COMPASS + Outward Bound
Are you interested in challenging yourself while strengthening your leadership skills alongside Delts from across the United States? The COMPASS + Outward Bound partnership offers leaders unique wilderness courses such as backpacking, sailing and white water rafting in various locations across the country that emphasize leadership, teamwork, courage and resilience. These courses provide participants with an educational outdoor adventure and opportunities for personal growth that are truly unforgettable.
For nearly 100 years, Outward Bound has been at the forefront of adventure-based education, fostering personal growth, teamwork, and leadership skills amongst participants. The Outward Bound philosophy mirrors the beliefs of Delta Tau Delta, underscoring that character building and leadership development are just as important as academic achievement. Leveraging this notion, participants leave the program having gained confidence, redefined their own perceptions of their personal possibilities, demonstrated compassion, and developed a spirit of camaraderie with one another.
2025 Outward Bound Expeditions
UTAH CANYON BACKPACKING
MAY 7-13, 2025
Hike through stunning canyon country carrying a backpack, navigating with a map and compass, camping under the stars, and gradually taking on more responsibility for your journey as you gain skills in navigation and camping.
MAINE COAST SAILING
MAY 30 - JUNE 5, 2025
Join this leadership expedition on a 30-foot open sailboat along the Maine coast, where you'll develop skills in navigation, seamanship, and teamwork while building confidence and resilience through shared leadership experiences.
BLUE RIDGE BACKPACKING
JUNE 10-16, 2025
Backpack the Blue Ridge Mountains and build outdoor skills, explore your inner strength, and create lasting memories as you and your crew traverse rugged trails, scale rock faces, and camp under the stars.
GREEN RIVER WHITEWATER RAFTING
JULY 21-27, 2025
On this expedition, you will learn essential paddle and navigation skills while exploring canyons, camping on sandy shores, and connecting with nature and your crew, ultimately emerging as a confident and resilient leader.
DOES THIS SOUND LIKE SOMETHING FOR YOU?
FAQs
Q. What is Outward Bound?
A. Outward Bound wilderness expeditions are transformative life experiences where you push boundaries and learn resilience, self-awareness and conflict resolution while building confidence, teamwork, and goal-setting abilities all through a lens of compassionate leadership. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to disconnect and focus on personal growth.
Q. What is Outward Bound NOT?
A. This program is NOT a vacation or something you can passively participate in. This experience will push you to expand your horizons, viewpoints and abilities. It is NOT easy, but it IS worth it!
Q. Who will be on the expeditions?
A. You will be surrounded by other undergraduate Delts representing Chapters from across the country. There will also be a Delt volunteer and Outward Bound staff who guide the way.
Q. What is the cost?
A. Thanks to the generosity of donors to the Delta Tau Delta Educational Foundation, each expedition will be offered at little or no cost to undergraduate participants. Depending on the trip parameters, you may incur some incidental costs for supplies, etc.
Q. How are participants selected?
A. If you would like to participate, you should first complete the interest form. Invitations to apply will be based on expedition capacity, interest, and known or demonstrated leadership dedication and/or personal growth.
Q. What will I learn?
A. You will learn so much about yourself, others and nature. Some skills include:
- Resilience
- Self-Awareness
- Conflict Resolution
- Confidence
- Teamwork
- Goal Setting Abilities
Have more questions? Contact a member of the Delt team at Delts@Delts.org.