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Pathfinder Texas Big Bend Canoeing & Backpacking

Photograph (above) taken by Mikaela Hamilton

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LOCATION

q Texas

EXPEDITION TYPE

Backpacking

Canoeing

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES

Desert Backpacking, River Navigation, Service, Whitewater Canoeing, Rock Climbing, Canyoneering

PRICE

$7,395

PROGRAM

Pathfinder

AGES

18-25

LENGTH

30 Days

START LOCATION

El Paso, TX

END LOCATION

El Paso, TX

SEASON(S)

Fall

Winter

SKILLS

TECHNICAL

Basic First Aid
Basic Paddle Strokes
Belaying a Climber
Campcraft
Constellation Identification
Food Preparation and Cooking
Leave No Trace Methods & Ethics
Map and Compass
Natural History
Navigation
Rappelling
River Reading
Safety and Risk Management

INTERPERSONAL

Character
Conflict Resolution
Independence
Leadership
Positive Risk Taking
Problem Solving
Responsibility
Self Awareness
Self Confidence
Service

“I entered this course with the hope that I would grow and learn but had very little idea how. I hoped that I would gain confidence and courage, I hoped that I’d find my way. But this course was hard. I was uncomfortable. And that was the greatest gift Outward Bound could have given me. There is little room for growth within your comfort zone and miles and miles and miles of growth out there, in the wilderness. And out there you also find lessons about concepts you never even thought of. I could probably write a book on the things I’ve learned during these 30 days! –Danielle, Voyageur Outward Bound School Pathfinder Alum

“On my pathfinder journey, I learned many things about myself. I learned that I can do anything I set my mind to & I can push myself further than I ever believed possible. I am the master of my own destiny and how I act and portray myself greatly affects the outcome. I appreciate the chance I got to spent 30 days and 30 nights with eight other people searching for answers to questions we didn’t even know we had. “ – Josh, Voyageur Outward Bound School Pathfinder Alum

“On this experience I learned a lot about myself as well as how to live and work with a group of people. All of us came from different backgrounds, strengths and weaknesses. We learned how to use those strengths to benefit the group. We learned how to manage and support others through their struggles. Although Outward Bound is challenging, you will feel a sense of pride and accomplishment like no other when you finish. And you definitely see the parallels of the simple tasks in the back country to the complex situations life throws at you in the front country.” –Julia, Voyageur Outward Bound School Pathfinder Alum

Learn to take risks, take ownership for your actions and identify your own strengths while experiencing the thrill of adventure amidst the stunning Texas landscape.

With all of the color and contrast the Rio Grande area has to offer, this Pathfinder expedition is an unforgettable wilderness learning experience. On this 30-day canoeing and backpacking expedition, you’ll discover your strengths and develop skills that will shape your future as you travel, learn and grow in the American Southwest. Deliberately focused on character development, personal leadership, self-awareness and accountability, Outward Bound Pathfinder expeditions are designed to cultivate confident and compassionate young adults. While you’ll certainly acquire an extensive range of practical outdoor and life skills, even more important is the confidence, independence and sense of pride that comes from mastering those skills. Foster a connection to the greater community as you interact with local people and expand your cultural awareness while practicing the Outward Bound ethic of service. Prior to completion of the course, participate in a facilitated family conversation where your family can gain insight into your experience and discuss how your newfound knowledge will transfer back to your daily life.

NOTE: This course requires that students submit proof of "Up-to-Date" COVID-19 Vaccination status as defined by the CDC. For questions regarding this policy please see this page or call us at 866-467-7651.

Financial aid is available for qualifying applicants. Here's how to apply for financial aid, and what to expect:

Enroll on a course.
On your application, choose "yes" when asked if you intend to apply for financial aid.
After receiving your application, your Course Advisor will send you a scholarship application, other enrollment materials and further instructions.

To learn more about applying for financial aid with the Voyageur Outward Bound School, visit the website or call 866-467-7651.

UPCOMING COURSES

What is this?

For detailed information on course availability statuses and what they mean, click here.

