Custom Group Adventures
Year-round adventure programs tailored for your school, team, club, or youth organization
Imagine your participants learning to surf in Hawai’i, then sharing stories around a campfire under a blanket of stars. Or backpacking and rock climbing through the Dolomites, before strolling through the streets of charming Venice. With our custom group programs, your vision becomes their unforgettable adventure.
Whether it’s studying geology at the Grand Canyon or learning Spanish during a Costa Rican homestay, our custom group programs allow you to turn classroom learning into real world adventure. No matter the program, students develop as leaders as they step into leadership roles and navigate challenges together, building confidence and communication skills that last far beyond the trip. Whether it’s a fall orientation program or an end-of-year culmination, our custom programs are also outstanding opportunities for community building. Through shared adventures and tech-free connections, relationships are deepened and class bonds strengthened, enhancing the school experience back home.
Bold Earth’s custom programs are designed for middle and high school participants, ready to step outside their comfort zone and try something new. Our immersive adventures combine learning, personal growth, and unforgettable experiences in one transformative program.
Make the World your Classroom
Perfect for Your Group
A custom group program is designed with school groups, sports teams, clubs, and youth organizations in mind, but the beauty of going custom is that we can adapt to fit your needs. Our programs are made for middle- and high school-age participants, ready to step outside the comfort zone and try something new.
Academic Extensions
Turn classroom learning into real-world adventure, from studying geology while rock climbing in Yosemite to practicing Spanish during Costa Rican homestays.
Leadership Development
Students naturally step into leadership roles as they navigate challenges together, building confidence and communication skills that last far beyond the trip.
Community Building
Strengthen class bonds through shared adventures and tech-free connection, creating deeper relationships that enhance the school experience back home.
Alternative to Traditional Programs
Skip the typical educational tour for an immersive adventure that combines learning, personal growth, and unforgettable experiences in one transformative trip.
What Your Students Will Gain
Resilience
Learning to adapt when plans change
Leadership
Taking responsibility for the group’s success
Deep Connections
Friendships that last beyond the program
Cultural Awareness
Understanding different ways of life
Problem-Solving Skills
Working together when challenges arise
Confidence
Discovering what they’re truly capable of
ADVENTURES BUILT FROM Your
VISION
Your Program, Your Vision: rugged outdoor immersion or cultural discovery with cozy accommodations—or something in between. Each custom program is unique, designed to fit individual goals and needs, so whether you’re looking for a camping-based adventure in America’s national parks or a multi-accommodation international experience, we’ll design something that fits your vision perfectly.
Domestic Adventures
Let America’s great outdoors be your classroom. Our highly customizable camping programs in the U.S. offer the chance for your lessons to come alive in the field through thrilling adventures and meaningful connections. Imagine your participants rock climbing on granite faces in Yosemite as a culminating experience after studying geology for a semester. Or, perhaps you’ll find your group strengthening class bonds as they tackle whitewater rapids in the North Carolina wilderness. Whether in cabins at our partner camp facility, base camping out of a central destination, or traveling between locations and campgrounds, you can choose the adventure style that best fits your group.
International Journeys
Whether you’re looking for a rustic wilderness adventure or an immersive cultural experience, our international programs are the perfect option to broaden perspectives and expose students to new places and ways of life. Picture your participants learning about volcanoes and geothermal energy while hiking glaciers in Iceland or coming together as a team to summit Mount Kilimanjaro. Alternatively, perhaps your students will get a feel for rural village life through traditional basket weaving and a cultural homestay in Northern Thailand. Our international adventures are completely customizable with a mix of camping, mountain huts, guesthouses, youth hostels, and hotels.
Why Choose Bold Earth for Your Custom Program?
When you partner with us at Bold Earth, you’ll be supported every step of the way, from program conception to post-program evaluation.
Our high standard of excellence, intentional program design, and collaborative and flexible partnership approach keeps our school group partners returning to us year after year.
Collaborative Planning
Your vision + our expertise = unforgettable adventures
Personalized Attention
Small groups ensure every participant feels seen
Year-Round Availability
Not limited to summer months
Lead Educator Support
One educator joins free for every 6 participants
Professional Leadership
Expert trip leaders who prioritize safety, learning, and fun
50 Years of Experience
Nearly five decades of creating meaningful adventures
From vision to
adventure
The custom group program process is a collaboration from start to finish. We love hearing about what you hope to get out of your Bold Earth experience. Using our adventure planning expertise, we create an itinerary to meet your group’s unique set of needs and journey together through the logistics needed to make your vision a reality.
Success Stories from Group Leaders
“Our 8th grade trip with Bold Earth was nothing short of transformative. From start to finish, the care, flexibility, and intention poured into the experience were remarkable. Our leaders, Andre and Alex, connected deeply with every student and created a week full of laughter, growth, and unforgettable memories. I truly believe some of our students’ life paths were changed because of this trip. We felt seen, supported, and inspired—every step of the way.”
Success Stories from Group Leaders
We brought our entire 7th grade to North Carolina for a week of hiking, rock climbing, and whitewater rafting, and the experience with Bold Earth was outstanding. The staff were incredibly communicative before the trip and phenomenal in the field—expertly leading activities and connecting with every student. The trip struck the perfect balance of challenge, fun, and leadership opportunities. Weeks later, our students are still buzzing about the adventure!
