We offer hour long workshops, one-day programs, and multi-day trips. BOLD & GOLD will partner with you to design programming that builds on skillsets or introduces participants to multiple activities. Contact us to discuss your interests and goals.

Our activities include camping, backpacking, rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, and snowshoeing, as well as leadership workshops and team building. We offer options that focus on one or more activities, customized to fit your needs.

Our instructors are experienced outdoor educators with an extensive background working in the outdoors. All instructors are trained in wilderness medicine and each instructor team consists of at least one wilderness first responder with the supporting instructors holding certifications in wilderness first aid.

Yes. We are committed to making YMCA Camping and Outdoor Leadership programs accessible for everyone. Contact us to discuss your goals and your budget.

The BOLD & GOLD office is located in Seattle, Washington. BOLD & GOLD runs programs throughout the state of Washington. We arrange camping spaces and permitting through public land managers including County, State, and National Parks. Since BOLD & GOLD is not limited to a single location, we offer the flexibility to match locations with program goals.

BOLD & GOLD partners with public and private schools, companies, non-profits, community-based groups, and other Y’s. We pride ourselves on our ability to create personalized experiences with a variety of partners and participants. Contact us to discuss how we can work together to meet your goals.

Yes! During the summer season (June-August) BOLD & GOLD offers 5-14 day overnight experiences. There are open enrollment trips as well as opportunities for partner groups to plan their own trip.

BOLD & GOLD group size is determined by activity and location. Most larger groups split into smaller groups of up to 10 participants for individual activities.

We work with partners on a schedule and location that works best for them. We can pick up and drop off groups at an agreed upon location or meet at the activity location.

We can provide transportation during programs. BOLD & GOLD uses 14-passenger minibuses to transport participants. BOLD & GOLD drivers must pass a motor vehicle background check, drug screening, and complete our comprehensive driver training prior to driving YMCA owned vehicles.

The earlier you can book your program the better, especially with larger groups and overnight experiences. Many of our camping sites need to be reserved 6 months or more in advance and have limited availability. Please reach out to discuss your options.

BOLD & GOLD can be reached on the program line, (206)-659-0231, during regular business hours. Prior to your program you will receive a list of emergency contacts, including our On-Call phone number. During programs we have trained staff on-call 24 hours a day.

Cell phone use on programs tends to detract from the experience and many of our sites do not have a reliable cell phone signal. BOLD & GOLD would prefer that cell phones are not used or carried during program activities. Use of cell phones on the bus and during participant free time is dictated by the organizing leader or school.

Prior to the program, group leaders will receive a list of emergency contacts, including our On-Call phone number, through which groups can communicate. For BOLD & GOLD programs that take place in areas with limited cell service instructors will carry a satellite phone and have scheduled check-in calls with our on-call staff. We know it can be challenging to be away from home overnight, but the satellite phone is for instructor use only.

BOLD & GOLD provides durable cameras that participants use to take pictures during their experience. After the program those pictures are uploaded to SmugMug. At the end of the program participants receive directions and the access code to view their group’s photos.

Electronic location tracking devices such as an AirTag, Tile, or SmartTag are strongly discouraged. Participants may be traveling in locations with unreliable network signals, which limits the effectiveness of these devices.

The safety of our participants is our top priority. 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. Trip protocols have been reviewed by our Advisory Board, which includes Y staff and industry leaders. In the event there is an emergency, we have developed an extensive Emergency Action Plan (EAP) that includes communication with Land Managers, such as the National Park Service, and provides support for all of our groups out in the field. All office staff and instructors have been trained in the EAP. Instructors are all certified in CPR and Wilderness First Aid, and some have additional Wilderness First Responder training. Instructors are the first to provide emergency care and will provide initial medical care to the level of their training. Our office has medical staff on-call to provide further assistance when necessary.

• On single day programs BOLD & GOLD provides snacks. Participants will need to bring a bag lunch for the day. Snacks may include Chex Mix, Cheez-its, dried fruit, or pretzels. 
• For overnight programs BOLD & GOLD will provide meals. Participants only need to bring a bag lunch for their first day. Our team creates a meal plan based on the dietary needs of all participants. Instructors plan meals and snacks that are suitable for the group, site, and activity.

In the BOLD & GOLD Partnership Programs Health Packet there will be an opportunity to alert us of any and all food allergies, their severity, and/or special dietary requirements. Our staff work hard to provide well-balanced, culturally relevant, healthy foods during each adventure, that are customized for each trip’s participants. We can accommodate lactose intolerance, pork-free, beef-free, and other common food allergies, such as gluten and nuts. However, if dietary needs are beyond aforementioned situations, or are severe and/or complex, please contact us to discuss options.  

Activities vary based on the goals, length, and type of program. Regardless of the program, each day will include a mix of outdoor adventure, leadership development, and fun! BOLD & GOLD instructors are prepared to lead participants through a variety of games, community building activities, and skills training to meet the goals of the group.

Having the right gear will make your experience more enjoyable. Packing lists will be provided in advance, and the Y will provide all technical and group gear. Instructors will help check all your gear at the start of the program. Instructors may ask you to leave something that you’ve packed or provide you with an alternative item. This is done for efficiency and to ensure everyone has the appropriate gear. If you have questions about gear, please contact our outdoor team at (206) 382-5009 or campinfo@seattleymca.org.

Absolutely! BOLD & GOLD has an extensive gear library to ensure that everyone is fully equipped with everything participants need for their experience. Gear is issued to participants at the beginning of the program. All BOLD & GOLD gear is free to borrow.  

Contact our Camping & Outdoor Leadership Admin team at campinfo@seattleymca.org or call (206) 382-5009 (select option 4, then option 3)