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About Summer Expeditions for Youth
1. What are “pulling boats”?
You and your group of 8 – 10 students go on a two multi-day expeditions
(4 – 6 days each) on board a 30-foot open “pulling boat.”
This pulling boat was designed after the 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 will explore miles of the Massachusetts
Bay, from the Boston Harbor Islands to the shores of Cape Ann.
2. How do we sleep on the boats?
There are no cabins on the boats, so the oars are laid across the hull
of the boat and the students’ sleeping pads are put on top of the
oars. Students fit best if they alter the directions in which they sleep—head
to foot. If needed, a tarp is rigged to shelter the students from the
weather.
3. Where do we sleep while hiking?
Participants sleep in 3-person A-frame tents, which they are responsible
for setting up.
4. Do we get to take showers?
You will not have the opportunity to take showers during the course. However,
there are many refreshing water sources along the way and you will be
able to shower at the end of course before you return home.
5. Who participates on these courses?
Our students come from all over the United States (and the world), with
the majority coming from the New England states. They are ages 12 –
17, both young women and young men. Connecting with Courage, Passages and Environmental Expeditions
are designed for youth who are currently on track in school and at home.
Intercept, another Thompson Island Outward Bound program, is part adventure
trip, and part assessment and prevention program for youth who need to
get back on track.
6. What is “solo”?
Solo is a time for reflection and introspection. Students relax and recharge
as they think about what they have experienced throughout their course.
Typically the Connecting with Courage and Passages solo lasts anywhere
from two to eight hours, depending on the progress of the group. The Environmental
Expeditions solo is generally a 24-hour overnight experience and Intercept
has a 72-hour solo. It is not a survival exercise. Each student is assigned
an area, provided with water, food and other essentials, and monitored
by instructors.
7. May I call home?
Students are not allowed to call home unless in case of an emergency or
extenuating circumstances, in which case he or she would have access to
a phone. Students can send and receive mail.
8. How many instructors per group?
There typically are three instructors in the field per group: a lead instructor,
an assistant instructor, and a support person. When on the boat, a Coast
Guard certified watch officer replaces the support person.
9. How old are the instructors?
Instructors are on average from 22 to 32 years of age. More experienced
lead instructors tend to be in their mid-twenties and older. Summer interns
who help support courses are typically in their early twenties.
10. What kind of training do instructors have?
All instructors are required to have completed intensive Outward Bound
training programs. Lead instructors are required to have earned Wilderness
First Responder certification and have had at least three years prior
experience working with Outward Bound programs. Many instructors have
backgrounds in education, child development, outdoor education, and clinical
studies.
11. Does Thompson Island Outward Bound check the backgrounds of its
instructors?
Yes, we conduct a GIS national background check on all employees.
12. May I contact alumni?
Yes. Contact us by e-mail or by phone and we will provide you with names
and phone numbers of alumni.
E-mail: Admissions@thompsonisland.org
Phone: 617-328-3900 x 144 or 142
13. Do you have any additional courses in the United States?
Yes. Please check out Outward Bound’s course offerings at: www.outwardboundwilderness.org.
Check out last year’s expeditions, by clicking on ALUMNI
and then OUTWARD BOUND!
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