A Day in the Life at Bold Earth’s Teen Adventure Camp
Most people dream of waking up to the crisp air of the European Alps, surrounded by breathtaking peaks and endless possibilities for adventure. For your teen, it doesn’t have to be a dream. A day at Bold Earth’s teen adventure camp is more than just a series of activities; it’s an opportunity to grow, connect, and explore some of the most stunning landscapes the world has to offer. From exhilarating outdoor challenges to sharing stories around the dinner circletable, every moment is crafted to inspire and empower.
Morning: Rise and Shine for Adventure
The day kicks off with a hearty breakfast, fueling you for the adventures ahead. Whether it’s a warm bowl of oatmeal or fresh scrambled eggs sourced locally, the meal sets the tone for an exciting day. Our students take turns cooking meals for the group in teams. They go through the process of planning their meal with their team, shopping for ingredients, cooking, and cleaning up afterwards. Everybody in the group will get a chance to choose what’s for breakfast, lunch, or dinner at some point during the trip. On certain trips, we’ll also enjoy backcountry meals prepared by our professional outfitters. Next, it’s time for the morning activity. On the Adventure Swiss Alps trip, this might mean starting your trek on the world-renowned Tour du Mont Blanc. The trail—which winds through France, Switzerland, and Italy—offers panoramic views of jagged peaks, lush valleys, and quaint villages. Each step brings a new discovery, and the group works together to navigate the scenic paths.
Experience-based judgement is what keeps us safe
Afternoon: More Thrills and a Well-Earned Break
Lunchtime offers a moment to pause and savor your surroundings. Imagine enjoying a picnic of fresh bread, cheese, and fruit in a meadow overlooking Mont Blanc. Every bite tastes better when paired with such incredible scenery. In the afternoon, the adventures continue. Teens might find themselves whitewater rafting down the glacier-fed Arve River, tackling class II rapids surrounded by towering Alpine vistas. Other afternoons could be spent canyoneering through narrow gorges, jumping into crystal-clear pools, or exploring local villages, where you’ll immerse yourself in the culture and maybe even pick up a few words in French or Italian.
Evening: Reflect, Relax, and Recharge
As the sun sets, participants gather for a shared dinner, often prepared with local ingredients. Whether it’s a savory pasta dish or a hearty stew, the meal becomes a time to reflect on the day’s accomplishments and bond with fellow adventurers. The night concludes with an evening meeting, a time for students to share about their experiences that day. Our evening meeting includes giving a highlight moment from the day’s adventures and nominating a hero, someone who left an impression on you for their kindness, courage, or just for being a really good friend. Evenings are reserved for relaxation and connection. After the evening meeting, you might share stories around a fire, participate in group games, or simply unwind under a star-filled sky. The memories made during these moments often become the highlights of the trip.
An Example Itinerary: The Adventure Swiss Alps Trip
This iconic Bold Earth experience perfectly captures the essence of the camp:
- Days 1-2: Begin with whitewater rafting in Chamonix on the glacier-fed Arve River. Continuous class II rapids provide an exhilarating introduction to the Alps while the surrounding landscapes offer unforgettable views.
- Days 3-10: Embark on the Tour du Mont Blanc, a hut-to-hut hiking journey that spans three countries. Each day brings new vistas—from the Aiguilles Rouges to the Grand Combin—and the chance to experience Alpine culture. Nights are spent in cozy mountain huts or van-supported campsites, complete with facilities and locally-sourced meals.
Why Bold Earth?
At Bold Earth’s teen adventure camp, every detail is designed to challenge and inspire. Activities like hiking, rafting, and cultural immersion are balanced with moments of reflection and connection. Participants leave with new skills, lasting friendships, and memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the awe-inspiring beauty of the Alps! Whether you’re navigating the Tour du Mont Blanc or rafting down a glacial river, each day promises a new chapter in your adventure story. Ready to join the journey? Bold Earth is waiting for you.
Recent blogs
Arches National Park Adventures
Curious about what life is like on Bold Earth’s teen travel programs? Sophie, a summer camper on one of our trips, submits an exciting blog entry about her experience at Arches National Park! Starting the day with an early 5:00 am wakeup, Dillon, Max, Logan, Don, Jackson, Lindsey, Mariana, and Alexandra, led by
Interview With a (Previously) Nervous Student
Leaving your comfort zone to travel for several weeks with a group of strangers can be nerve-wracking. There are new foods, sights, smells, and social dynamics to navigate. Even if we know this new experience will be good for us, it can still feel overwhelming. It’s normal to feel butterflies when
Camera Recommendations for Bold Earth Trips
Many parents choose Bold Earth because of our no-electronics policy—teens finally get a much-needed break from digital and social media! But the first question they ask is, “How will Bold Earth teenagers be able to take photos?!” Believe it or not, digital point-and-shoot cameras are still available (we know, it sounds crazy).
Pros and Cons of Cotton Clothing
As we move into the new year, parents and students begin to look ahead to summer and make their 2019 Bold Earth trip selection. There are so many options taking place around the world—we know it can be hard to choose! With trip selection comes trip planning, and it’s important to
The Silver Lining to COVID-19 Quarantine
As we’ve all grown fond of saying, we’re living in a challenging and unprecedented time. No person in their right mind would describe these past few months as a “good time.” With all who have suffered from the direct and indirect effects of COVID-19, it’s hard to feel positive. I
And then it rained…
Well, I’m not sure if it actually did. But unless you’re on our Grand Canyon trip, it’s bound to rain at least once, right? This may sound odd, but we really like a day of rain on our trips. It doesn’t have to rain – maybe it’s wind or mud.
request your
program proposal
The custom group program process is a collaboration from start to finish. We love hearing about what you hope to get out of the Bold Earth experience.