Open Enrollment Expeditions

Breathtaking wilderness settings coupled with challenge, adventure, and an amazing new group of friends, students can't help but gain new confidence.

Open enrollment courses are Outward Bound expeditions that are available for purchase by any individual. They teach participants technical skills like navigation, camp craft, the basics of backpacking, canoeing, or rock climbing and much more. As students learn these skills in challenging situations, they also learn the value of teamwork, compassion for others and the pursuit of excellence.

The courses below are designed to create a connection with nature and a newfound confidence in participants. Surrounded by like-minded peers and supportive instructors, students build bonds with one another, begin to test their own independence and return home with new insights and skills to share. 

Click below for more info and applications.

Water Gap Backpacking, Canoeing & Leadership

Challenge yourself backpacking and canoeing through the picturesque Appalachian Mountains and canoe through S-shaped chasms of the Delaware River Water Gap on this leadership-building journey with Outward Bound.

This multi-element leadership course is an opportunity for you to challenge yourself backpacking and canoeing through the picturesque Appalachian Mountains and Delaware River Water Gap (the longest free-flowing river in the Eastern United States). Live and travel where the river cuts a twisting path through 1,400-foot Kittatinny Ridge and supports the largest winter populations of bald and golden eagles in the East. Take on new and exciting challenges and feel the adrenaline rush as you learn what it means to be part of a crew. You’ll trust, communicate, motivate and support one another as you test personal limits, practice leadership and teamwork, build confidence and compassion, and meet personal and group goals. You will be positioned to inspire others and sharpen your leadership skills in the outdoor environment. Leave No Trace ethics, backcountry camping skills, and leadership development techniques are part of your training. No prior experience is necessary, but you should bring an open mind, be prepared to take your skills to the next level and push yourself beyond what you thought possible.

TWO Courses Available with convenient course start location in Philadelphia:

Course #PPML-2532
Dates: 7/26/2025 - 8/6/2025
Age: 12 - 14
Days: 12
Cost: $3,950

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Course #PPYL-2451
Dates: 7/24/2025 - 8/6/2025
Age: 14 - 16
Days: 14
Cost: $4,595

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You should arrive physically and mentally prepared for an “Expedition-style” course, meaning you’ll leave the Philadelphia base on the first day of course to travel the backcountry by foot or canoe daily, and not return to base until the last day of the course. You and your group will be moving to a new campsite every night as you travel along your expedition route. This means no showers (perhaps some swimming), no cell phones, no television, nor any other modern luxuries to which you may be accustomed. You should come to your course prepared for, and excited about, devoting all of your time and energy to your expedition, your crew and your Outward Bound experience!