Meet Rachel Stulman. Rachel is 15 years old and lives in New York City. Last summer, she traveled across the country for Northwest Outward Bound School’s North Cascades Alpine Backpacking course and spent 15 days backpacking through the beautiful alpine wilderness.
How did you hear about Northwest Outward Bound School, and why did you go?
I learned about Outward Bound from both research and also its wonderful reputation. When I said I was interested in a backpacking trip, Outward Bound quickly seemed the way to go. I went because I loved nature and wanted to have a new experience in nature. I had never done it, but backpacking and camping seemed really fun to me. I was then drawn [to] Northwest Outward Bound in particular because of the course area and the mountains.
Did you have any prior outdoor recreating experience? If not, what was it like learning all of those new skills on course?
I had been hiking a few times, but otherwise had little outdoor recreating experience. It was easy to learn all of the new skills on the course because the instructors were very helpful and most of the other students were also learning things for the first time. I was a little nervous going into it having never camped, but I became very comfortable with it.
What would you say were the best or most memorable parts of your Outward Bound experience? Is there a specific day or memory that stands out to you?
There is one memory that really stands out to me. I would say the first few days of the course were the hardest, and I felt a little intimidated about doing the course for 15 days. But one day, within the first week (maybe day five), we had to hike with our backpacks up to a peak to reach our next campsite on the other side of this ridge. It was really difficult, and looking at it, it seemed impossible to climb without the heavy packs. However we did it, in barely any breaks (which was an accomplishment early on for our group,) and we were rewarded with the best views I had seen so far on the course. I felt like I was about to cry because I honestly felt pure joy looking at the view and the struggle seemed completely worth it. Another memorable part of the course was our first peak attempt because I felt very in my element. We did some rock scrambling/bouldering to get to the top, which I really enjoyed. Lastly, the last night of the trip when we were at the final campsite, the kids camped separate from the instructors under the night stars, with no tents, which was incredible. We bonded a lot with each other on the last night and all felt sad we only had one day left.
What are the biggest takeaways from your Outward Bound course? Do those takeaways still influence your life today?
One takeaway that absolutely still influences my life today is that you are capable of doing so much more thank you think. This doesn’t only apply to physical challenges, but when I’m working hard in sports, I think about my Outward Bound course and how much I was able to achieve, although I sometimes doubted myself. I also took away the conversations we had, specifically at evening meeting, and how where the students and instructors were from and their background gives them a unique perspective. Also, laughter and humor really helps people through things!
In what ways has Outward Bound impacted where you are today?
It has definitely given me more confidence, specifically in athletics. Also, I am still in touch with two of the students, so it has given me friendships, for sure. It has also shown me the value in hiking and spending time in nature! I am now a co-leader of the hiking club at my school and want to continue to hike because it is so good mentally.
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If you’ve taken a Northwest Outward Bound School course, join Rachel and sign up to be part of the NWOBS alumni crew. Even after you’re off course, you’re always on crew!
Photo courtesy of Rachel Stulman