Carolina Center for Public Service - Public Service and Engagement at Carolina

Outward Bound Scholarships

Each year, the Carolina Center for Public Service awards four scholarship recipients full tuition to a 28-day course of their choice at the North Carolina Outward Bound School. Recipients can choose from one of these course dates for 2009: 6/10 - 7/7 or 7/14 - 8/10. Please review the materials below to learn more.

 

The 2009 application period is now open.      

  * Public Service Scholars download the application here.

  * NC Teaching Fellows download the application here.

Important Outward Bound Dates for 2009:

February 13, 2009 - Application deadline

June 10 - July 7: Course NFO961

July 14 - August 10: Course NFO962

Eligibility Requirements

Only currently enrolled Public Service Scholars at UNC Chapel Hill are eligible. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, physically fit, involved in public service and returning to UNC for the 2009-2010 academic year. Morehead Scholars and others who have participated before in Outward Bound courses or in similar outdoor leadership experiences (NOLS) are not eligible.

Applications should be completed and submitted electronically. Handwritten applications will not be accepted.

Finances

The Scholarship covers the full tuition for a 28-day course of the recipient's choice at the North Carolina Outward Bound School. The recipient is responsible for the cost of their own clothing, a physical examination, and travel to and from the Outward Bound School.

Reporting Requirements

Upon returning from Outward Bound in the fall semester of 2009, students will be asked to answer two questions reflecting on lessons learned while on Outward Bound and how the experience has affected their public service.
In order for the Outward Bound course to count as a PSS skills training, students must complete a PSS skills training log via the PSS database by the summer hours and trainings deadline (typically during of the second week of fall classes).

About the North Carolina Outward Bound School

By its own description, the North Carolina Outward Bound School (NCOBS) is “neither a summer camp nor an eco-travel company, nor a fleet of guides and porters. It is a school.” As such, the Outward Bound experience is unpredictable, adventurous, and unforgettable. Students who participate in the program will spend time in a variety of wilderness areas developing practical outdoor skills and learning about the inherent connections between humanity and the environment. As the experience progresses, the Outward Bound instructors turn over the decision-making responsibilities to the members of the group. “You may captain a boat, lead an ascent, or navigate your group through difficult terrain. These are all opportunities to realize the success of your own decisions and plans as well as learn from your mistakes.

Groups consist of 6 to 12 members who work as a team and undertake progressively more challenging experiences during the course of the program. Depending on weather and other variables, participants may experience backpacking, caving, canoeing, mountaineering, mountain biking, rock climbing, rappelling, sea kayaking, and a ropes course. All technical gear and food is provided by NCOBS; participants are responsible for providing their own clothing and appropriate footwear. To learn more, visit the North Carolina Outward Bound School website at www.ncobs.org. To learn more about the specific Outward Bound program being offered, click here.

 

Previous Outward Bound recipients.