Course Information
Welcome to the Colorado Outward Bound School! This is a place of challenge, learning, and community and we’re so glad you’re joining our crew. As you’re getting ready for your course experience, we wanted to share with you a bit more about what to expect. A COBS course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to face new challenges in a supportive environment; to find success through mistakes; and to navigate through adversity with compassion for self and others. The breathtaking mountains, rivers, and canyons of Colorado and Utah are our classroom. And the life lessons are as limitless as the views.
As in all of life’s adventures, elements outside of our control may require adjustments to the details and we often adapt our itineraries to meet dynamic environments, but one thing’s for sure: we’re going to connect with new people, try new things, and explore some amazing places together. Here at COBS, we believe there is more in you than you know and we’ll use the inherent beauty and challenge of the natural world to test our comfort zones and to discover opportunities to work hard, learn, and reflect. And the memories you’ll take home will last a lifetime. Read on and we’ll see you soon!
NOT OFFERING - CUQR-371: Southwest Canoeing & Canyoneering Outdoor Educator
Course Code: CUQR-371
Start Date: 2/26/23
End Date: 4/21/23
Embark on a 55-day journey through the mountains, canyons, deserts and rivers of one of the most beautiful and geologically stunning landscapes in the world on this leadership and outdoor skills focused Semester course.
Develop outdoor skills. Enhance your leadership and communication abilities. Strive to increase your knowledge of the environment – all while learning wilderness travel techniques in a variety of natural environments. The ultimate goal of the Semester is to develop the confidence, knowledge and integrity essential for effective leadership. Whether you are learning how to safely tie in on belay, deciding as a group how to navigate through new terrain, or setting up a minimum-impact campsite for the evening, you’ll be reinforcing, honing and practicing skills for life.
Canyon Backpacking
You will journey through awe-inspiring canyon country by foot, carrying everything you need in your backpack. Days will be spent taking in views of arches and working with your crew to navigate the canyons with a map and compass. You'll camp and cook meals on expansive rock slabs with incredible views of the sunset and the milky way. Sometimes you will shed your backpacks for smaller daypacks to navigate into narrow slots or explore thousand-year-old cliff dwellings and rock art. Over time, as you gain confidence in navigating slick rock obstacles, map reading, and setting up camp, your Instructors will give you and your crewmates more responsibility to chart your own path.
📍Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute) lands
Technical Canyoneering
Canyoneering is like playing in the most exciting adventure course imaginable. Each obstacle occurs naturally – formed by thousands of years of wind and water eroding the vibrant layers of rock. A combination of scrambling, hiking, wading through water, and rappelling may be involved during course. As students travel deeper through narrow and winding canyons, sunlight bounces off the walls causing the rock to glow red and orange. Hidden waterfalls and pools can be found, offering an oasis for both students and wildlife. Instructors will teach students how to travel safely and efficiently over rocks and across desert ecosystems. Crews work together, problem-solving and supporting each other as they navigate this dynamic and continuously changing environment.
📍Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute) lands | PC: Steve Creech
Solo
Solo is a time when you’ll get the opportunity to spend time alone during course. With sufficient food and equipment, your Solo will be a chance to reflect on your course experience, journal, and connect with nature. Depending on your course length and environmental factors, Solo can range from 30 minutes to an overnight experience. You will not travel during this time and your Instructors may check on you occasionally. Your solo site will be close enough to your Instructors in case of emergency, but far enough removed to enjoy solitude. Many students are initially nervous about solo, but later recall it as one of the highlights of their course.
Service Project
Some projects focus on land restoration and are coordinated with partners and land managers like the US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and National Park Service. Other projects are grounded in social services, and may include visiting a nursing home or hospital. Past projects include working on a goat farm, building trails, cleaning trash and debris from natural spaces, working with a local community garden, and removing invasive species. Seeing the impact of their actions firsthand, students develop a value of service, and transfer this desire to serve their communities back home.
