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. It could be a logistical hurdle that comes up on the trip or a very challenging hike. The point is that it’s not always easy. I have a lot of conversations with our parents about the role of challenge at Bold Earth.
The truth is it’s nuanced. Bold Earth is not a hard-core wilderness program, we don’t believe in suffering just for its own sake. We also don’t believe that all hardship results in growth or resiliency. We do believe that challenge, when properly framed and navigated can lead to authentic growth opportunities. Part of that comes from the challenge being real and not always pre-programmed. While we do challenging activities on Bold Earth trips, sometimes it’s the smaller discomforts or challenges that can help build resilience in our students. Whether it’s rain or a longer-than-expected hike or bugs, navigating real challenges builds real resiliency. Neither I nor any of our parents want our students to be miserable. We believe in having fun – that’s what gets our kids to buy into the Bold Earth experience! But if comfort was our only goal then I know every student would have gone elsewhere. They’d have gone on a teen tour where they never had to cook, or a program that let students keep their cell phones.
We accept the idea that discomfort is a necessary, important, and even intended part of the experience. Know that we will always look after your children’s safety and well-being. We’ll look after their needs, but there will be several times during their Bold Earth adventure they’ll be pushed past their comfort zone. Know that it’s not a bug in our system but part of the process. When we do our jobs well, students leave having had the time of their lives – bugs, rain, mud, and all.
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
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.
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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.