MIND BODY SOUL COMPACT
A short course with a big impact. This one-week adventure is perfect for teens who want to challenge themselves, connect with others and explore what they're capable of - without stepping too far from home or school commitments.
In a supportive environment, you'll develop a positive mindset and a stronger sense of identity to tackle challenges head-on. Through adventure, teamwork and service in the local community, you'll gain real-world skills and attitudes that help you take on whatever comes next.
Out one-week course is designed for young people who are ready to take the first step into personal growth and outdoor adventure. Whether you're curious about Outward Bound, have limited experience away from home, or simply need a shorter option, this course offers a powerful taste of what's possible.
You'll join a crew of teens from across New Zealand and spend one week exploring the bush, mountains and waterways of the Marlborough Sounds. You'll challenge yourself physically, emotionally, and mentally, unpacking the potential that lies within. Through activities, teamwork and moments of reflection, you'll build confidence, resilience and leadership skills that transfer into everyday life.
PROGRAMME
No two Outward Bound courses are exactly the same, but every one is designed to challenge, inspire and grow your potential. On the one-week course, you will:
Spend 8 days / 7 nights with other 16-18 year olds from all over NZ
Be supported by two dedicated instructors and a watch assistant each day
Spend 4 nights at Anakiwa and 3 nights camping or at an offsite base
Spend time training for a water activity and tramping/camping
Embark on a 3-day journey
Spend a day giving back to the local community
Expect early starts, daily physical training and a dip in the sea. You will explore your values, attitudes and strengths through shared experiences and guided reflection. Every activity is designed to help you grow your confidence, build resilience and discovery what you're truly capable of.
There will be early starts with physical training each day and a dip in the sea. We will explore your values and attitudes that will help you be the best version of yourself. After each activity there will be reflection sessions.
COURSE OUTCOMES
Every activity on this course is designed to build real-world skills and attitudes that teens can carry into school, study and life beyond.
This course helps young people develop independence, focus and leadership qualities to make the most of their final school years, as well as approach new challenges with confidence and self-belief.
They'll learn to stay calm under pressure, work with others through uncertainty and reflect on what really matters to them.
At a time when big decisions and change are starting to take shape, the clarity, confidence and resilience they gain will help them step into their future with purpose.
According to independent research by Research NZ:
Key outcomes of this course include:
Greater self-belief and recognition of your own capabilities
Stronger social skills and lasting friendships
More confidence in group situations and better communication skills
A positive mindset to take on new challenges
Increased resilience and determination
A calmer attitude and approach when under pressure
Appreciation of diversity and the value of others around you
A better ability to deal with change and uncertainty
Experience leading, influencing and working as part of a team
A clearer sense of direction and what matters most to you
The confidence to back yourself in new and unfamiliar situations
BOOKINGS & FEES
DUKE OF EDINBURGH'S HILLARY AWARD
Are you completing the Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award? Select Outward Bound courses can be used to complete your Adventurous Journey section and/or Residential section.
MORE INFO HEREWHAT 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.
DISCONNECT TO RECONNECT
Being without technology for the duration of your course can be one of the most empowering experiences but it's normal to feel a bit anxious about handing over your connection to the outside world. We caught up with 4 students from our Mind Body Soul course to see how they were feeling about being device free and what they thought about the experience after three weeks.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Our one-week course is designed for students who are motivated to attend Outward Bound but are not able to commit to a 21 day course, or might have limited experience away from home. Students need to be motivated to work in a team, keen to connect with nature and give adventurous activities a go and interested in developing skills to participate more in their community.
The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy it! With that being said, Outward Bound is not a bootcamp. In fact, our instructors are experts at creating an environment where the most powerful challenges are mental and emotional, not just physical. The goal isn't to be the fastest or strongest. It's to learn what you're truly capable of.
As you'll be on your feet a lot, we do require a basic level of fitness to ensure you can safely and confidently participate: to run or walk 3kms within 25 minutes and to be comfortable in water with a life jacket. It's much more achievable than you think and we have a guide to help you!
Check out our guide to getting fit and healthy for OB.
We expect there to be varying degrees of motivation on the course and we will work hard to support your teen through these challenges. However, if your young person feels sent on this course, they are unlikely to experience positive outcomes. We recommend you talk with your young person and that they are aware and informed about what an Outward Bound course involves and most importantly they are willing to give it a go. When they get here, if a student is determined to leave we cannot and will not make them stay. A student who is not willing to fully participate can compromise the safety and quality of the course and we will call you to arrange for your teen to travel home.
We keep you well fed with healthy and delicious food. This includes all meals and snacks. We also cater to a variety of dietary requirements. Just make sure you tell us about any dietary requirements when you enrol. If you request a particular diet, we ask that you please consume the meals that have been specially prepared for you.
We can cater for vegetarians and vegans, for halal and kosher diets, and for gluten or dairy free diets. We may also be able to accommodate some other restrictions or specific allergies, but not all – for example we can’t do 100% peanut-free (or most other life-threatening allergies), paleo, low-carb, whole-food only diets. As we regularly use wheat flour in our kitchen we are unable to guarantee no traces of gluten. We are also unable to provide facilities for you to cook your own food.
In some cases, we will suggest bringing your own snacks for when out on expeditions.
We strongly recommend that you do not start any new diet for your Outward Bound course. We also recommend against any optional diet that restricts your choices or energy intake – a course is busy and physically demanding, not the best time to cut down your fuel options!