Canoeing
Canoeing is an opportunity to experience the jaw-dropping canyons and magic of the river. The tranquil waters allow for reflection and relationship-building with your canoe partner. The calm waters can change with up-canyon winds that require strength to push forward. The canoes provide you with great freedom and maneuverability. While many of the skills you learn canoeing are transferable to rafts, the small craft will demand a high level of coordination and cooperation with your canoeing partner.
Photo: Ashley Perry |📍Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute), Diné, and Pueblos lands
Our expeditions help students grow into the best version of themselves. We use adventure in the outdoors to help students discover their strengths and build authentic connections with their peers. Compassion for oneself and others is foundational to the Outward Bound experience. As students develop outdoor skills, they also gain confidence and leadership tools that will last a lifetime. Course outcomes include:
- Belonging – students form deep connections founded upon respect, inclusion, and compassion
- Reflection – students learn self-awareness and practice empathy towards others
- Physical Engagement – students develop awareness and confidence in their bodies
- Courage – students develop the confidence to speak up for themselves and persevere through challenges
Watch to Learn More
Utah's Canyon Country
The most spectacular aspects of the Utah landscape are the hidden treasures found within its vast canyon networks. The canyons are composed of a spell-binding labyrinth of towering walls, arches, and slot canyons just waiting to be explored. On course, these vibrant formations are a geological playground for scrambling and teamwork. The desert ecosystem is characterized by aromatic plants like sagebrush and juniper and birds soaring high above canyon walls. The days can be hot in the summertime, but it always cools down in the evenings. These regions are within the ancestral lands of the Ute, Pueblos, Southern Paiute, Diné, and Hopi nations.
Labyrinth Canyon, Utah
You will launch on the Green River in two-person canoes for 63 miles through Labyrinth Canyon. The river enters Labyrinth Canyon slowly, named for the serpentine path it carves as it dives deep into the redrock sandstone that characterizes southeastern Utah and the Canyonlands area. Narrow and winding side canyons, towering cliffs rising vertically out of the river, pinnacles and ledges all await you as you fine-tune your paddling strokes. The canoes provide you with great freedom and maneuverability. While many of the skills you learn canoeing are transferable to rafts, the small craft will demand a high level of coordination and cooperation with your canoeing partner. During this phase of your course, your instructors will introduce you to the most important elements of river life: environmental stewardship, outdoor cooking, first aid, natural history of the river canyons, the night sky, and of course, paddling skills. This region is within the ancestral lands of the Ute nations.
Ute lands
What is a land acknowledgment?
At the Colorado Outward Bound School, we include land acknowledgments in our work as a formal way to recognize and respect the traditional territories and Indigenous Peoples as stewards of the land. It is important to understand and acknowledge the comprehensive past, present, and future of the places we travel and to seek to understand our role therein. To recognize the land is an expression of gratitude and appreciation we give to the Indigenous Peoples who have been living and working on the land from time immemorial. Read more about land acknowledgments at Outward Bound here.
The following is an example of what your itinerary may look like. Your actual course plan will vary according to weather, your group’s skills and abilities, and Instructor preferences.
Days 1-6: Course Start and Canyon Backpacking
Days 14-21: At Moab Basecamp for Your Wilderness First Responder Course and Certification
Days 22-28: Canyon Backpacking
Days 29-45: Canyoneering and Solo
Day 46-53: Final Expedition – Apply All You’ve Learned to a Final Group Challenge
Day 54: Personal Challenge Event, Course End Celebration
Day 55: Departure Home
Click here for COBS COVID-19 Program Practices
Tuition
You can pay your tuition online through your Applicant Portal or make the payment over the phone by calling 720-381-6589.
If your payment is not received by the due date listed in your Enrollment Email and on your Applicant Portal, you will risk losing your spot on course and your $500 deposit. Please review our Admissions and Cancellation Policies.
Travel Insurance
Airfare, travel costs, and non-refundable tuition payments are expensive. Insurance to protect your trip and course is strongly encouraged. We recommend insuring these costs from the third-party provider InsureMyTrip. This provider has coverage options that include travel costs and non-refundable tuition costs. For more information and to receive a free quote, click here.
