BOLD/GOLD is for all young people between the current 6th - 11th graders who are interested in an adventure that will expand their horizons, build their confidence, and challenge them in mind, body and spirit. If you are looking for a summer adventure like no other, BOLD/GOLD is for you. 

Our Introductory Trips cost $1,553. Our Level 1 and Level 2 Trips cost $1,353. These prices include all food, gear, and transportation for the trip. It also includes camp activities, housing, and food when the campers return to YMCA Camp High Harbour after their trip. Financial assistance is available and no child will be turned away due to inability to pay.

Participants new to this type of adventure can be successful if they are motivated, open to learning new skills, willing to work closely as a team, and are able to demonstrate leadership skills. Trips may be very challenging at times regardless of a participant’s experience in the outdoors, but the instructors will ensure that everything is within the abilities of the group. You do not need to have any outdoor experience to complete a BOLD/GOLD expedition and you do not need to be an athlete. Being in shape and physically active before you arrive is helpful but is not required on introductory experiences. Come prepared to meet new people, try new things, have fun and challenge yourself. You may make mistakes, but you will learn from them and go on to meet challenges, both individually and as a group. Our Level 1 trip is great for individuals looking for a slow introduction into the outdoors and wanting to experience everything a BOLD/GOLD expedition has to offer but on a smaller scale.

All trips begin and end at our base camp, YMCA Camp High Harbour at Lake Allatoona, located at: 40 Old Sandtown Road, Cartersville, GA 30121

The specific drop-off time for each trip will be provided in the welcome email. The course officially begins with an opening circle, and families are asked to stay for the course start. Upon arrival, participants will meet instructors and will be outfitted with any gear needed for their trip.

After the trip returns, all participants will be expected to help with the de-issuing process of the group and personal gear. Family members are encouraged to arrive on time for pick-up and will have the opportunity to check in with instructors about the course.

We will let our participants and families know of specific pick up and drop off times in the welcome email. 

We love good food! Eating well is really important to all of us and you can expect lots of lessons on cooking and opportunities to show your skill in the kitchen. The menu is largely vegetarian with lots of grains, pasta, cheese, beans, veggies, fruit, and nuts. Meat is heavy and spoils easily, but we do occasionally eat chicken, beef jerky, and summer sausage.  

Example Typical Menu:  

We provide 2-3 person tents, a sleeping pad, a sleeping bag, and a camping pillow.

Instructors will keep their tents close by. On Level 1 Trips, campsites will have pit toilets nearby.

Participants on Level 1 and Level 2 Trips will learn the art of Leave No Trace bathroom use and staying clean and hygienic in the backcountry. Introductory Trip participants will sleep in cabins and have access to full bathrooms.

Absolutely! The safety of participants is our highest concern. Travel in the outdoors always involves risk. The most important thing we do to mitigate risk in our programs is to be certain our instructors follow our safety policies and practices. participants will be led by our outstanding wilderness instructors who hold certifications in CPR, AED, Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder.

Check out our complete list of Frequently Asked Questions for even more details! Or, you can also contact our Program Administrator, Maya Joglekar at MayaJ@ymcaatlanta.org.

Click here for our complete FAQs.