18‑Day Challenger Programme:
Age 16-19
Classic OBHK long‑form sea‑and‑land expedition — 100+ km hiking and 25+ km kayaking, featuring a solo in the wilderness and a community service project to explore who you are, discover your potential, and build resilience and leadership.
QUICK FACTS
Who is it for?
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Age 16-19
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Ready for an extended, immersive expedition
How Long? When?
18 Days 17 Nights
Course Date: Jun 22- Jul 9
***You are also welcome to form your own group of 12 participants**
Group Size?
12 per group
Instructor-to-participant ratios:
General land-based, non-technical activities – 1:12
Activities with technical elements (i.e. water, high element) – 2:12
Where?
OBHK Tai Mong Tsai (TMT) Base and Hong Kong coastal / country park areas
Accommodation: Wild camping
How Much?
HKD 20,700
Eligible for Working Family and Student Financial Assistance Subsidies up to 85%
*All meals included.
***Dietary needs and allergies catered for
Certificate?
YES, ofcourse!
Please complete the application with a self‑introduction letter, a teacher/principal recommendation letter, and the course fee subsidy application form if you wish to apply for subsidy.
Once we receive all completed forms, our staff will contact you.
COURSE OVERVIEW
The Challenger Programme is OBHK’s classic long‑form sea‑and‑land expedition: an immersive 18‑day, 17‑night journey for 16–19‑year‑olds that crosses Hong Kong’s country parks by kayak and on foot. Participants will paddle more than 25 km, hike over 100 km across varied coastal and upland terrain, live expedition‑style in rotating wild‑camp bases, and complete a community service project with local partners. The programme blends sustained physical challenge, advanced expedition skills, leadership rotations and extended reflective practices — including a supervised solo — to support deep personal discovery and lasting growth.
Designed both as a first‑timer welcome and a transformative progression for alumni of OBHK’s shorter courses, the Challenger Programme emphasises holistic development rather than spectacle. Guided by OBHK values — “to serve, to strive, and not to yield” — participants learn practical expedition competence (kayak handling, navigation, campcraft), strengthen resilience, and practise ethical, service‑led leadership while experiencing Hong Kong’s protected marine and country‑park environments and local Hakka communities.
Who is it for?
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Young people aged 16–19 ready for an extended, immersive expedition.
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Ideal for first‑time long‑expedition participants and alumni of OBHK 5‑day courses seeking a deeper challenge.
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Applicants should have basic fitness, commitment to expedition life and a responsible attitude.
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School groups or individuals seeking practical outdoor skills plus guided personal development.
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No previous Outward Bound experience is required.
Why Outward Bound?
Outward Bound Hong Kong (registered charity since 1970) has helped hundreds of thousands of young people build resilience, confidence and practical life skills through accredited experiential programmes.
Our instructors are AEE‑accredited and safety‑trained, specializing in journey-based development for teenagers.
What will participants experience?
CHALLENGE. REFLECTION.
COACHED FEEDBACK
Over 18 days participants live expedition‑style, moving between coastal paddles and multi‑day hiking legs while rotating through practical skill modules, solo reflection and team missions. Below are key experiences they will undertake.
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Multi‑day sea & land expedition: coastal kayaking and long hiking legs across country parks.
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Wild camping & expedition living: advanced campcraft, field cooking and team routines.
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Navigation & route planning: map, compass and team decision‑making.
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Signature experiences: Sunrise Summit Challenge and a supervised solo.
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Community service project with local partners and cultural engagement with Hakka villages.
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Real‑condition learning: adapting to weather, terrain and group dynamics.
Learning Outcomes
Throughout the journey, participants will gain #FutureSkills and measurable personal & interpersonal capabilities through progressive challenge and reflection:
They will develop:
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Strengthen resilience (cope, recover, persist).
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Advance leadership & teamwork: lead tasks, rotate roles, support peers.
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Improve independence & self‑management: expedition routines, personal responsibility.
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Gain practical expedition competence: kayak handling, navigation, campcraft and safety.
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Enhance problem‑solving & situational judgement in real conditions.
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Develop reflective practice: translate solo time and debriefs into personal goals.
What difference can parents see?
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Greater confidence in unfamiliar or challenging situations.
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Stronger self‑management: packing, routines and personal responsibility.
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Improved communication, cooperation and empathy with peers.
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Practical evidence of skills: safe use of equipment, map reading and camp routines.
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Calmer responses to setbacks and faster recovery.
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Emerging leadership: planning or leading small tasks under supervision.
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Deeper reflection: talks about choices, learning and next steps after the course.
Safety Highlights
1. All sessions run by experienced, qualified, competent full‑time instructors
2.Instructor-to-student ratios:
General land-based, non-technical activities – 1:12
Activities with technical elements – 2:12
3. Comprehensive risk assessments and emergency protocols
4. Robust child safeguarding policies and ongoing staff training
5. Programs aligned with standards from the Outward Bound International network and overseen by an independent External Risk Management Committee, with institutional accreditation from the Association for Experiential Education (AEE).
Medical & Fitness Requirements
1. Submit completed medical form and consent
2. Inform us of allergies, medications, or special needs
3. Basic fitness required (able to join school PE lesson)
READY TO ENROL?
Course Fee: HKD 20,700
What is included?
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All instructor-led sessions
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All equipment
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Accommodation
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All meals
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Local transfers during programme
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Pre‑course briefing for parents/guardians
What to bring?
(For reference only. A full packing list will be provided upon enrolment.)
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Daypack
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Water bottle
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Closed-toe shoes (hiking)
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Spare clothes
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Light rain jacket
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Sun hat
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Swimwear & towel
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Toiletries
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Small torch
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Personal medication (clearly labelled)
Payment Method: Credit card, FPS, bank transfer.
Sponsorship: Eligible for Working Family and Student Financial Assistance Subsidies up to 85%
General Refund Policy:
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If for personal/ family circumstances you need to cancel and refund your program, after the deduction of the HKD1,000 administration charge, you can obtain a conditional refund according to the following conditions:
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The remaining balance will be refunded providing written notice is received at least 30 working days prior to program commencement.
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50% of the balance will be refunded for written notice received 20 working days prior to program commencement.
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No refund will be made if written notice of cancellation is received less than 20 working days before program commencement.
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OBHK reserves the right to cancel a program for various reasons. OBHK may also refuse participation in the program at its sole discretion, determines to be incapable of meeting the rigors or requirements for participating in the program:
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o A full refund or an alternative program will be offered. There is no administration charge incurred.
FAQ
Q: How strenuous is the course?
A: Participants will hike and/or kayak for several hours per day with rests. Basic fitness is required, and instructors pace the group according to conditions and ability.
Q: Do participants need to be strong swimmers?
A: No, but they should be comfortable around water. Lifejackets are worn for all water activities and instructors provide close supervision.
Q: What happens in bad weather?
A: Activities adapt to conditions; safety is prioritised. Some sessions may move to alternative land-based options.
Q: Are instructors first-aid trained?
A: Yes — all lead instructors hold current first-aid and water-safety qualifications.
Q: Can my child take medication?
A: Yes — disclose and label medication on the medical form; staff will store/administer as required.
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