Everyone who participates in a course must read these documents before attending
Please bring everything on the required clothing and gear list, but do not feel like you have to buy everything new. Many of these items can be found second hand at thrift stores, consignment shops, and online like eBay and Facebook Marketplace
Packing for backcountry travel is all about packing light and practically. Every day, you will be carrying all your gear, food, and water. So the lighter your load, the more comfortable you'll be! That's why we ask that students bring everything on the required gear list (and whatever you'd like to bring from the optional items list), but nothing more. Most experienced backcountry travelers will tell you that they bring about the same amount of gear on a three-day trip as they would on a three-week trip.
Important Packing Information
- Pack your clothing and gear in a duffel bag or suitcase. You will keep personal items such as clean clothes for your return trip home and valuables (cell phones, electronic devices, and wallets) in this bag while you are on course. Please leave unnecessary or expensive items at home.
- Once you arrive at base camp, your instructors will help you pack for backcountry travel. They will assess your personal gear, the group gear you will be required to carry, and help you adjust your pack as needed.
- We encourage you to leave the tags on any items you purchase for this course. That way, you may return these items if you do not use them on your expedition.
- Please bring everything on the list! If you have questions or concerns, we encourage you to reach out to your course advisor.
Medications:
- All prescription medications must be listed in the applicant’s medical record, must be approved by your course advisor prior to course, and must accompany the participant on course. Participants may not be permitted to begin their course without their required medications OR with new medications not approved by your course advisor.
- All medications (prescription, non-prescription, and OTC) must be in their original containers with the prescription label intact. The prescription label is documentation of the dosage directions. If possible, bring a double supply.
What to Wear While Travelling:
We recommend you wear course clothing and boots while travelling and bring all essentials (prescription meds, insurance card copy, cash) in a carry-on. This will minimize the inconvenience in the unlikely event your luggage is delayed in transport. Being dressed for course will also further the efficiency on your first day, especially since front country bathrooms and private changing areas are rarely available.
Gear that Outward Bound Provides
Outward Bound provides all other equipment that is not included on the required packing list. There are no additional fees for the use of our equipment. If you have your own equipment and it meets the criteria below, you are welcome to bring it with you. Your instructors may ask you to use Outward Bound gear in lieu of your own if it does not meet our criteria below.
If you do wish to bring some of your own gear, here are the standards for what may be acceptable
- Sleeping bags – need to be made from synthetic materials (down fill is not appropriate for our courses) and have a 20-degree or colder warmth rating.
- Sleeping pads – can be ¾ to full size in length. They can be closed-cell foam or inflatable. If you bring an inflatable pad please also bring a patch kit. Remember, inflatable pads often weigh considerably more than closed-cell foam pads.
- Backpacks – need to have a minimum capacity of 6,000 cubic inches, comfortably carry 45-60 lbs, and be an internal frame design.
If you bring your own equipment, it will be inspected by your instructor at the beginning of your course. If it does not meet our standards you can store it in a secure location during your course.
Layering:
- First layer—This layer is worn next to your skin. Synthetic and wool materials are best for this layer.
- Mid layer(s)— This is the insulation layer. Think thick tops, leggings, wool socks, and fleece jackets.
- Outer layer— This is the layer that will protect you from the wind, snow, and rain. Outer layers are completely waterproof not just water resistant.
Materials:
- Hard Shell: Waterproof and windproof, generally worn when it’s raining, snowing, or really windy.
- Soft Shell: Water and wind-resistant. Not waterproof but more breathable than hard-shell.
- Fleece: Great insulator and dries quickly.
- Wool: Natural material that, unlike cotton, keeps you warm when wet.
- Synthetic: Almost anything else but cotton! Acceptable non-cotton options are wool, capilene, poly-propylene, polyester, fleece, acrylic, rayon, Polartec, Thinsulate, COOLMAX, and nylon.
Still confused? Check out this video about fabrics from our friends at NCOBS.
