Athlo Blog

Due to the popularity of the initial Veterans program, the available slots filled up fast. Outward Bound is now opening an additional 400 slots for their 1/1/2009 – 3/31/2010 schedule. All costs, to include lodging, food, equipment, staff instruction, and state-side roundtrip transportation to and from the expedition site, are fully covered by a generous grant from the Sierra Club Foundation.

Eligibility

Any military veteran of either Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan or Operation Iraqi Freedom can apply for an expedition. Family members are not eligible. However, the Sierra Club funds other military programs that do include the entire family.

How to Sign Up

Enrollment opens on Tuesday, October 14th at 1:00 pm Eastern Standard time on the Outward Bound website. Slots are sure to go fast again this time so submit your application right away. This is program is a great way to thank veterans for their service.

Outward Bound was originally founded in 1941 to provide young European sailors with the skills required to survive at sea.  Since then, they have expanded to the US and their current mission is “to inspire character development and self-discovery in people of all ages and walks of life through challenge and adventure, and to impel them to achieve more than they ever thought possible, to show compassion for others and to actively engage in creating a better world.”

In keeping with their mission and with generous funding from the Military Family Outdoor Initiative Project, a joint partnership of The Sierra Club and The Sierra Club Foundation, Outward Bound is offering 100% free 5 day expeditions to veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars.  Airfare to and from the expedition is included.

Expeditions range from back packing to dog sledding in Maine, Minnesota, Colorado, Texas, and California.  Enrollment is currently open and more information can be found on the Outward Bound website or calling 866-669-2362.  I will definitely be signing up for an expedition, probably some dog sledding in Minnesota.  If you love the outdoors, free lodging, free flights, free food and are a veteran, you should strongly consider this fantastic opportunity.