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On Outward Bound Environmental Expeditions, high-school students explore with expert sailors and naturalists. They learn to navigate along the Massachusetts coastline, get a first hand view of coastal ecosystems, develop outdoor skills, rock-climb and conduct science experiments.
14-Day Courses
| COURSE # | DATES | MULTI-ACTIVITY | COURSE AREA |
| OBEE 41 |
June 21– July 4 |
Sailing, rock-climbing |
Boston Harbor; Cape Ann |
| OBEE 42 |
July 12– July 25 |
Sailing, rock-climbing |
Boston Harbor; Cape Ann |
| OBEE 43 |
August 2 – August 15 |
Sailing, rock-climbing |
Boston Harbor; 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. 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. |