COURSE #	DATES	DAYS	AGE	COST
VRPF-262	11.4.22 - 12.3.22	30	18 - 25	$ 7,395	APPLY NOW
VRPF-361	1.23.23 - 2.21.23	30	18 - 25	$ 7,395	APPLY NOW
VRPF-362	2.26.23 - 3.27.23	30	18 - 25	$ 7,395	APPLY NOW

Thank you for your interest in Outward Bound!

This course starts within the next week. Please call us at 866-467-7651 to assess the possibility of applying for this course!

Pathfinder Courses

Sometimes you don’t know where you want to go in life until you spend a few weeks in the middle of nowhere. Pathfinder expeditions give you time and space to understand what’s important to you and the skills to get there. Over the next 30 days, you’ll rise to meet natural challenges, becoming accustomed to setting goals, making decisions, and recovering from set-backs, all of which help clarify bigger choices that await you in life beyond your course.

Build skills, form connections: Learn and practice wilderness, teamwork, adaptability and leadership skills. Participants will have the opportunity to chart a path and pursue it with their own motivation as extra fuel.
Value strengths and strengthen values: Resiliency to recover from set-backs is a treasured and useful skill that will play a part in any Pathfinder expedition. Participants will explore answers to their most pressing questions about what they value, where their strengths lie and what direction their lives will take next.
Demonstrate mastery: As students gain confidence in new skills, they will take on more leadership and decision-making responsibilities and gain a deeper understanding of who they are as individuals. The entire crew will work together and individually to achieve goals, solve problems and succeed.
What you’ll learn: After spending 30 days in the wilderness, you’ll have mastered multiple outdoor skills and you’ll know what it takes to traverse mountain passes, climb the steepest cliffs and successfully navigate the challenges of the natural world around you. You’ll discover more about your true self and what you want to achieve, how you overcome setbacks and, most importantly, how to move forward to reach important milestones.

Return home after broadening your horizons, learning how to adapt to new environments and trying untested possibilities, with an action plan for the future. With newfound leadership potential, self-awareness, and problem-solving skills, you’ll be ready for your next big step.

Photo courtesy of Dan Blessing

Photo courtesy of Dan Blessing

Photo courtesy of Mikaela Hamilton

Photo courtesy of Mikaela Hamilton

Whitewater Canoeing

After first learning basic whitewater strokes in calm currents, students are ready to begin the expedition. Paddling together, the group travels down-river through sections of calm currents and swift-moving whitewater rapids. The waters of the Rio Grande offer beginning and more advanced paddlers a progressive challenge and a perfect place to learn and hone skills.

Instructors assist students in mastering skills of paddling, scouting and running rapids. Students learn all the skills they need to move efficiently down-river, including an introduction to whitewater rescue techniques. As there are only two students in a whitewater canoe, everyone has the opportunity to "captain their watercraft." Students learn to adapt to the river and desert environments and reset their internal clock to rise with the sun and sleep with the moon.

Photo courtesy of Erin McCleary

Photo courtesy of Emma Rapp

Photo courtesy of Erin McCleary

Photo courtesy of Jesse Swedlund

Desert Backpacking

At altitudes of 2,000-8,000 feet, backpack the vast Chisos Mountains and explore the Chihuahuan Desert, crossing mountainous terrain and traveling through water-polished canyons. The small group will hike both on and off trail, crossing mountain passes, exploring immense canyons and traversing a rugged desert where atmospheric clarity and wide-open spaces make distances deceiving and navigation challenging. While hiking, students will learn desert travel skills such as strategies for water management and environmental preservation and the finer points of balance and foot placement on rough terrain.

Photo courtesy of Holly Noble

Rock Climbing & Rappelling

On the scenic cliffs of the Rio Grande overlooking the mountains of Mexico is Black Rocks – a beautiful climbing site in Big Bend Ranch State Park. Known mostly to locals, this seldom-visited spot gives students a unique opportunity for back-country rock climbing. These 30 to 80 foot cliffs offer a variety of beginner and intermediate climbs that provide an ideal introduction to rock climbing. Regardless of a student’s rock climbing and rappelling background, everyone is sure to find challenge and success at Black Rocks.

All Outward Bound rock climbing and rappelling experiences are carefully supervised and employ safety systems aligned with national standards. During climbing days, students learn about rock climbing equipment, safety and etiquette, belaying techniques and climbing rescue techniques. Encouraged and supported by their group, students push their perceived limits and expand their comfort zones in a safe, fun and non-competitive environment.

