Answers to frequently asked questions by parents sending their children on Outward Bound

We know and respect that parents have concerns for their children's safety and well-being. Here are some frequently asked questions by parents. If your question is not answered here, please contact us.

• My child is not a strong swimmer, will this be a problem on the river?
  NO! Weak or non-swimmers will be in the same craft as the Instructor. All instructors are trained in river rescue, so your child will be safely cared for. We use a grade one PFD (personal floatation device), worn at all times on the river, which is the maximum lift of a life-jacket designed for open water.
• If my daughter has her period, can she still participate fully, especially in the water activities?
  YES! There are many opportunities for privacy during the course. As we are near water often, there are plenty of opportunities for the girls to wash and maintain high hygiene standards. You daughter should carry her own supply of sanitary requirements.
• Does my child have to wear hiking boots?
  A sturdy shoe can be just as good for the short programmes, however hiking boots are good for ankle support and may prevent the incidence of rolled ankles. They are more waterproof than your average sneaker so will be more durable in the rough. Wet sneakers can often cause blisters and does not provide adequate support.
  Please note, however, that Hiking boots must be well worn in, or they are more trouble than they are worth, above all make sure they are comfortable. The main features to look for in footwear are: comfort, durability, sturdiness, a good tread and ideally waterproof to some extent. Socks are also a very important consideration. (link to General FAQ sock question)
• What happens if I need to get a message to my child on course?
  You can phone our Base Camp and the message can be relayed to the instructor. This is only for emergency situations, as we would like to maintain the 'place apart' experience.
• What happens if my child has an injury on course?
  All instructors are medically trained with a nationally accredited Wilderness First Aid qualification. All trips carry a complete first aid kit. All parents will be notified of any reportable injuries during course and if further medical treatment is required the child may need to rest at basecamp or be taken to the nearest doctor if required.
• What is the most common injury?
  Blisters, pre-existing ankle and knee injuries.
• What level of fitness is required of my child?
  We recommend an average level of fitness. The level of physical challenge is always appropriate to the group. The group always stay together and can only travel at the pace of the slowest member.
• My child is a vegetarian, are they catered for?
  YES! Please use the medical form to inform us of any dietary requirements. It is difficult to cater for individual needs if we are informed on the course, so make sure early notice is given. If a food allergy or specific food eg. Gluten free, you may be required to supply your own supplement food in this case.
• If my child gets hungry can they bring their own snacks?
  NO! There is enough energy and nutrition in the course food to support the group for the trip, unless there is an underlying medical condition ie. diabetes. Food on course is an educational tool and helps to ensure a 'place apart' experience for all. The students are responsible for preparing and cooking the food for the group (including teachers and instructors) so they will have a vested interest in ensuring the meals are good. Bringing snacks will cause an inequality among group members. We provide sufficient snacks and fruit throughout the course. It is important to keep pack weights to a minimum and only carry essential items.
• My child has never been away from home before, is this a problem?
  It may be difficult for your child initially, however they are with friends and staff who will be there for support. Instructors often face this issue and know how to deal with it.
• Do they have showers? How do they wash?
  There are no showers, they will often be involved in water activities or close to rivers and streams giving them a chance to get wet and clean, but only bio degradable soap or shampoo products can be used. Strict hygiene practices are followed throughout course, including hand-washing facilities with disinfectant.
• WHAT DOES THE PROGRAM INVOLVE?
  It will depend on which programme you choose, some are conducted out of Base camps, and others are expedition based, which means you will hike or raft to a new campsite daily. You will be carrying a backpack containing your clothing, sleeping gear and water as well as some of the shared group equipment including food, cooking items and shelter.
• WHAT ACTIVITIES WILL WE DO?
  You will participate in a variety of safe and exciting outdoor activities that vary from location to location and may include: rock climbing, abseiling, rope courses and water activities. All our locations offer different opportunities for adventure and your particular course activities will ultimately be determined by the environmental features of the location and the climatic conditions of the season. Expect the unexpected!
• HOW FIT DO I NEED TO BE?
  You don't have to be a fitness fanatic or an outdoors expert to take part in an Outward Bound course but you will need to be in basic good health. Many participants find the demands of a course quite challenging, so the more prepared you are, the more you will enjoy it.
• WILL I LEARN HOW TO ROCK CLIMB?
  We will instruct you on how to safely complete this and other challenges according to your ability. The adventure activities are used as tools on your journey of self-discovery. What you learn will depend on what you put into it.
• IS IT DIFFICULT?
  All activities and challenges are not beyond the capabilities of anyone who is willing to try. We work on the principle of "challenge by choice" - it's up to you how far you want to challenge yourself, we'll be there to encourage and support you.
• WILL I BE SAFE?
