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Outward Bound Environmental Expedition (OBEE) courses give students the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of seamanship while studying the nature and science that surrounds them. They learn to navigate along the Massachusetts coastline, get a first hand view of coastal ecosystems, develop outdoors skills, rock-climb and conduct science experiments as they sail many miles up the Massachusetts Bay, from the Boston Harbor Islands to the shores of Cape Ann.
Along with 8 to 10 students, OBEE will focus on all sailing and safety tactics as well as marine conservation and the “science of the sea.” Students become very familiar with their 30-foot pulling-boats, as you will be eating, sleeping and living on them. While on course, each student to work in a team setting, both as a leader and a participant on and off the boat. Not only will you walk away with physical and educational skills, but like all Outward Bound expeditions, OBEE will touch on decision-making skills that you don’t focus on in everyday life – both personal and environmental.
Cast your sails to the wind and join us for a two-week adventure of a lifetime!
14-Day Courses
| COURSE # | DATES |
MULTI-ACTIVITY | COURSE AREA |
| OBEE 44 |
July 12– July 25 |
Sailing, Climbing Challenge Course |
Boston Harbor Isalnds National Park Area; Massachusetts Bay, Cape Ann |
| OBEE 45 |
August 2 – August 15 |
Sailing, Climbing Challenge Course |
Boston HarborIsalnds National Park Area ; Massachusetts Bay, Cape Ann |
Sample Schedule
| Day 1 | Registration & introductions | | Days 2 – 5 | Training expedition aboard the Outward Bound pulling boats with Outward Bound instructors. Explore Harbor Islands; study coastal marine life and habitats; and learn seamanship and navigation techniques. | | Day 6 | Meet marine scientists and tour research laboratories. | | Days 7 – 8 | Learn how to rock-climb and rappel. Science-at-sea day aboard research motor vessel. | | Days 9 – 13 | Final expedition aboard pulling boats. Advanced sailing and seamanship, leadership development, and continued coastal exploration. Solo experience and reflection time. Discussion and strategy session for staying active in home environments. Group service project. | | Day 14 | Group review of program and experience. Graduation ceremony with parents, presentations, and guest speakers. |
 You and your coed group of 8 – 10 students go on two multi-day expeditions (4 – 6 days each) on board a 30 foot ketch-rigged “pulling boat,” a boat designed after life saving vessels from the early Coast Guard, that is powered by sail or oar. You will eat on it. Sleep on it. Live on it. And, you'll explore miles of the Massachusetts Bay, from the Boston Harbor Islands to the shores of Cape Ann.
Your instructors will teach the fundamentals of seamanship including chart reading, navigation and sail theory. In addition, a naturalist will join you at different times during your expedition as your group explores the salt marsh, rocky shore and sandy beach habitats found along the Massachusetts coastline. Topics of study might include bio-diversity, maritime history and folklore, cycles and patterns in nature, and marine science careers. You'll focus on marine conservation issues and spend a special “science at sea” day aboard a motor vessel equipped to perform water sampling, plankton tows and other oceanographic techniques.  Sign up today! Space is limited!
Call our admissions department at: 617-328-3900 x 142 or x 144
Or e-mail: admissions@thompsonisland.org.
For registration information, please click here.
Check out last year’s expeditions, by clicking on ALUMNI and then OUTWARD BOUND!
Also, see the FAQ and application form in this section of the Web site.
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