Photo courtesy of Annie Cohen

Canyoneering

Weather and group dynamics permitting, there may be an opportunity to go canyoneering on this course. During this activity, the group will descend down steep canyons using rappel techniques learned during their rock climbing experience. These canyons often provide a group problem-solving aspect as students descend the canyon, cross pools of water and navigate maze-like boulder constrictions. During canyoneering, teamwork is essential to getting everyone and their equipment safely and efficiently through the canyon.

Note: In an effort to adhere to CDC guidelines related to COVID-19, canyoneering as an activity may potentially be eliminated from this course temporarily.

Service

Service is a cornerstone of every Outward Bound experience. From the seemingly small daily acts of service for the environment to the regular tasks of being part of an expeditionary team, students have ample opportunities to experience the value of giving back to the larger community. On the expedition, students are encouraged to practice environmental stewardship in the form of Leave No Trace ethics—leaving campsites and trails in better condition than they found them. Service projects are designed to offer as much interaction with local communities as possible, as a way of exchanging cultural awareness and fostering a sense of connection to the larger world. The specific type of service project depends upon the structure of the course as well as local needs and opportunities. Many times, the service project in Texas includes work with the state park.

Solo

At one point during the expedition students are provided a secluded spot to reflect alone, with all the food, skills and supplies they need, and are monitored by staff throughout the experience to maintain safety. We call this part of course, Solo. The Solo experience provides an important break from the rigors of the expedition and gives students the opportunity to reflect on their Outward Bound experience. Many students use this reflection time to make decisions about their future, journal and enjoy the beauty of their surroundings unencumbered by the constant external stimulation of modern life. The duration of Solo depends on the course length and type, as well as the competency and preparedness of the student group. Students find that Solo provokes profound and powerful learning in a short period of time and often becomes one of the most memorable parts of their Outward Bound course.

Outcomes

A 30-day Pathfinder course provides the opportunity to chart a path, the motivation to begin the journey and the skills required to achieve personal and professional goals. While adventuring in the backcountry and tackling physical, mental and emotional challenges, students will:

Develop more confidence and tenacity
Gain a deeper understanding of themselves, their strengths and values, and how to move forward in alignment with those values
Increase self-knowledge and awareness, as evidenced by a clearer sense of identity and an increase in sense of potential
Develop grit and self-efficacy, as evidenced by increased perseverance and confidence to complete tasks and reach for goals
Improve decision-making skills through the day-to-day running of an expedition

Depart with written goals for the future along with increased resiliency to handle what challenges may come as they pursue their newly defined direction.

Photo courtesy of Mikaela Hamilton

Photo courtesy of Erika Jabas

Photo courtesy of Rachael Pace

Course Area

Big Bend Ranch State Park and Big Bend National Park, Texas

Along the US-Mexico border in southwestern Texas, a powerful river and a mountainous desert unite in Texas’ Big Bend park system. The Texas course area is one of the most remote and geologically interesting in the nation. The Rio Grande River carves a huge, sweeping bend where Big Bend National Park earns its name. This 750,000-square mile wilderness is the eighth largest national park in the lower 48 states and a desert backpacking and rock-climbing paradise. In this region, delicate desert flowers exist alongside fossilized trees millions of years old. Mountain passes give way to steep-walled canyons and cliffs. The land itself is awe-inspiring, with canyons towering 300 to 1,200 feet over the river. It is one of the last true desert regions in North America. Much of this rugged land has remained unchanged for centuries. Hundreds of species of birds and a healthy diversity of other animal and plant communities thrive within the splendid isolation of ancient limestone canyons, juniper and mesquite-covered mesas and coal-black night skies. These regions are the ancestral lands of the Jumanos, Yoli (Concho), Pescado, Mescalero Apache and Chiso nations.

SAMPLE ITINERARY

DAY 1-4

Meet group, pack, start backpacking introduction trip*

DAY 5-13

Whitewater canoeing on the Rio Grande

DAY 14

Rock climbing

DAY 15-24

Backpacking expedition in Big Bend

DAY 25-26

Final expedition

DAY 27