COVID-19 HEALTH & SAFETY PRACTICES

Outward Bound is actively monitoring COVID-19 throughout our program areas, and the guidance issued from the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health authorities. The wellbeing, health and safety of our students and staff is a top priority. We are working diligently with local public health authorities and medical advisors to maintain recommended mitigation controls and procedures in alignment with current data and science. The risk of contracting COVID-19 prior to or while participating in an Outward Bound program can be reduced but not eliminated. As with all aspects of your Outward Bound course, our staff will teach you what you need to know to be active in mitigating risks.

Below are enhanced health and safety practices we ask of every student prior to arrival and while on course.

Vaccination Requirements

We strongly recommend that all students be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (as defined by the CDC) prior to their course start date.

• For all courses beginning before April 15th, 2023, we are still requiring students to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as defined by the CDC. 

• For all courses beginning after April 15th, 2023, we are not requiring students to be vaccinated against COVID-19. 

Prior to Your Course Start

Regardless of vaccination status, all students should adhere to the following precautions prior to course start.

• Notify your course advisor of any underlying health conditions that put you at increased risk of contracting a communicable disease. Please be sure to talk with your physician about any additional risks.
• Get tested for COVID-19 within 3 days of your course start date. This is not required but it is strongly encouraged as a positive COVID-19 test result upon arrival will result in an early course departure.
• Do not travel to course if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. If you believe you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, or if you have tested positive for COVID-19 within 14 days before your course start date, contact your Course Advisor immediately to work through your options.
• If traveling to course via air travel, we highly encouraged you to wear a KN-95 mask on the plane and at the airport.

Upon Arrival

All students will be tested at the airport upon arrival. If a student tests positive at the airport, we confirm their positive result with additional tests. Then, we connect with the family (for minors) to make arrangements to return home. If you cannot find a flight on the same day, we will find accommodations for the student and minors will be accompanied by COBS staff members. 

We do not offer refunds or credits for COVID-19-related early departures. 

As such, we strongly encourage all families to purchase trip insurance. This would not just cover a positive COVID-19 test, but also any other unforeseen medical reasons why a student might need to leave a trip early. In this scenario, you would file a claim with your insurance provider, and we could help with documentation if necessary.  

During Course

All crews will be practicing enhanced safety practices, including testing at the airport, wearing KN-95 masks when in vehicles during the first 5 days of course, frequent hand washing or sanitizing, not sharing personal equipment like water bottles, and taking additional precautions when preparing and serving food.

Notice updated 3/6/2023