The YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga is gearing up for the summer with two brand new outdoor programs for teens: BOLD and GOLD.
Through the YMCA’s new BOLD/GOLD program, Chattanooga youth will get to experience a variety of outdoor adventures this summer.BOLD, Boys Outdoor Leadership Development, and GOLD, Girls Outdoor Leadership Development, are designed for youth from the sixth to 12th grades. The programs’ goals involve using the great outdoors to teach leadership skills and develop communication skills.
“I think it puts the kids in a situation where they can test out and experience leadership,” said North River YMCA BOLD/GOLD program director Daniel Kadwell. “We’ll give these kids an opportunity to step up and play these roles that they might not have the opportunity to play in everyday life.”
Participants will have the opportunity to experience the outdoors through different extended backpacking, climbing and canoeing trips. For instance, on one GOLD trip, the girls will be spending five days canoeing the Tennessee River Blueway.
“That’s going to be an awesome trip,” said Kadwell. “It’s literally right in Chattanooga’s backyard.”