You do not have to be an athlete or in peak physical condition to attend an Outward Bound course, but you do have to be ready both physically and mentally to take on the challenges you will experience while on course. It would be helpful if you began to slowly and steadily prepare yourself before the course. This maybe as simple as taking the stairs rather than the lift or taking a regular walk in the evenings. The key here is that your physical activity be regular and vigorous.

Previous experience is NOT necessary! You don't need to know how to swim, hike, or camp! We will teach you everything to survive in the wilderness. Just enjoy!

Each journey is unique, and everyone is encouraged to participate Outward Bound more than once, even with the same course! Every journey will vary based on different factors, i.e. weather, participants' mix.

There is an element of risk inherent in every part of our lives, and completing challenging outdoor activities is no different. However, with our rigorous training, high staff:participant ratios, quality equipment, risk management systems and external accreditation, we manage risk effectively. OBHK meets or exceeds all safety standards set out by the Association for Experiential Education. We take risk-management seriously and as a result are proud of our record. We cannot eliminate risk - it is essential for effective learning to take place - but we have everything in place to ensure it is effectively managed.

Enrolment takes just easy 3 steps Step 1: Fill In The Enrolment-Form Step 2: Insurance (Optional) Step 3: Make Payment

Enrolment will be closed two weeks before the course starts. We recommend submitting your enrolment at least one month before the course starts, if not more! If your first choice course is full, you will hear from our team to help you to decide to either join the waiting list for that course, or sign up for another course of your choice.

Course fees cover the instructors overseeing the safety, well-being and facilitation of learning, as well as food, rations, camping gear and safety equipment. However, insurance is not included. You can prepare extra insurance at your own cost or join our Group Personal Accident Insurance Scheme. You will need to provide your own outdoor-appropriate clothes, shoes, and toiletries.

Outward Bound does offer financial aid, based on need, motivation, and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Financial aid typically averages between 40% and 80% of the course tuition. To apply, make sure to answer “yes” to the question on our enrolment form (under the payment section) that asks if you would like to be considered for financial aid. Outward Bound will send you a financial aid application, and we will notify you of the award offer having received and reviewed your completed paperwork. The enrolment fee is fully refundable if you apply for financial aid and you do not receive the award necessary for your course.

Firstly, make sure you really want to cancel your spot- our courses fill quickly and you will lose your spot right away! If you need to change your enrolment, please email info@outwardbound.org.hk right away.

We want everyone to have the opportunity to participate in an Outward Bound course, so we make every reasonable effort to accommodate medical needs. However, your safety is our biggest priority, and if we feel a course might put your health at risk, your application may be rejected. It is critical that you are open and transparent about your medical needs on the Enrolment Form so that we can ensure we can meet your needs. We have a detailed medical screening process so that we can ensure we can meet your needs and keep you safe. Our staff are experienced at handling a variety of different needs on course. Should there be any concern for any medical condition shown in the personal medical history record, Outward Bound Hong Kong will contact you to gather more information, or to request medical clearance from a registered Doctor prior to joining a course. It is rare that an application is rejected because of medical screening, but if this happens, your $800 deposit is fully refundable.

You do not have to be an athlete or in peak physical condition to attend an Outward Bound course, but you do have to be ready both physically and mentally to take on the challenges you will experience while on course. It would be helpful if you began to slowly and steadily prepare yourself before the course. This maybe as simple as taking the stairs rather than the lift or taking a regular walk in the evenings. The key here is that your physical activity be regular and vigorous.

Previous experience is NOT necessary! You don't need to know how to swim, hike, or camp! We will teach you everything to survive in the wilderness. Just enjoy!

Absolutely NOT A PROBLEM! Every participant must wear Outward Bound approved life jackets during water activities. Before the start of every course, each participant must complete a Water Confidence Test (WCT) before any water activities. The objective of the WCT is to allow the instructor to observe and understand the skill level of individual participants in the water and their ability to stay afloat with the aid of either a life jacket or buoyancy aid. It is also an opportunity for the participant to get used to the buoyancy a flotation device provides and feel at ease floating in the water.

At all our courses, we do provide basic gear and equipment, such as backpack, sleeping mat, sleeping bag, eating utensils and cooking stove. On the other hand, we encourage all participants to bring all the gear we recommend to ensure a safe, comfortable and inspirational journey ahead. General Packing Reference Sailing Course Packing Reference Packing List Reference Clothing 1. Sun hat with wide brim and retaining strap 2. Long-sleeved top (synthetic material, cotton not preferred) 3. Pants/Trousers 4. T-shirt 5. Underwear (sets) 6. Lightweight rainproof jacket 7. Swimming costume 8. Bandana / BUFF / HAD type neck protector Footwear 1. Sports socks 2. Hiking socks 3. Shoes with good grip and ankle support such as hiking boots or trail running shoes 4. Wet shoes for water activities (must protect toes and heels, no sandals or flip-flops) Toiletries 1. Sunscreen (SPF 25 or higher) 2. After-sun lotion 3. Insect repellent 4. Tooth brush / tooth paste 5. Talcum powder (enough for the length of your course) 6. Tampons / sanitary napkins 7. Lip balm with sun block 8. Comb (optional) 9. Sports towel Special for Winter 1. Warm long-sleeved shirt (polyester) 2. Fleece sweater (polyester) 3. Warm hat / Beanie (polyester or wool) 4. Gloves 5. Scarf 6. Warm outer jacket

