Gear up for Summer!

Participant Information Form how to guide 

What to pack?
We’ll provide you with walking boots, waterproofs, a rucksack, a roll mat, and a sleeping bag (where appropriate), so don’t worry about bringing these. You can bring your own kit if you have it, but most people prefer to borrow ours. 

All you need to bring is personal clothing and footwear, including things to wear during the evening, when you're not taking part in activities.

We advise leaving any valuable items behind. We can give you access to a safety deposit box, and if you’re travelling from abroad, please keep your passport and important travel documents there.

Download your Summer Adventures kit list

We have kit to support different religious and cultural needs - including swim caps, water niqabs, water hijabs and outdoor prayer mats. Let us know in advance and we’ll make sure the centre you’re going to has what you need.  If you already have your own kit items, please bring them with you.

Do I need to bring toiletries and a towel? 
Yes, please bring your own toiletries and towel. Aerosols are not allowed for safety reasons.

What if I start my period? 
You can still take part in all activities. Period products (pads and tampons) are available at the centre and on expeditions. Instructors carry spare products and can help if needed.

What fitness level do I need? 
You’ll get the most out of your course if you have a reasonable level of fitness, but enthusiasm is just as important.

What if I’m fasting during my course? 
We’ll work with you and your family to adjust your programme so you can fully take part while fasting.

Do I need any spending money? 
Around £15 is recommended for the shop. Our shops don’t accept card.

What time do your Summer Adventures start and finish? 
Start at 2pm on day one, finish at 1pm on the last day.

Do I need insurance?
Please ensure you take out your own cover for this trip, and that it covers travel, cancellation, baggage etc and anything else you may require, just like you would if going on holiday. See T&Cs for full information about repayment after changes to booking. 

What are the dorm rooms like?
Dorms vary in size, with bunk beds and some en-suites. Roommates are assigned by Outward Bound.

Where do I shower? 
Some rooms have en-suite showers, or shared facilities nearby.

Is there charging points in the dorm rooms? 
Yes, there are plug sockets in dorm rooms and common areas.

Can I wash my clothes at the centre? 
Laundry is only available for longer courses, 14 days plus. Short courses do not offer a laundry service unless it's an emergency.

Where will I sleep whilst on expedition? 
You’ll camp in tents provided by us, with full support from your instructor.

How do I take care of personal hygiene on an expedition?
Instructors will advise you. You’ll go back to basics, but we provide the right equipment to manage hygiene safely and comfortably.

What do I do if I need to go to the toilet outdoors? 
Instructors will guide you on the best way to manage toileting when away from the centre.

Will my dietary requirements be catered for? 
Yes. Let us know in your Participant Information Form and our catering team will make sure your needs are met. This includes allergies, vegan, vegetarian, Halal and other requirements. 

What will I be eating whilst on expedition? 
You’ll be given tasty ration packs that provide all the energy you need for outdoor activities.

Find out more about the centre you are visiting. 

Book your bus transfer to the centre.

What activities will I be doing? 
Activities may include expeditioning, gorge walking, high ropes, rock climbing, hill walking, canoeing, sailing, kayaking, raft building and more, depending on your course and the weather.

Do I have to do every activity? 
Instructors encourage you to try everything, but won’t ask you to do anything unsafe or beyond your ability.

Will I get wet? 
Yes, some activities involve water. Your instructor will advise on what to wear.

Are there any rules to be aware of? 
Yes, all participants follow The Outward Bound Way.

Is there anything I am not allowed to bring? 
Aerosols and penknives are not allowed for safety reasons.

Can I have my phone during the activity?
No, phones are used in the evenings. We recommend a disposable camera for use during activities. 

Can my friend or sibling be in the same group as me? 
We try to limit existing friendship groups to 2 per group. Let us know in advance if you’d like to be placed together.

What can we do in our free time? 
There are games, sports, films and social spaces at the centre.

What time will I have to get up? 
A typical day starts at 7am with activities running from 9am to 5pm, followed by evening activities and free time.

Can I bring my mobile phone, valuables and is there internet access? 
Phones are collected and kept safe. Young people can use their mobile phones in the evenings; your instructor will explain this to you on arrival. Valuables are best left at home, but can be stored securely if needed. If you want photos during your activities, we recommend a disposable camera. 

What can I buy in the shop? 
Snacks, drinks, souvenirs and essentials are available in the centre shop.

What will I get out of the Outward Bound course? 
You’ll develop confidence, resilience, new skills and make lasting friendships.

Can I do my DofE Award with Outward Bound? 
Some sections of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme can be completed as part of your Outward Bound course.

If you are taking on a 7-day Ridge, 14-day Summit or our 19-day Pinnacle adventure with us, you can count this as your Gold Residential. Our 5 Day adventures cannot be used. All you need to do is get it approved by your award organiser (your APP) before your adventure takes place to meet DofE award requirements. Then, when you've completed your adventure, your APP need to sign off on the residential element.

Do I need to let anyone know I'm doing parts of my DofE with Outward Bound?
Yes, make sure you tell your school, scout group or whoever you enrolled with that you plan to complete your residential with us (that's your APP) before the adventure takes place - they'll need to approve and sign it off. Once you've completed your adventure, you can use your certificate as evidence.

Can I backdate my adventure so it qualifies for my residential?
Yes, any of our Summer Adventures can be backdated by up to 3 months and still count towards the residential section of your DofE Award. However, you should make sure that you backdate from the start date of your adventure, not the end.

If in doubt, speak to your DofE Leader to check.

Outward Bound and the DofE

Not everyone know’s this, but when the Duke of Edinburgh was growing up he was taught by Kurt Hahn. The very same Kurt Hahn that co-founded Outward Bound! Small world, right?

In fact, the guy made such an impression on His Royal Highness that he inspired him to set up his very own DofE Award, based on the old Moray Badge at Gordonstoun school. No wonder we’ve got so much in common!

It’s no accident that the DofE was also our Patron for over 65 years. Helping us spread our mission and Kurt Hahn’s motto to over 30 countries and millions of young people worldwide: “there is more in you than you think”.

We know your phone matters. But being here means switching off for a bit and focusing on what’s around you. So, when you arrive, we’ll ask you to hand in your phone and any other devices. You’ll get them back at set times in communal areas. If you come with your school or organisation, we will adhere to their guidance. 

You won’t be able to use your phone during activities. If a device is used in a way that’s unsafe, unkind or breaks trust - like sharing inappropriate content or bullying - it could mean leaving the course early. We also can’t take responsibility for lost or damaged devices, so make sure you’re covered.

If your parent or guardian needs to contact you at any point, they can ring the centre for an update, or to pass on a message.

You can find out more about travelling to Outward Bound from other countries here.