Head & Hands:
| Quantity | Item | Description |
| 1 | Warm Hat | A warm hat that will be used for when things get chilly. Can have ear flaps. No cotton. ($8-$25) |
| 1+ | Sun Hat | Should have a good brim to at a minimum cover your face like a baseball cap or can have a brim all the way around for added protection. Should be made of softer material so it can fold easily if needed. ($8-$20) |
| 1+ | Lightweight Gloves or Glove Liners | A lightweight glove that is the first layer for hands and worn snuggly against the skin. Rubber coated gloves work well and can be found inexpensively in hardware stores. ($5-$20) |
Tops:
| Quantity | Item | Description |
| 2+ | Long Sleeve Sun Shirt | Loose, lightweight, and light-colored for sun protection. Instructors prefer old oxford or button down men's dress shirts from thrift stores. A long sleeve cotton shirt is ok. ($2-$40) |
| 6+ | Wicking Short Sleeve T- Shirts | This t-shirt is made out of quick-drying fabric that moves moisture away from your skin and allows maximum airflow. Cotton t-shirts are ok for additional shirts, but each participant should have at least 4 quick dry shirts to use in any conditions. ($12-$30) |
Inner Layers: fits next to the skin
| Quantity | Item | Description |
| 1 | Lightweight long underwear set |
You will need a top and a bottom. This is your base layer meaning this goes next to your skin and you will wear more layers on top. This is a good online resource: http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/articles/underwear.html |
| 8+ | Underwear: Quick Drying | Quick drying underwear is usually a blend of Nylon and Spandex, that breathes well, moves moisture away from you and dries quickly. 4 pairs should be Quick Drying for the river and canyons, the rest can be cotton. ($5-$25) |
| 4+ | Sports Bra | Should have the proper support for athletic activity. Can be worn as a swim top with quick drying shorts if a swimsuit is required. You do not need to bring a swimsuit if you plan on using this combination. ($20+) |
| 1 | Expedition-weight/Heavyweight Long Underwear Top | This top is your second or third layer depending on what is required. Needs to be a bit bigger to fit the previous layers underneath. ($30+) |
Outer Layers: fit over inner layers
| Quantity | Item | Description |
| 1 | Raincoat & Rain Pants | All rainwear must be 100% water proof, not water resistant! Rain jackets should also include a hood. Breathable fabrics highly recommended. Breathable Options include: Any Gore-Tex jacket or breathable coated fabrics like the Marmot © PreCip or Phoenix Rainwear, REI Ultra Light or Kulshan Rainwear are suitable examples. ($150+ for the pair) |
| 1 | Fleece Jacket | A heavy weight fleece jacket with a full length zipper. It has good breathability, making it a good choice when insulation is needed during vigorous, highly aerobic activity. Dries quickly when wet. ($50+) |
Bottoms:
| Quantity | Item | Description |
| 2+ | Quick Dry Shorts |
Lightweight nylon fabric wicks moisture and dries quickly. Board shorts and running shorts can work well and double for use on the river. Pockets are always nice. |
| 1+ | Quick Dry Pants | Lightweight nylon fabric dries quickly and resists pilling, and is easy to pack away in a backpack or dry bag. Should be loose fitting as to aid in movement. Keep in mind, our course areas can be abrasive to clothing: make sure you bring pants that are tough, or that you won’t mind getting ripped up during your course. ($45-$100) |
Feet:
| Quantity | Item | Description |
| 3+ pairs | Liner Socks | Lightweight, flat-knit provides a close fit for a protective second skin that prevents blisters. Should be worn under heavier socks to prevent blisters. Need to be at least crew-height. ($5-$9 pair) |
| 6+ pairs | Mid-weight Hiking Socks | These socks are worn on top of the liner socks. At least need to be crew-height. A variety of midweight to heavyweight socks will suit you best to find your personal preferences in our course areas. No cotton, wool works exceptionally well, even when wet. ($8-$25 pair) |
| 1 pair | River Shoes | River sandals such as Teva or Chaco sandals are ideal. Vibram ‘5 finger’ shoes are also a good option Any boating shoe must have an ankle or heel strap. These shoes will be wet daily. Old sneakers will also work great. Flip-flops, Clogs, Crocs, and Aquasocks are NOT acceptable. ($60+) |
