TAPS Teen Kayaking Adventure with Outward Bound
June 10 - 16, 2019
This summer TAPS will be going on a new adventure with Outward Bound for a Sea Kayaking expedition. Teens ages 16-18 years old who have lost a parent/guardian or sibling will transverse America’s iconic water wonders to navigate their grief journey, to increase personal growth, and build lasting relationships with their peers. Space is limited for this event, so parents please complete the application with your teen as soon as possible.
Outward Bound is an international educational movement dedicated to the idea that people are capable of far more than they know. They use experiential education techniques in a supportive yet challenging environment to teach teens that they are capable of more than they ever thought possible.
In collaboration with TAPS, Outward Bound will lead the Teen Adventure, with experts who know the area we are kayaking and camping in and whose primary goal is to ensure safety. The instructors are Wilderness First Responder certified and will be equipped to stabilize medical emergencies. Two TAPS youth programs staff members will be on the Teen Adventure to co-guide the journey, providing emotional support and additional adult supervision.
This is a backcountry adventure where teens will be immersed with their crew and their natural surroundings. Outward Bound asks students to leave their phones (and other technologies) behind in order to benefit from the experience, fully. All guardians should plan on no communication with your teen while they participate in this adventure. Guardians will be provided with an emergency contact phone number to use in the event of a true emergency. And in accordance to their safety policies and procedures, Outward Bound staff are equipped with satellite phones and will work with TAPS to reach families directly should the need arise.
Details of the event, to include a packing list, directions, and expectations will be provided to those selected to participate.
Addtional Information on Outward Bound:
- Baltimore Outward Bound Frequently Asked Questions
- Outward Bound's Program for Grieving Teens
- Video about the Adventure
SCHEDULE
The Sea Kayaking Adventure will begin and end in Baltimore, Maryland from June 10 to June 16, 2019.
ADVENTURE LEVEL
Teen survivors will journey via kayak in the Chesapeake Bay with their TAPS family! We will enjoy the calm waters, camp in the Bay’s surrounding woodlands, and gain new outdoor skills. Experienced guides from Outward Bound will join us to make it an unforgettable adventure. The adventure will start out slow, with just a few miles on in the water the first days, and will build up per day.
To prepare for the activity level of this adventure, we recommend a conditioning regimen beginning at least two months prior to the trip. If your teen doesn't have kayaking experience, no worries, but some swimming skill is required even though we will be in life jackets.
EVENT FEES
Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, TAPS is able to provide this event to surviving teens at no cost. Meals, most kayaking and camping materials and equipment, and T-shirts for all attendees will be provided. A $50 refundable fee is charged at registration to hold your teen's spot. You will need to cover the cost of travel to and from the meeting location in Baltimore.
LODGING AND TRANSPORTATION
The adventure begins early on June 10. Participants will need to cover the cost of transportation to and from Baltimore, Maryland. The closest airport is Baltimore Washington International airport (BWI).
APPLICATION DETAILS
Application open through April 12 or until full, whichever comes first. Space is limited. Attendees will be selected through an application process. Please submit an application for each teen interested in attending. Applicants will be notified of selection or waitlist status. Applicants not initially selected to attend will be placed on a waitlist and notified as space becomes available.
If you have any questions, please email camps@taps.org or call 800-959-TAPS (8277).