  Safety is the number one priority at Himalayan Outward Bound. Our highly trained staff makes sure all activities adhere to strict safety guidelines. Our methods and practices are monitored and reviewed internally and by an Annual review by Outward Bound International.
• I HAVE ASTHMA, COULD I DO A COURSE?
  Yes. Medical conditions such as asthma should not prevent you from participating in an OB course. Just make sure you complete the medical form and provide as much information as possible. All instructors are trained in Wilderness First Aid and have been specifically taught how to deal with these and other conditions in the bush. Make sure you bring extra medication just in case it gets lost or damaged.
• CAN I BE CONTACTED WHILST ON COURSE?
  In an emergency we can get messages to you while you are on course. You won't have any access to a phone unless it's an emergency and please do not bring your mobile phone (it probably won't work anyway!). We create a "place apart" and encourage you to take a short break from today's amenities - you'll be surprised at how easy this is!
• WHAT'S THE FOOD LIKE?
  It's great! Nutritionally balanced ingredients are provided for groups to use their creativity in preparing food in the wilderness. We accommodate vegetarians and most other special diets.
• HOW DO I KEEP WARM ON COURSE?
  The clothing you have closest to your skin will influence whether you feel warm or cold, in wet and/or cold weather conditions. The "warmth" of any particular piece of clothing relates directly to how much moisture it can absorb. Think of your clothing in three layers. First Layer: its function is to keep the skin dry. If your skin is wet, you will lose heat, and hence feel cold as your body dries. Your skin can be kept dry if you use clothing that effectively absorbs and transports the water (perspiration, rain or river) away from your skin. Woollen or polypropylene underwear is recommended for its drying or "wicking" capabilities Second Layer: its function is to insulate. The greater the insulation required, the more garments should be used. Fabrics that absorb minimal water will be the warmest. Woollen jumpers (sweaters) and Polar Fleece are both effective for insulation. Outer Layer: its main function is to provide protection from the cold, wet and/or windy weather. A good quality waterproof jacket is therefore an essential item of personal clothing.
• WHAT TYPE OF RAIN JACKET DO I NEED?
  Your Waterproof Jacket needs to form a waterproof outer shell over your clothing.
  It must:
  Have a good hood
  Be waterproof
  Reach at least halfway down your thighs
  DO NOT BRING:
  Ski parkas or quilted jackets (they are not waterproof) "Showerproof" spray jackets (they're not waterproof either)
• WHAT TYPE OF FABRICS SHOULD I CONSIDER WHEN PURCHASING CLOTHING?
  Polypropylene & Chlorofibre Will only absorb a small fraction of its weight in moisture and is excellent as an insulating layer worn next to the skin.
  "Thermal" underwear has the ability to "wick" (pass moisture through them away from the skin). They also have the advantage of being extremely light and do not irritate the skin. Be aware that some items sold as Thermal Underwear are made from cotton and are unsuitable for Outward Bound courses.
  Wool is a good insulating fibre. Wool will still keep you warm when wet and also has the advantage of being fire retardant. Make sure that woollen items are at least 70% wool.
  Cotton Will absorb up to 25 times of its dry weight in moisture. Hence cotton is useless in wet/cold conditions. Where cotton is specified in your gear list, it is because it is cool in hot weather or where you may be sweating. Synthetic materials are generally unsuitable for Outward Bound courses. Synthetic fabrics absorb water and feel cold when wet. They also burn and melt easily.
• HOW DO I CHOOSE A GOOD PAIR OF HIKING BOOTS/SHOES FOR MY COURSE?
  With the boots laced firmly, go through the following procedure and let the answers be your guide: Are your big toes 0.5cm from the end of the boot?
  Can you move your toes freely? Boots that are tight around the toes are cutting off circulation and may cause cold feet in winter and/or blisters in summer. You may need a wider boot.
  Stand with your weight on your new boots. Does the ball of your foot feel pinched? If so, try a larger pair.
  Does the back of the boot hold your heel in place when you walk around? If not, rubbing up and down will cause blisters. Try a smaller pair. Firmly kick the toe of the boot into the floor. If your foot slides in the boot, and your toe touches the end, the boot is either too long or too wide.
  Lean forward on to your toes. Is the boot flexible and lightweight enough to allow for comfortable walking?
• DO I NEED TO BREAK IN MY BOOTS?
  It is a necessity to start your course with "broken in" boots to prevent foot sores and blisters. The heavier or more rigid the boot, the longer the break-in period you will need. The best way to break-in your new boots is to wear them every day for four to six weeks before the start of the course.
• WHAT TYPE SOCKS DO I NEED?
  Socks should preferably be of medium or thick cotton, wool, or wool blend. The quality and fit of socks are important in order to avoid blisters. Wearing two pairs of socks helps prevent blisters as the friction occurs between the two socks and not against your foot.
  
  DO NOT BRING:
  Nylon - perspiration is not absorbed so feet get hot and wet.
  Stretch socks - toes get cramped and feet get hot.
• HOW DO I CARE FOR MY FEET PRIOR AND DURING COURSE?
  medium pair of woollen socks is a good way to reduce friction. Toe Nails: These should be cleanly cut with no ragged edges. Avoid cutting them too short or down the lateral sides of the nail. Any damaged or in-growing toenails or painful calluses should be attended to prior to commencement of your course.
  
  Blisters: Blisters are caused by friction and pressure and can be a problem on course. The best way of avoiding them is to eliminate the cause! Wearing a thin pair of cotton socks under a medium pair of woollen socks is a good way to reduce friction.