| 1 pair | Running/Approach Shoes | Virtually every course requires two pairs of shoes; one to hike in (your boots), and one to wear around camp. Camp Shoes should be lightweight sturdy running or approach shoes. Many courses have a Challenge Event at course end that may involve running so sturdy runners are preferred versus fashion or skateboarding type sneakers. An old pair of running shoes will work. ($0-$120) |
| 1 pair | Backpacking Boots | Backpacking boots are the most popular off-trail boots sold today. This category of boots used to be known as Medium-weight Hiking Boots. These boots have shock-absorbing composite rubber soles, innovative injection molded mid sole/shanks/plates and soft, yet supportive, leather uppers characterize this category of mountaineering/backpacking footwear. Through the use of state of-the-art materials, it is now possible to purchase a boot that is at once relatively lightweight, comfortable, supportive, and weatherproof and requires only a moderate break-in period. Medium-weight boots are offered in a wide variety of brands and models and work well for moving with full backpacks. VIBRAM (OR SIMILAR) SOLE REQUIRED. NO JUNGLE/WORK BOOTS. ($102+) These are good resources: https://www.cobs.org/lib/file/manager/Boots/Boot%20Information%202020.pdf http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/hiking-boots.html |
Personal Items:
| Quantity | Item | Description |
| 1 | Insurance Card | If you are covered under any medical insurance please bring your card. The actual card is preferred, but a copy of the front and the back of the card will be okay. |
| 2 | Sunglasses with keeper strap | Dark and sturdy, need to bring a keeper strap with them. Essential to protecting your eyes in a highly reflective environment! Bring 2 in case you lose, scratch, or break one. ($8-$40) |
| 2+ | Personal Hand Sanitizer | Two 3oz bottles plus a larger 16oz to refill during the course. ($10) |
| 1 | Digital Oral Thermometer | Used to check temperature. ($7) |
| 2+ | Fabric Face Masks |
To be worn at course start, during social distancing, during travel days, while preparing food, while in close proximity to others, and when requested by COBS staff. Should be washable, consist of at least 3 layers of fabric and securely cover the mouth and nose. N95s can also be brought to supplement washable masks. Refer to mask document for more information. |
| 20+ | Disposable 3-ply surgical masks | To be worn when an additional layer of protection is necessary. ($30) |
| 1 | Sarong or unfitted twin cotton sheet | A sarong is a large length of fabric that is often used for sun protection while rafting. It has many other uses as well. If you are unable to find a sarong, an unfitted twin cotton sheet also works just as well and is typically very easy to find at a thrift store. ($2-$30) |
| 1 | Small headlamp and 4 extra sets of batteries. | This is a hands free flashlight. It is either a LED or halogen headlamp that uses a minimum of three volts (two or more AA- or AAA-batteries). Bring four extra sets of batteries. Headlamps with a red setting are preferable because they preserve night-vision, save battery power, and do not attract flies. ($15-$40) |
| 1 | Watch with alarm | Inexpensive, durable, & waterproof. You will be responsible for waking yourself up on time! ($10+) |
| 2 | Water Bottles | Wide-mouthed and durable—Nalgene, Sigg, and Klean Kanteen make quality water bottles—NO DISPOSABLE BOTTLES. Each should hold 32 oz. for a minimum total capacity of 64 oz. Good hydration is very important in the dry climate. Screw top lids are better than ‘sippy-top’ lids since the bottles will frequently come into contact with river water. ($10-$30) |
| 2-4 | Bandanas | This all-purpose piece of cotton absorbs sweat, cleans off trail-grime and offers a multitude of other camp and trail uses. Females should bring 4 bandanas. ($1-$5) |
| 2+ | Glasses or contacts, if needed | Contacts are ok, but present major challenges in the field. Please also bring 2 pairs of your eyeglasses as backups. |
| 2 | Insect Repellant | Medium size, in an unbreakable bottle—no spray cans. Products with Picaridan or DEET (10 - 35%) are most effective. |
