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Safety at Outward Bound

Find out more about the centre you are visiting.

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 our school residential 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.

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

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

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

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

Do I have to do every activity? 
Instructors encourage you to try everything but will not ask you to do anything unsafe or beyond your ability.

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. We offer guidance on how to prepare in advance.

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

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.

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 how to manage toileting when away from the centre.

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.

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.

Working together at the Centre

We want you to feel confident and involved during your course. Here’s how things work once you arrive.

Who’s who:

• Each Centre is led by a Head of Centre, with day-to-day centre programmes managed by a Logistics Co-ordinator, who you'll meet when you arrive.
• Your course will be led by a Course Director. They will be your main point of contact if you have questions or need support, and they will work with you to ensure the course is as you wish.
• Learning and Adventure Managers support with staff development, and there will be a nominated Manager who will have an overview of safety and be on hand to support you with decisions.
• Your Group Instructor (working with groups of up to 12) leads the activities, supports your group’s welfare and helps every participant get the most from their course.
• Overnight, Duty Instructional staff are on site from 5.00pm to 9.00am, providing pastoral care and support if needed.

Often, several groups share the Centre during the week.

Your role as Visiting Staff

Your involvement makes a real difference. We ask Visiting Staff to:

• Supervise your group throughout the course.
• Nominate one staff member as the main contact for your school or organisation.
• Support Outward Bound staff with discipline and wellbeing when needed.
• Follow our Community Code.
• Join in with activities where possible.
• Take part in review sessions to reflect on the group’s progress.
• Encourage good timekeeping and tidy shared spaces.
• Help manage participants’ medication and assist if anyone feels unwell.

What you’ll gain

It’s not just young people who benefit. Many teachers tell us that seeing their pupils in a different environment helps them better understand their strengths and needs back in school. Some say it also helps develop their own teaching practice.

• 72% of teachers felt better able to support pupils after the course.
• 80% said they gained personally or professionally from being involved.