Success Stories from Group Leaders
James and Leah were incredible. I couldn’t have asked for better leaders. They were prepared for everything and clearly put a lot of thought into every part of the experience. Between Leah’s sense of humor and James’ calm, steady demeanor, they kept our spirits high—especially when we faced elements out of our control. I was particularly impressed with how they facilitated our nightly discussions and how intentionally they wove learning into every activity. Whether it was setting up tents in 20-knot winds, preparing meals together, prompting students to think of others before taking the last portion, or enthusiastically reading plaques along trails and in exhibits, they made sure every moment was meaningful. It was such a privilege to work alongside them.
Custom Adventures Built for You
Choose Your Group’s Perfect Adventure
Get inspired by some of our favorite destinations! From Costa Rican rainforests to California’s granite cliffs, these are just a few examples of the incredible places we can take your group. We’re experts in these locations and will work with you to customize the perfect adventure that fits your group’s goals and interests.
Costa Rica: Pura Vida Adventures
Whitewater raft down jade-green rivers, hike through misty cloud forests, learn to surf Pacific waves, zip line through lush rainforests, and immerse yourself in local communities and the pura vida culture through homestays and meaningful service learning projects.
California: Golden State Explorer
From marveling at Yosemite’s granite domes and the giant sequoias of Mariposa Grave to exploring San Francisco’s iconic landmarks, experience the best of the West Coast through surfing, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, and urban exploration
Iceland: Land of Fire and Ice
Trek past glaciers on the legendary Laugavegur Trail, kayak among icebergs, swim in the steaming hot springs of the famous Blue Lagoon, and learn about unique Icelandic culture and geothermal history on this Nordic adventure beneath the midnight sun.
Alps: Switzerland & France
Hike hut-to hut on Europe’s most legendary mountain trails, rock climb on granite cliffs, whitewater raft glacier-fed rivers, and climb across limestone cliffs on via ferrata routes above the charming mountain town of Chamonix.
Southwest: Cliffs & Canyons
Rock climb, canyoneer, and hike through the best of the American Southwest, learning about the region’s fascinating natural and cultural history as you visit iconic state and national parks such as Zion, Arches, Canyonlands, and the Grand Canyon.
Pacific Northwest: Oregon & Washington
Whether it’s surfing the coast at stunning Cannon Beach, rock climbing in the high desert at Smith Rock State Park, or hiking and whitewater rafting in the Cascades, adventure abounds in the lush and rugged Pacific Northwest.
Western North Carolina: Camp Retreat
Experience camp life at its best—cozy cabins, lake swimming, thrilling climbing walls, fun team-building, and fireside stories, all complemented by hiking and whitewater rafting adventures in Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests.
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.
Download Custom Programs Guide
Schedule a Planning Call
Inspiring Custom Adventures
Get inspired for your own Bold Earth experience by reading about one school’s journey to Iceland.
Florida High School in Iceland
Resilience, Connection & Weather-Fueled Adventures
A group of Florida students traded their familiar coastline for Iceland’s volcanic wilderness…and discovered that the greatest adventure wasn’t the destination, but who they became along the way.
time to be bold
Your Group's Bold Story Starts Here
Whether you’re envisioning your history class walking through ancient ruins or your environmental club restoring trails in a national park, we’re here to make it happen. Let’s create something bold together.
Start Planning Your Adventure
Download Custom Programs Guide
Who can organize a custom group?
Any adult working with teens ages 13-18 can plan a custom program. We work with teachers, youth group leaders, coaches, club advisors, and parent organizers.
Is there a minimum and maximum group size?
We can work with groups as small as 6 participants (plus adult leaders), and on the large end, we have accommodated groups of 100+. One adult joins free for every 6 participants.
How far in advance should we plan?
Ideally 6-12 months in advance, though we’ve created amazing programs with shorter timelines when needed.
Do programs always include camping?
Not at all! We design accommodations around your group’s comfort level – from hotels and lodges to hostels, guesthouses, camping, or mixed options.
Can we travel during the school year?
Yes! Custom groups can travel year-round. Popular windows include spring break, winter break, and long weekends.
Where can I travel to for my Custom program?
We offer a wide range of program locations, both here in the U.S. and around the world. Although we are open to working with Custom partners to travel to destinations new to us, we currently run programs in the following locations:
- United States: Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawai’i, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming
- International: Costa Rica, Iceland, France, Switzerland, Italy, South Africa, Tanzania, and Thailand.
Is airfare included in program tuition?
Airfare to and from the program location is an additional expense and not included in the program tuition. We can either get a specific quote or provide an estimate of flight costs during the program proposal process to give a full idea of program costs (tuition plus airfare).
How are flights arranged?
Some schools/groups choose to book their own flights to and from the program location, while others prefer us to book flights. If you prefer Bold Earth to book your flights, we work with a trusted travel agent to secure the best price and itinerary for each group. Our travel agent will usually find a few different options, and then we will work with you to choose the flight option that works best for your group.
Can I speak with previous custom schools/groups?
Absolutely. We are happy to give you contact information for schools or other groups who have done a Bold Earth custom program in the past. Please contact our office, and we can provide you with references.