| Stationary, Stamps, & 2 Pens | Bring stamps and envelopes if you would like to send mail. Consider pre-stamping and pre-addressing them before course. Put in a zip-lock bag with paper and pens. | |
| 6 | Large zip-lock plastic bags | Heavy duty to protect things from sand and water. |
| 2 sets | Prescription Medications including Asthma Inhalers | THESE MUST BE DECLARED DURING THE APPROVAL PROCESS. Please bring these to course start even if you think they are unnecessary. Please bring in their original containers and a Ziploc bag for storage. |
| 2 | Sunscreen | Waterproof, SPF 30+ (Approximately 16 oz bottles) ($5+) |
| 1 | Lip Balm | With SPF to protect from the sun. ($2+) |
| 1 | Toiletries Kit | Toothbrush, toothpaste, small biodegradable soap, comb or brush, (deodorant, shampoo, and makeup are unnecessary.) |
| Feminine Supplies | Please bring an ample supply as changes in diet, altitude, & fitness level can unexpectedly bring on your period. We are a Leave No Trace organization so tampons such as OB that do not have plastic applicators are recommended as it reduces the amount of trash being carried out. A Diva Cup is also a great reusable option. You are welcome to bring pads if that is the system you are most comfortable using. If you have any questions please contact your course advisor or instructor. | |
| 1 | Moisturizing Lotion | Your hands and feet will thank you after weeks in arid environments (approximately 12oz bottle. ) ($5+) |
Travel to and From Course
| Quantity | Item | Description |
| - | Travel Money or Snacks | The first day is often long. Have cash to buy snacks along the way or bring food with you. There may be unexpected travel expenses such as luggage fees. ($80) |
| 1 set | Clean clothes for the trip home | Please bring a set of clean clothes for your travels home. |
Optional Items
These are NOT required and you will be fine without them. Please only buy them if you plan to use the items again after your course or you think they will be of great assistance to you while on course (you may be asked to leave these behind depending on weather and space available in your backpack or dry bag).
| Quantity | Item | Description |
| 1 Pack | Wet Wipes | Unscented. All items must be packed out. |
| 1 | Belt | Easily adjustable synthetic belt. Something that will fit smoothly under your backpack hip belt. Check to see if any of your bottom layers require a belt. |
| 1 | Portable Chair | Crazy Creek and REI are popular brands. Must be lightweight and packable/rollable. No chairs with legs can be brought. |
| 1 | Camera | Each patrol will have a COBS provided camera. If bringing your own, keep in mind the bulkiness and level of care needed to maintain the camera. |
| 1 | Hydration Bladder | You may being a hydration bladder as long as you bring a hard sided wide-mouthed, 32 oz water bottle. Do not bring on river courses. |
| 1 | Bug shirt | Good options are usually mesh with a hood for protection from bugs. **CHECK WITH COURSE ADVISOR ABOUT COURSE CONDITIONS**. |
| 1 | Neoprene Socks | This will be for keeping your feet warm while canoeing and rafting to help protect against cold water injuries. If your feet get cold easy you will want these. |
| 1 | Insect Repellent | Must be a cream or lotion. 2-4 oz., plastic container. Products with Picaridan or DEET (10 - 35%) are most effective. Ask Course Advisor about bug conditions. |
Items not Allowed on Course:
- Electronics—cell phones, iPods, etc. These may be brought on the plane or bus but will need to be stored at the base before going into the field.
- Deodorant, makeup, shampoo, conditioner, perfume, cologne, etc.
- Illegal drugs, any CBD/THC products, alcohol, vapes, tobacco products of any kind, and nicotine.
- Any prescription drugs not cleared by your course advisor.
- Weapons of any kind.
Weather During Your Course:
Expect temperatures between 60°F -100°F during the day and 35°F -50°F at night. Weather in unpredictable in the desert, which is why it is essential to pack everything on the required gear list. Please check the weather prior to your course for Moab, Utah at www.weather.com to have an idea of what to expect. Once you arrive at course start, your instructors will update you on current weather patterns and advise you on what clothing will be appropriate. Pro tip: bringing light-colored clothing is a great way to stay cooler!
