FAQ

Teen adventure travel is the Bold Earth mission: Since 1976, Bold Earth has successfully welcomed over 13,000 teenagers from 50 states and 55 countries. Our full-time professional team is here for you to assemble the three components of a successful summer adventure:

• Itinerary: We carefully research hands-on, authentic itineraries which provde teenagers with a worthwhile summer to broaden their horizons personally and globally.
• Leadership: We screen, hire and train leaders who will exceed your family's expectations for an unforgettable summer of safety, fun, friendship, mentoring and learning.
• Students: We want careful and selective families to choose Bold Earth. Our offerings are only as good as the families who choose Bold Earth Adventures. Our target student is responsible, informed and enthusiastic. Every student is interviewed and must submit two adult references.

Call our references or join us to find out for yourself. The Bold Earth way of life is mature and incredible, fantastic and phenomenal. Over and over teenagers tell us that the friendships, activities, goals and motivations shared on Bold Earth are crystal clear. Our goal is that after just a short time, your Bold Earth trip will become the best decision of your life.

CAN I READ REVIEWS AND RATINGS ON BOLD EARTH?

Absolutely! We invite you to click on the links below to read independent reviews on Yelp and Google+

Many families ask to compare Bold Earth Adventures to summer programs offered by their high school. Our leadership, experience and dedicated full-time staff set us apart:

• Unparalleled Communication: Before, during and after, our team is always available to answer your questions with the expertise and confidence that only a full-time professional team can provide.
• New Beginnings: Spending a summer away from your school friends offers students an incredible opportunity for independence while trying out new skills, activities and exploring the world outside of your routine.
• New Role Models: Bold Earth trip leaders are mostly in their twenties. We carefully select highly competent leaders who combine responsibility and professionalism with a proven ability to relate to teens. Bold Earth leaders provide a fresh perspective compared to the teachers and coaches that you and your family have known for years.

1. Contact Us: Seven days a week, we encourage your calls or e-mails to answer your questions and to check availability.
2. Interview: A five minute phone interview is required.
3. Download and submit an application.
4. Camper Homepage: Accepted students immediately receive access to a digital page with a detailed clothing list, reading list, medical form, insurance form and participation agreement. Two weeks before your trip, we post a group list, description of your leader, detailed itinerary, flight list and final instructions.
5. Contact Us Again and Again! We understand and embrace our responsibility to answer your questions. It is our goal to exceed your expectations for communication and guardianship.

Accommodations, activities, transportation during the trip (except one flight in Australia's Best), travel insurance to international destinations for USA students, meals, laundry, helmet, skis/boards (except Ultimate Alps), tents, etc. You should be able to fully participate without any additional expense.

Airfare to the start point, your return ticket home, personal insurance, e-mail access and personal items listed on the equipment list are not included with the tuition cost.

Payment can be made by check online, through the mail or by wire transfer. Sorry, we do not accept credit cards. Call or e-mail us for payment instructions.

• $400 is the most you can forfeit prior to May 15.
• After May 15, there are no refunds unless you separately purchase Optional Tuition Insurance (OTI). Cost is $150 - $335, depending on tuition. Students who purchase OTI receive a full tuition refund minus $800 or a prorated refund for unused tuition.
• Campers who cancel after May 15, are sent home for medical reasons or at the discretion of the camper, family, trip leader or Bold Earth Adventures will not receive a refund unless you purchase OTI.
• Travel home costs are always the family's responsibility.
• Campers sent home for alcohol, tobacco or drugs are not eligible for a refund even if they purchased OTI.
• Bold Earth Adventures reserves the right to cancel any trip before the date of departure. If cancellation does occur, you have the option of receiving a complete refund or a transfer to another program.

Bold Earth rules are the foundation of a safe, healthy and enjoyable summer. Participants unable to abide by these rules should not enroll. Breaking these rules will result in dismissal without refund. Bold Earth reserves the right to search for illegal substances.

New social interaction, adventure and cultural experiences are the connection on Bold Earth. Yes, you can bring your phone or electronic devices to connect with your family at appropriate times. We encourage you to bring books, non electronic games and instruments that can be shared with your new friends.