Outward Bound courses are for everyone who has an open mind, a willingness to try new things, and a desire to challenge themselves. You may have never experienced anything quite like an Outward Bound course before, as you prepare your gear and start physical training, consider some mental preparation as well: Being Away from Home Whether it is the first or the 20th time you have been away from home, you might not have been this “out of touch.” Don’t be surprised if you feel homesick at some point. Your instructors and teammates will serve as a supportive community while you’re on course. Simple Lifestyle Things we may take for granted like hot running water, upholstered furniture and sidewalks will not be part of your course experience. When you get into the routines of outdoor living, you may notice that life in the outdoors and life at home meet the same basic needs- food, clothing, shelter and the relationships you have with those around you. Get excited to leave all non-essentials like mobile phone, deodorant, make up, and electronic devices behind and focus on the important stuff. Teamwork This is your chance to meet new people and make new friends. Get excited to be part of a team! Think about any team experiences you may have had in the past, and reflect about what you did well and also what you could have done better to make a better team. Community Living In addition to working closely with your team, you'll also be living closely, such as sharing dorms, tents, meals, and bathrooms. This means more opportunities to practice communication, and deal with conflict in a positive and constructive manner. Group Discussion Your instructors will lead group discussions along with the debriefing each day. Be prepared to share your perspective and gain insight from others during these discussions. Through coaching from your instructors, your group will practice positive communication and conflict resolution techniques. Hopefully, these lessons will extend to your everyday life. Choose Your Challenge Outward Bound values emphasize stepping out of your comfort zone and challenging yourself. The more you put into your Outward Bound course, the more you'll get out of it. This doesn't mean to you have to take on the same challenges as the rest of your group, it means you should be honest with yourself about what level of challenge is appropriate to you.

Once you arrive, our instructors will ask you to lock your valuables, which includes any technology items and wallet, in a safe. Outward Bound courses provide a valuable break from everyday life, and leaving your phone behind is part of that magic! Cameras are welcome on course as long as they are not part of a smart phone.

Outward Bound instructors are full-time coaches, safety monitors, first-aid providers, teachers, and mentors. Our staff come from Hong Kong and all over the world, and they are hired as much for their people skills as for their technical skills. Our instructors have undergone rigorous internal training to ensure that they meet our required level of competency. They also receive internal and external certifications in first aid, lifesaving, navigation, risk management, and various technical skill.

Our safety ratio for all groups of all ages is 12 participants maximum with 1 instructors per group.

There is an element of risk inherent in every part of our lives, and completing challenging outdoor activities is no different. However, with our rigorous training, high staff:participant ratios, quality equipment, risk management systems and external accreditation, we manage risk effectively. OBHK meets or exceeds all safety standards set out by the Association for Experiential Education. We take risk-management seriously and as a result are proud of our record. We cannot eliminate risk - it is essential for effective learning to take place - but we have everything in place to ensure it is effectively managed.

Hygiene is critical to the safety and success of a course! Whether it's a swim in the creek, doing dishes in a bucket, or a hand-wash from a water-bottle, instructors will ensure that all participants are maintaining high hygiene. It just might not look like what it does at home- don't expect laundry facilities or a luxurious bath!

At base, Outward Bound is equipped with washrooms and running water. On camping journeys, we follow a set of Leave No Trace principles, and will use self-made ‘cat-hole’ toilets in the wilderness areas. Don't worry, instructors will teach you how!

Our instructors are trained to assess the severity of medical conditions and injuries. Most often, it is a minor injury and the participant can continue the course with the care of our instructor. If a participant is deemed to require further medical attention, Outward Bound Hong Kong will make the necessary arrangements while maintaining contact with parents or guardians. Wherever possible, we work to return the participant to course.

Course menu is designed by a professional nutritionist to provide nutritional and healthy orientated dietary foods that is suitable for every participant on course to ensure each participant receive appropriate calories and the nutrients that they require for the course.

All prescription medications must be approved by Outward Bound prior to the course start. On courses for participants under 18 who have written consent by parents or guardians, instructors will oversee the medication use. Please bring enough prescription medications in clearly marked containers for the duration of the course. It is important that we know what medication is on course, so please provide full information - we have extensive experience of working with all kinds of needs - the most important thing is that we know about them!

You can still participate fully in a course even if you have your period- at Outward Bound, there are many female operational staff. Outward Bound instructors will be sensitive and professional if you need help managing your period on course. They can help you to be prepared for water activities, and let you know how to maintain good hygiene in the wilderness. Instructors will carry extra sanitary napkins and tampons just in case you run out, but in generally, you should always plan to be prepared with your own supplies, even if you don't expect to get your period on course.

Yes, there are many wild animals in Hong Kong- like wild boars, porcupines, deer, civets, and more- but you don’t need to be afraid of any of them. Wild animals are way more afraid when they see you, and tend to keep their distance. If you treat them with respect and allow them to keep their distance, they won’t bother you. There are also several species of snakes in Hong Kong, and some of them are venomous. Like the mammals, snakes are shy and are unlikely to approach you- they only bite if they feel threatened. Snake bites are extremely rare, and your instructor will keep a careful eye out and tell you what to avoid. The most common wild creature to see are insects! The best way to protect from insects is long sleeves and long pants. In fact, you would be extremely lucky to see wild animals!

Don’t worry, we take certain precautions to protect ourselves from the heat, like staying in the shade during the hottest part of the day, wearing long sleeves to protect from the sun, taking frequent dips, and drinking lots of water. Why long sleeves when it's hot? When we’re outside in the sun all day, sun is an even bigger risk than heat. Getting too much sun overheats your body even more than long sleeves do. Take it from the pros- our instructors, who spend all day outside, every day of the year!

Any outdoor activity is impacted by the weather. During bad weather, courses will adapt programme design and activities, which may include pausing some water activities, or in extreme cases, remaining indoors. In most cases, it is safer for students to shelter in place than to send them home when road conditions may be dangerous.