KCNC
11-28-2017, 12:12
TL;DR - Looking for an Outward Bound-like experience for adults, but without so much "education" rolled in.
Unabridged Version:
Three childhood friends (I'm one) - one of whom has been struggling with sobriety and lacks any form of family connection (not me.) We think "disconnecting" him and rebooting his perspective is a good start. Multiple DWI's over the years, driving license gone, has spent time as an involuntary guest of the State for his transgressions.
We used to go on annual duck hunting trips, but the family property was sold, so that's not an option. There is also the issue with the cabin environment in the evening and the temptations that it could present.
The "other" guy did Outward Bound in college (Northern Minnesota in the winter, BRRR!) and I can take care of myself in the woods. The loner hasn't spent any time in the woods to speak of, but is the type that if you handed him a loaded backpack and dropped him in the back country for a week you'd come back and find he has redesigned the tent to accommodate a fireplace and barcalounger as well as converting his cook pot and water bottle to a hot shower. In other words, he doesn't need a ton of handholding, just some guidance. We're all in decent shape (could be better, but we're not slugs.)
My concerns & desires:
• With OWB you pay a lot for "education" that will likely return marginal results for this group, so not an outstanding value for money.
• If we "roll our own" there will be too much familiarity and not enough structure for him to recognize any real benefit with respect to introspection, teamwork, self confidence, connection, etc.
• No religion-based programs. (Insert your favorite joke about an Atheist, a Jew, and an Episcopalian walking in to a bar...) Addressing things from a holistic or scientific approach may be OK.
• 10-14 day program (need to give him enough time to become consumed by the experience)
• Flexibility in outfitting: I have "my" stuff, but others will need at least some, if not all, when the time comes. (I might need any specialized equipment.)
• Ability to choose *something* that will present a challenge of some description as part of the program (rock climbing, kayaking, orienteering, ?)
• Nothing snow-centric
This might not exist, in which case we're prepared to just bite the bullet and go with OWB, hoping that the benefit for our friend makes up for the lack of perceived value.
BUT, if there's something out there (hard to do a Google search for "something like Outward Bound but not Outward Bound") then I'd love to hear anything that anyone can offer.
Thanks in advance.
Unabridged Version:
Three childhood friends (I'm one) - one of whom has been struggling with sobriety and lacks any form of family connection (not me.) We think "disconnecting" him and rebooting his perspective is a good start. Multiple DWI's over the years, driving license gone, has spent time as an involuntary guest of the State for his transgressions.
We used to go on annual duck hunting trips, but the family property was sold, so that's not an option. There is also the issue with the cabin environment in the evening and the temptations that it could present.
The "other" guy did Outward Bound in college (Northern Minnesota in the winter, BRRR!) and I can take care of myself in the woods. The loner hasn't spent any time in the woods to speak of, but is the type that if you handed him a loaded backpack and dropped him in the back country for a week you'd come back and find he has redesigned the tent to accommodate a fireplace and barcalounger as well as converting his cook pot and water bottle to a hot shower. In other words, he doesn't need a ton of handholding, just some guidance. We're all in decent shape (could be better, but we're not slugs.)
My concerns & desires:
• With OWB you pay a lot for "education" that will likely return marginal results for this group, so not an outstanding value for money.
• If we "roll our own" there will be too much familiarity and not enough structure for him to recognize any real benefit with respect to introspection, teamwork, self confidence, connection, etc.
• No religion-based programs. (Insert your favorite joke about an Atheist, a Jew, and an Episcopalian walking in to a bar...) Addressing things from a holistic or scientific approach may be OK.
• 10-14 day program (need to give him enough time to become consumed by the experience)
• Flexibility in outfitting: I have "my" stuff, but others will need at least some, if not all, when the time comes. (I might need any specialized equipment.)
• Ability to choose *something* that will present a challenge of some description as part of the program (rock climbing, kayaking, orienteering, ?)
• Nothing snow-centric
This might not exist, in which case we're prepared to just bite the bullet and go with OWB, hoping that the benefit for our friend makes up for the lack of perceived value.
BUT, if there's something out there (hard to do a Google search for "something like Outward Bound but not Outward Bound") then I'd love to hear anything that anyone can offer.
Thanks in advance.