Meeting Place:
Walker Field Airport (GJT)
Upstairs Near Vending Machines
Grand Junction, CO
COURSE START:
Please meet your COBS instructor and group at the airport no later than 1:00 PM on the first day of the course. It is a small airport, and we will do a roll call to ensure all participants are located. Parents will be notified only if a student does not arrive as expected. If you are dropping your child off in person, please arrive at the airport between 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM.
COURSE END:
The van is scheduled to arrive at the Walker Field/Grand Junction Airport (GJT) by 11:00 AM. We cannot guarantee that you will be able to make a flight before 12:00 PM, so plan your itinerary accordingly.
TRAVEL AND TUITION INSURANCE
Airfare, related travel costs, and non-refundable tuition payments are expensive. Insurance to protect your trip and course is not required but strongly encouraged. We recommend insuring these costs from the third-party provider InsureMyTrip. This program has coverage options that include your travel costs and the non-refundable tuition costs. For more information and to receive a free quote, click here.
TRAVEL PROBLEMS AND EMERGENCY CONTACT:
If you encounter problems with your travel plans that will delay your arrival to Grand Junction, we can help troubleshoot solutions to get you to course start. Call us at 720.381.6589 and press option #2 (emergencies) and continue to follow the directions for a travel emergency on a Utah course. Make certain to leave your name, course, and call-back number if you are leaving a voicemail. In the event of an emergency (such as a death in the family) where you need to reach a student who is on course, follow the prompts for critical emergency for a student currently on a course. This will route to an on-call cell phone and you will get a prompt return call as indicated by the message.
ACCOMMODATIONS:
If you need to arrive in Grand Junction the day before the course start and/or spend the last night in Grand Junction, we recommend you contact the CLARION INN to make reservations.
Clarion Inn
755 Horizon Dr.
Grand Junction, CO 81506
Direct: (970) 243-6790
By calling the Clarion Inn directly, you can obtain a discounted rate for Outward Bound students - you must identify yourself as one when making reservations. The hotel also offers the following: free shuttle to/from airport, indoor pool, hot tub, exercise room, restaurant, and in-room movies. Please make reservations 45 days in advance or ASAP.
Frequently Asked Questions
Click here for college credit registration and instructions for how to use 529 college funds to pay for an Outward Bound course
Acute Mountain Sickness, commonly referred to as AMS or altitude illness, is physical symptoms experienced from difficulty adjusting to reduced air pressure and lower oxygen levels at high altitudes. Not everyone experiences AMS, but anyone can experience symptoms upon arriving at higher altitudes usually on the second or third day at altitude. Symptoms can vary widely and include headaches, nausea, loss of appetite, dizziness, and trouble sleeping. While it is possible to experience these symptoms at lower elevations, AMS typically occurs at 8,000 feet above sea level or higher. Our river and canyon-based courses typically operate at 4,000-6,000 feet, and all other courses usually occur between 8,000 -10,000 feet and higher. While on course, we mitigate the risk of AMS sleeping at lower elevations, ensuring students drink 2-4 liters of water per day, and easing into higher-intensity activities. Here are some things you can do to reduce your risk of getting altitude sickness:
- Arrive early if possible. This will give your body time to adjust to the altitude before course.
- Increase your level of physical activity. While activity level doesn’t directly prevent AMS, you will likely be better able to work through the fatigue associated with altitude if you are more physically prepared.
- Get more rest than usual. Prioritize sleeping as preparation for your course! Give yourself plenty of rest time and 8 hours of quality sleep nightly.
- Show up hydrated. Avoid alcohol for at least 3 days before your course and remember to drink 2 or more liters of water per day. It’s easy to forget to drink on travel days so keep your water bottle handy!
- If you are taking prescription medications, consult your doctor about how altitude may affect them. Sometimes our body’s responses to certain medications can change at altitude.
