Outward Bound for Veterans Maine Program Cost: What You’ll Pay
The cost for Outward Bound veteran programs in Maine is $0**. Thanks to generous donor support, tuition and all required travel to and from the course start location are completely free for veterans and active duty service members . The only out-of-pocket expense is a **$50 non-refundable commitment fee at the time of enrollment, which is returned if a spot does not become available .
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Cost | $0 (tuition and travel covered) |
| Commitment Fee | $50 non-refundable at enrollment; refunded if waitlisted and no spot opens |
| Who Qualifies | Veterans, active duty service members |
| Course Length | 6-day expeditions |
| Location | Portland, Maine (start/end) |
| Activities | Canoeing or sailing |
| Gear Provided | Sleeping bags, pads, tents, packs, cooking gear |
| Official Organization | Outward Bound |
| Updated For | 2026 |
What Is Outward Bound for Veterans?
Outward Bound for Veterans is a program offering wilderness expeditions specifically designed for veterans and active-duty service members. These courses use shared challenge in the outdoors to help service members reconnect with a sense of purpose, build camaraderie, and gain confidence in navigating life after service .
Why it matters: Many veterans experience challenges transitioning to civilian life. These courses offer a supportive environment where you can work alongside fellow veterans, rebuild trust, and develop skills that translate to everyday life .
What veterans should do next:Â Visit the Outward Bound website to find an expedition that interests you. The Maine Canoe and Maine Coast Sail courses are excellent options for summer 2026.
Maine Course Options
Outward Bound offers two primary veteran expeditions in Maine for 2026.
Maine Veterans Canoe
Duration:Â 6 daysÂ
Start Location:Â Portland, MaineÂ
Activities:Â Canoeing on remote lakes and rivers; learning navigation, paddling techniques, and campsite skillsÂ
Setting: Maine’s north woods, using waterways once traveled by the Abenaki peopleÂ
Maine Coast Veterans Sail
Duration:Â 6 daysÂ
Start Location:Â Portland, MaineÂ
Activities:Â Sailing aboard a 30-foot open sailboat; learning seamanship, navigation, anchoring, and weather observationÂ
Setting: Maine’s rugged coastline, with its islands, bays, and harborsÂ
Both courses offer technology-free expeditions, meaning you will leave your phone and other devices behind to focus on the experience and your crew .
Cost Breakdown
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $0 | Fully covered by donor contributions |
| Travel (required) | $0 | Covered to and from course start location |
| Commitment Fee | $50 | Non-refundable at enrollment; returned if waitlisted and no spot opens |
| Cancellation (<30 days) | $250 | Applied for cancellations other than deployment |
| Application Fee (if applicable) | $150 | For Summit Fund recipients |
Important Note on Application Fees: Outward Bound offers special pricing for veterans, but if you are applying for a scholarship or have a specific financial situation, you may be asked for a $150 non-refundable application fee. For the standard veteran program, the $50 commitment fee applies .
What the Course Covers
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityThe $0 tuition covers:
All food during the expedition
Instruction from experienced guides
Permits and access fees
Technical gear (sleeping bags, sleeping pads, tents, packs, cooking gear)Â
What you need to bring: Personal clothing and footwear specific to the course, as outlined by your Course Advisor after enrollment .
Eligibility
You are eligible if you are:
A veteran or active duty service memberÂ
Able to commit to a 6-day wilderness expedition
Prepared for a technology-free experience
Priority is given to veterans who have not participated in a previous Outward Bound Veterans course or have since redeployed .
How to Apply
Find a Course:Â Visit the Outward Bound website to browse available veteran courses.
Apply Online:Â Complete the course enrollment form.
Pay the Commitment Fee: The $50 fee secures your spot .
Connect with a Course Advisor: You will receive a follow-up to complete medical screening and additional paperwork .
Common Questions
1. Are Outward Bound veteran programs in Maine really free?
Yes. The full tuition and required travel costs are covered through donor support . You only pay a $50 non-refundable commitment fee at enrollment.
2. What types of Outward Bound veteran courses are available in Maine?
There are currently two main courses: a 6-day canoe expedition and a 6-day sailing expedition, both starting in Portland, Maine .
3. What does the $50 commitment fee cover?
It confirms your intent to participate. If you are placed on a waitlist and no spot becomes available, this fee is refunded .
4. Is gear provided or do I need to bring my own?
Outward Bound provides all technical gear—sleeping bags, pads, tents, packs, and cooking gear. You are responsible for bringing your own clothing and footwear .
5. Can I bring my phone on the expedition?
No. These are technology-free courses. Your devices will be stored securely until the course ends .
6. Do I need outdoor experience?
No. Outward Bound teaches all the skills you need, including navigation, paddling, and camping .
7. What is the cancellation policy?
The $50 commitment fee is non-refundable at enrollment. If you cancel less than 30 days before the start date for reasons other than deployment, a $250 cancellation fee applies .
8. Is this the same as Veterans Upward Bound?
No. Outward Bound for Veterans is a wilderness adventure program. Veterans Upward Bound is a federal program that provides academic support for veterans pursuing college degrees .
Key Takeaways
Outward Bound veteran expeditions in Maine are 100% free, including tuition and travel.
The only cost is a $50 non-refundable commitment fee at enrollment.
Courses are 6 days in Maine’s wilderness, with options for canoeing or sailing.
All technical gear, food, and instruction are provided.
No outdoor experience is needed.
These courses are designed to build camaraderie and support the transition to civilian life.
Official Resources
Outward Bound Veterans Programs:Â outwardbound.org/veterans
Maine Veterans Canoe Course:Â outwardbound.org/course/maine-veterans-canoe
Maine Coast Veterans Sail Course:Â outwardbound.org/course/maine-coast-veterans-sail
Outward Bound Customer Service:Â 866-467-7651
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📌 Information provided as of June 2026. Always verify current eligibility and rules with official .gov sources.
This site is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any government agency. All information is for educational purposes only. Please visit VA.gov for official information.
