LEAPS & BOUNDS
The ultimate shared adventure for a parent/caregiver and their teenager (13 - 15 years). You'll take on eight days of outdoor adventure together and learn about yourself and each other in a challenging but supportive environment. Form a relationship that is real, open, honest, and based on respect, while sharing the experience with other adults and teenagers in your group.
You'll take on eight days of outdoor adventure together, spending your time at the school in Anakiwa, and out amongst the bush, mountains and waterways of the Marlborough Sounds. Activities can include tramping, camping, sea journeys, water challenges, and height activities. Not only will you be working with each other, you'll team up alongside up to six other caregiver & teen duos and two expert instructors, all bringing their own mix of stories and personalities!
Please note: Due to the course structure and our accommodation/gear allocation, we cannot accommodate more than one child and parent/caregiver per course. E.g. Parents cannot participate with two or more children.
OUTCOMES
Leaps & Bounds is the ultimate bonding experience. You'll learn more about each other and your relationship, as you problem solve and over come challenges together.
Key outcomes include:
Develop an understanding of each other’s strengths and capabilities
Gain trust, respect and a more meaningful connection with each other
Experience working in a partnership and as part of a wider team
Push your own self-imposed boundaries and support your teen as they push theirs
A better understanding and appreciation for the outdoors.
"It’s challenging to find the opportunities and language to relate to a teenager. Outward Bound provided my daughter and I with a ‘gift’ of experience and stories that we now share. I not only created a stronger connection with Emma but also found the incentive to keep pushing hard for the things that matter in my life."
Mike and Emma (Leaps and Bounds Course Alumni)
BOOKINGS & FEES
When enrolling for this course, please fill out the parent/guardian details first.
LEAPS AND BOUNDS ON SEVEN SHARP
TVNZ1's Seven Sharp visited Outward Bound's week-long Leaps and Bounds course in the Marlborough Sounds for parents and teens.
"Putting work into the parent-teen relationship, and being conscious about how you want it to be and how you want it to progress for the rest of your life is incredibly important."
Simon Graney, Outward Bound School Director
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
When you come to Outward Bound, there are items that you will need to bring with you and items that we will supply. As for the things that you need to bring - we encourage you to borrow as many items as you can, or buy second hand!
Check out our course gear list for a full run down and some hot tips on what to bring and what not to.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Outward Bound New Zealand is a non-profit organisation. As a registered charity, our courses are run at cost price.
SO WHAT EXACTLY DOES YOUR COURSE FEE COVER?
All meals and snacks, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options for all students
Two highly trained instructors whose competence is verified in all areas of course delivery: whitewater kayaking, sailing, driving launches, rock climbing, high ropes, bush, first aid, facilitating group processes
Transport – water taxi, passenger trucks, launches
Accommodation – our main base provides bunkhouse accommodation for 154 students and we have three satellite camps located around the Marlborough region
Equipment – Sailing cutters, kayaks, waka ama, tents, packs, sleeping bags, clothing, wetsuits, safety equipment including helmets, life jackets, booties, harnesses, ropes, rescue equipment for specialised activities
Curriculum resources, quality assurance programme and our programme evaluation system
Maintenance of all our delivery buildings
Compliance & Insurance – all our activities involve risk management. As an outdoor education and commercial food / accommodation provider we are required to meet rigorous compliance responsibilities. Similarly insurance and liability cover are part of our overheads
Pre-course and on-course support – personal and medical screening, onsite medical advice, course reflection materials
Many of our courses are subsidised by the Outward Bound Trust Foundation which is made possible by generous New Zealanders who support OBNZ. Every full-fee paying student ensures that these funds can be better utilised for young New Zealanders who do not have the means to fund their own course.
No, the course fee is per couple; the total cost for both parent/caregiver and teen.
Yes, both the parent/caregiver and teen should meet our standard fitness requirements. You should both be able to fast walk or run 3km in under 25 minutes and complete a full day of activity.
Check out our guide to getting fit and healthy for Outward Bound.
COURSE STORIES
Want to know what Leaps & Bounds is like from a participant’s point of view?
Mike and his 14-year-old daughter Emma embarked on the Outward Bound course for parents and teens.