To learn more about what you can do to prepare for your course visit our backcountry awareness page.
Once you submit your initial application, your COBS Course Advisor will send you an enrollment email that contains the links to your Applicant Portal where you can complete your paperwork and check the status of your application.
A typical day usually means getting up early, making breakfast, mapping the route and then embarking on the day's adventure! You will likely travel all day – taking breaks to rest, snack and enjoy the views. Once you reach camp, you will work with your crew mates to prepare dinner and set up camp. There are many other exciting elements of course including a Solo experience and a Personal Challenge Event. To learn more, check out our Course Life page.
Let’s be honest – almost everyone gets homesick from time to time! It’s a totally normal part of any adventure away from home.
Being homesick doesn’t always mean missing loved ones. It can also mean missing the comforts of home – like your bed, your favorite meals, and even your phone. Occasionally missing home is a common and healthy experience. But too much homesickness can get in the way of having a good time.
The best way to prevent overwhelming feelings of homesickness is to be prepared before you depart on your adventure. Check out our blog about the steps you can take before course to mitigate homesickness.
MAIL:
Embarking upon multi-week expedition without most of our comforts from home can be an unfamiliar challenge, and receiving letters from family and/or friends can be incredibly encouraging for everyone on an expedition. Your mail will be delivered to you at transfers and resupplies as well as at the end of course. Your family and friends can send mail to you at the following address. Any undelivered mail received after the course will be forwarded to your home address. Please ask them to mail the letters at least 6 days before the course end. Packages are subject to opening prior to delivery to the student. Packages should be sent via UPS or FedEx as the USPS will not deliver packages all the way to our basecamp. Letters can be sent through the USPS.
Name and Course #
c/o Colorado Outward Bound School
16 Ranch Road
Moab, Utah 84532
General Hygiene
Your instructors will explain the details of backcountry hygiene when you arrive. Groups carry soap and/or hand sanitizer for hand washing. Every student is given one wet wipe per day. You are welcome to bring and additional personal supply. Sometimes there are creeks, rivers, or lakes that groups can splash around in. Although showering and washing hair are not an option while on course, and there are usually no opportunities to wash clothing, it is not as bad as it sounds and we are all in it together.
Every course environment has different techniques and environmentally appropriate practices for going to the bathroom. You will learn how to dispose of human waste in latrines, cat holes, groovers, or other wilderness-area specific methods.
Getting your Period on Course
Diet, altitude, & fitness level can unexpectedly bring on your period or postpone it. You may experience irregularities while out on course. Choose the method you are most comfortable with such as pads, menstrual cups, or tampons and include extra/supplemental supplies. Many of our staff love a reusable menstrual cup (MeLuna, DivaCup or Lena), because it reduces the amount of waste that you will need to carry and pack out. If you’ve never used a menstrual cup, we recommend you research and trial it before course. If using tampons, consider a non-applicator tampon to reduce bulk and waste that needs to be carried. Feel free to contact your course advisor with any questions. Regardless of your choice, we are able to share practices for managing periods and supplies in the backcountry and provide all the supplies to manage waste.
Attending a Colorado Outward Bound Course, like any big experience, requires some planning and preparation. Check out our page about physically and mentally preparing for course.
Our school offers partial scholarships for individual students that cover 20-30% of the full cost of tuition. The amount awarded is financial need-based, but we also take into consideration how motivated a student is to attend course. We try to help all interested students find a way to make our courses affordable but cannot guarantee that we'll be able to give everyone financial aid. Find more information about our scholarships and academic credit here.
For your convenience, you may pay the balance of your tuition online through your invoice or make a payment by phone.
Please have the student's name, course number, course start date and balance due when using this payment option.
In most cases, a $500 deposit has been paid when you applied. Please refer to your Enrollment Email to confirm your balance*. If you are unsure of your balance due, please call (720) 381-6589 or email [email protected].
If your payment is not received by the due date listed in your Enrollment Email, you will risk losing your position on the course and your $500 deposit.
Please review the Admissions and Cancellation Policies.
Still have questions? Click here for more FAQs
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