Bold Earth is not for everyone; an extremely low percentage of Bold Earth participants do not complete their trip. If you have problems with alcohol, drugs or tobacco, or you arrive with a negative attitude, chances are you won't enjoy your experience. We exceed the expectations of the vast majority of our customers. All you need is a willingness to try and the desire to make friends. You should speak with one of our office Directors to match your readiness and age with the right program. We encourage you to expect a lot of Bold Earth and your leaders because we are going to expect a lot from you!

No Experience is necessary for the majority of Bold Earth's programs. Bold Earth is able to accommodate all skill levels and make it fun for everyone!

The challenges of Bold Earth can be demanding. We recommend regular aerobic exercise for at least a few weeks before taking any of our trips. Walking, jogging, swimming or riding a bike are all good ways to increase your fitness, so you can get the most out of your Bold Earth experience.

Yes we do; trip highlights are a broad outline, not a precise description. But any changes made will be clearly communicated with you and your family and will only be made in the interest of safety or a more successful trip.

We are certified by all state and local agencies and accredited by the American Camp Association.We have voluntarily met or exceeded over 300 standards including leader qualifications, first aid, emergency procedures, vehicle safety, etc.

Your trip leaders are required to call your family within two hours of arrival. You are then encouraged to call home only about once a week so you can concentrate on your Bold Earth experience and bonding with your new friends. Of course we will move heaven and earth to call your family in any sort of emergency. Our Colorado office is available 24/7 during the summer in case of an emergency. Regular TRIP REPORTS are posted to our website with pictures. Families are notified by email each time a TRIP REPORT is posted.

We strongly suggest you come alone; 85% of our campers do. Bold Earth will not accept more than three people in any group who know one another.

You should bring $75 for every week you'll be traveling. This will cover souvenirs, personal items and impulse purchases. We recommend you bring cash, or an ATM card - YES ATM's are accessible on every Bold Earth trip. We will assist you with currency conversion upon arrival.

Our Colorado office is reachable by phone and e-mail 24 hours a day. All problems are handled immediately and the family is always contacted directly. Most trips include 1-2 mail stops or e-mail access at your expense.

Activities that require instruction are led by professional guides. Guides join our group with the expertise and equipment necessary to provide a high level of demanding, fun and safe instruction suitable for different levels of experience.

A passport is required for all international trips. Make two copies of your passport, leave one at home and carry one tucked away in your luggage. Visa requirements vary by country and Bold Earth will notify you if one is required. Non-USA students must check local visa requirements.

Contact your family physician or your local travel clinic for the most up-to-date health information. We will tell you about any required vaccinations or precautions for the country that you are visiting.

• Americans only? Hardly! Global diversity of staff and campers is an essential and valued part of Bold Earth. All races, creeds and colors are warmly embraced.
• English is the primary language of Bold Earth (with the exception of our language trips).
• Internationals join Bold Earth to improve their English skills; English language fluency is not required.
• The more open you are to experiencing local culture the better your experience will be. Don't worry, at least one Bold Earth leader is fluent in the local languages.
• Vegetarians, kosher, diabetics, food allergies, halal, shots, medications are all welcome. Please discuss any special needs with a Bold Earth director before enrolling.

Bold Earth embraces stewardship for our public lands. Bold Earth operates in the Arapaho, Roosevelt, Gunnison, White River, Grand Mesa, Routt, Pike, San Isabel, Uncompahgre, Medicine Bow, San Jaun, Rio Grande, Ashley, Wenatchee and Olympic National Forests under Special Use Permits from the US Forest Service, USDA. Bold Earth also operates under a commercial use license in the following National Parks: Olympic, Yosemite and Volcanoes. In Alaska we operate in the Denali and Chugach State Parks. In accordance with Federal Law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, America's Adventure is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination; write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD) USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Our scholarship program allows teenagers from every background to enjoy Bold Earth. Applicants are carefully screened and awards are based exclusively on family income.Click hereto learn more about scholarships.