring on my expedition?
» What about medications?
» What kind of food will we eat?
» How will I stay clean?
» What kind of weather should I expect?
» What happens if the weather is bad?
» Do I need money?
» Can I bring my cell phone?
» Whom should a parent/guardian contact in case of a true emergency at home while my child is on course?
» What paperwork is required?
» What should I wear on an Insight Day Program?
» What do I need to bring with me on an Insight Day Program?
» What should I expect on an Insight Day Program?

What should I expect on course?
Participants should come prepared to work hard, have fun and learn new skills. Your time with us will be spent outdoors in the natural world, meeting challenges, practicing leadership, managing risks and working closely within a group. Along the way, you will be guided by your instructors and supported by the camaraderie of fellow students.
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Is it safe?
Outward Bound has an excellent safety record, and the safety of our participants is a top priority. We invest considerable time and resources in training our staff and reviewing our programs to ensure that they meet Outward Bound's national standards of safety and quality. The accuracy of the information you provide on medical forms is a safety essential. Families will be notified immediately in the case of an emergency.
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Why go into the wilderness or to new places in the city to learn about leadership?
In addition to providing a beautiful setting, wild and natural places offer a unique learning environment. The unfamiliar spaces present expedition participants with inherent challenges and logical natural consequences. While learning to face these challenges as individuals and as a group, participants develop the skills they need to step into leadership roles and more effectively face challenges in their daily life.
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What is a Peer Leadership Expedition?
Participants will be part of a team from their school or community organization comprised of 11 students, at least one teacher or staff member, and two professionally trained Outward Bound instructors. Each team will hike along portions of the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania or Maryland. You will experience rock climbing, map and compass navigation, environmental ethics, emotional and physical challenges and team leadership skill development.
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Who are our instructors?
Outward Bound instructors are highly skilled and experienced outdoor educators, thoroughly trained in the latest instructional and safety management practices. Most importantly, you will find your instructors to be compassionate, sensitive, and ready to make your course a life-shaping experience. There will be two instructors with your group. Instructors carry certifications in First Aid and CPR, and at least one instructor is a Wilderness First Responder - a high level of wilderness medical training. In addition, all of our staff have been screened and cleared by the national FBI criminal record database and local police databases. Safety for you and for our staff is among our highest priorities.
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What should I bring on my Peer Leadership Expedition?
Bringing the proper clothing on your program is crucial. Because our program environments are characterized by unpredictable weather, it can get cold any time of the year. Your clothing list has been carefully compiled based on all the weather conditions you may encounter while on your program.

Our clothing list reflects the importance of the layering principle. Dressing in several light layers rather than one heavy layer allows you more flexibility as the weather and workloads change. Wool has been the long-time favorite of outdoors people, as it retains much of its insulating qualities when wet. Both synthetic and wool items are available in backpacking stores, surplus outlets and thrift stores.

We advise you not to bring cotton clothing, such as jeans or sweatshirts (t-shirts are okay). Cotton retains moisture and loses almost all of its ability to retain warmth when wet. Also, once cotton gets wet, it stays wet and weighs more.

Each participant should have a total of two pairs of closed-toe shoes for any course, one pair for daily use and one pair that can get wet.
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Do I need to purchase gear or clothing for my course?
Please don't feel that you must buy anything. Outward Bound provides all technical equipment including rain gear, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, duffel bags, back packs, stoves, food, etc. Even if you bring your own equipment, we may insist you use ours. In addition, our Center is prepared to provide proper clothing. A young person can arrive with little more than shoes, shorts and shirts and be outfitted completely and effectively to successfully complete an Outward Bound course.
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What should I NOT bring on my expedition?
Please do not bring the following items:
» Jewelry and other valuable articles.
» Electronic devices (e.g. cell phone, mp3 players, videogames, etc.)
» Playing cards
» Pocket knives
» Books or magazines
» Candy and/or snacks
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What about medications?
Prescription medications must be approved by the Medical Screening Department before the program starts. If you cannot go for 24-36 hours without your medication, in case of an emergency, we recommend that you bring double the amount needed (with written instructions) in separate, non-breakable, waterproof containers.
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What kind of food will we eat?
While on course you will be eating nutritious and portable food - grains, pasta, cheese, vegetables, fruit and nuts - selected to meet high-energy demands for your program. Typical meals include burritos, macaroni and cheese, and tuna sandwiches. The diet may differ from what you are accustomed to at home. To prepare, we suggest you cut down on soft drinks, coffee and junk food.
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How will I stay clean?
We are very aware of basic sanitation in the wilderness. You will wash your hands regularly and learn tricks of the trade to staying clean, even though you will not be able to shower. Deodorant is not advised because it has a tendency to irritate skin when not washed off regularly, and the scent attracts many unwanted insects and animals. Personal soap is not necessary, as we provide all you will need.
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What kind of weather should I expect?
You can expect the weather in the Mid-Atlantic region to be warm and pleasant from early spring through late fall. The summers can be humid with average temperatures ranging from 60-95 degrees F. The spring and fall are milder with average lows from 40-60 degrees F. While canoeing, the water temperature ranges from 45-55 degrees F. Frosts can occur at any time. Rainfall averages 3-4 inches per month with possible thunderstorms.
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What happens if the weather is bad?
The course will continue regardless of weather. Instructors will teach students basic safety precautions and protocols. All participants are provided with rain gear for use during the course.
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Do I need money?
You will only need money to pay for lost or broken gear. $15 - $20 should suffice.
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Can I bring my cell phone?
Participants may NOT bring cell phones or other electronic devices on course. The instructor team is equipped with an emergency phone. Participants will not be allowed to place or receive calls during the course.
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Whom should a parent/guardian contact in case of a true emergency at home while my child is on course?
Parents/guardians may contact our Course Director during an emergency 24 hours a day at (215) 327-3190. For all other calls and questions, please contact our offices during business hours.
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What paperwork is required?
In order to participate, each participant must complete a medical form and acknowledgement of personal responsibility form. Each form must be signed by the student and a parent/legal guardian (if participant is under the age of 18). Please fill them out entirely and return them to the appropriate person for your group. Every question is important! Please be sure to include your height, weight and blood pressure. We do not require a doctor's signature; however missing information may compromise participation in the program. Your forms will be confidentially reviewed by our Medical Screening Department. Outward Bound's screening process is very thorough and rigorous in order to ensure the safety of our participants. Our Medical Screener may need to contact you for further clarification or to request additional information.
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What should I wear on an Insight Day Program?
Participants should wear closed-toe shoes. Sneakers are great, sandals are not. Clothes should be comfortable and appropriate for an active day outside. Please be aware that the program runs rain or shine. Dress appropriately. Except for t-shirts, do not bring cotton items, as they lose their insulating quality when wet. Wool or synthetic clothing is recommended for cooler weather.
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What do I need to bring with me on an Insight Day Program?
The most important thing you need to have is a good attitude and an adventurous spirit. You should also bring a bagged lunch. Outward Bound provides all necessary technical equipment, as well as raingear and water. No electronic devices, including cell phones, mp3 players, videogames, etc. are allowed during the program.
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What should I expect on an Insight Day Program?
Participants should come prepared to work hard, have fun and learn new skills. Your time with us will be spent outdoors in the natural world, meeting difficulties, practicing leadership, managing risks and working closely within a group. Along the way, you will be guided by your instructors and supported by the camaraderie of fellow students.
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"[The Insight Program] was a perfect opportunity for members of our staff to come together as a team, reflect on what we have accomplished and what challenges we have left to overcome, and to look at each other and the work we do in a new way."