Course Information
UPWARD BOUND is designed to facilitate the deepening of faith and commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ, and to promote the development of the Christian as a whole person: spiritually, mentally, and physically. This unique and intensive course also aims to increase Biblical knowledge and application, promote Biblical values, develop leadership potential, a sense of personal responsibility, and self-confidence, and encourage cooperative teamwork and appreciation for others.

To this end UPWARD BOUND consists of teaching on various Bible Books and principles of Christian Leadership. These studies are integrated with a demanding program using the mountain and wilderness environment as a classroom providing both inherent and controlled challenges. Included in the course are lectures, seminars, backpacking, map and compass skills, camping, climbing, rapelling, caving, rafting, river crossings, initiatives, first aid instruction, solo, assignments and opportunities for further application and interaction in devotions, services, and regular practical work and household duties. Participants will be divided into smaller groups of six to eleven persons for various purposes such as small group problem solving tasks, leadership training, debriefing, and fellowship.

Time for personal reflection, relaxation, and recreation both individually and as a group, is also vital. Besides planned activities and social events, the alpine environment of mountains, lakes, and waterfalls offers great recreation opportunities such as sightseeing, hiking, and running. Tauernhof has outdoor volleyball and a climbing wall. Within walking distance there is also a gym, outdoor basketball court and soccer fields, as well as an indoor – outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, squash courts, and fitness center (these all charge fees). Other recreation possibilities include mountain biking and horseback riding.

Tauernhof in Schladming is the base location for UPWARD BOUND. Because of our smaller size (capacity of 80 participants) Tauernhof enjoys a warm and personal atmosphere, in a close community made up of participants from various countries and cultures. The accommodations are dormitory style, with rooms being shared by about four – six roommates. Much of the time is also spent away from Tauernhof as we move out into the fabulous mountain environment on several multi-day tours. Besides camping, we will also
stay in alpine huts.

Prior camping and mountaineering experience are not required for UPWARD BOUND. However it is important to be in good physical health and condition.

How to apply
Currently applications can only be submitted by post.

Please click here to download an application form then here to download a reference form (You will need to print two of these)

Please send completed forms to:

Tauernhof Registrar
Coburgstrasse 50
8970 Schladming
Austria

Our Registrar will contact you when we have received your completed forms, but if you have any further questions about the application process, then please email us at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Equipment list
Because of limited space, and also for travelling convenience, we suggest that you bring along only what is essential. As the course will involve spending extended periods of time in the mountains, with a typically fair degree of temperature variation and precipitation potential, as well as at Tauernhof, you should bring the following items:

Equipment:
- Large Backpack -approx. 60 liters, padded hip-belt, with rainproof cover that fits over entire pack)
- If available: Small back pack (day pack)
- Sleeping Bag (warm - to 0°C, 32°F)
- Foam Insulation Pad
- Flashlight (small)
- Pocket Knife
- Cup and Bowl (plastic or aluminum), Spoon
- Water Bottle (1 liter minimum)
- English Bible (small, translation, not paraphrase), Notebook and Writing Materials
- Sunglasses (100% UV rating recommended) and Sunscreen
- Band-Aids and Moleskin
- Towels,  Personal Toiletries
- Required Personal Medication

Clothing:                       
- Mountaineering Boots (these must have strong ankle support and VibramTM  or equivalent soles.
  A 1/2 to 3/4 shank is preferable. "Day Hikers" or Hi TecsTM are not adequate. Boots may be
  purchased here. If you are bringing boots, you should wear them before you come to "break them in" as well as your feet. Also, bring along waterproofing agent such as SnosealTM (no sprays).  
- Waterproof rainwear (jacket, cap or hood, pants) – breathable fabric is preferable, Gore-Tex is the best! 2 or 3 layers.
- Warm cap (eg. Wool or fleece)       
- Cap (for sun protection)                   
- Wool or fleece mittens or gloves               
- Warm Sweater (e.g. wool or fleece)
- Hiking Pants (not jeans)       
- Sweats                           
- Shorts                           
- Long-sleeved Shirts           
- T-shirts                    
- Underwear                           
- Long Underwear                   
- Socks (including wool socks)       
- Swimsuit                   
- Bathrobe                   
- Running Shoes           
- Cheap Runners (will get wet)   
- If available: personal climbing equipment       
- Slippers                       
- Clothing for various activities at Tauernhof (Sunday Services and special events, lectures, practical work, recreation).

Note: Participants should maintain a general neatness in appearance. 
We also recommend easy care clothes that may be put in a dryer. Label your clothes for easier identification.

Optional:   
- Camera and Film (expensive in Austria
- Portable Musical Instruments
- Bandanna
- A couple heavy duty garbage bags and a  1/2 dozen large Zip Loc™  freezer bags - excellent for watertight packing

Note:    
The electrical current in Austria is 220 Volts/50Hz AC, so if you intend to bring any electrical appliances, you may need to bring a voltage converter as well as an adaptor plug. CD- and MP3 players may only be used with headphones.