At BOLD & GOLD, we’ve built our values into the program from the ground up. We are motivated by expanding access to the outdoors, building connections between youth of diverse backgrounds, helping every young person live their fullest life, and so much more. Every step of the way, we ask how we can incorporate these ideals into our day to day operations.  

One way we do this is by offering a three-tiered pricing structure on every trip. This might seem a little nuts and bolts, but we know that accessible pricing can be the difference that makes a difference when it comes to getting youth outside. No one knows this model better than Robin Chiles, the Partnership and Outreach Advisor for our national team. This month, we asked her to break down the details and share some of the positive impacts she's seen from this model over the years.

THE DIFFERENCE THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE

Chiles shared the story of two boys who met on a backpacking trip many summers ago. Eric showed up to the trip with new hiking boots and his own backpack. His mom had planned out much of his summer; after this week with BOLD & GOLD, he would participate in a climbing program and several other camps. Josiah carried his belongings for the trip in a black trash bag and arrived in worn out sneakers. Josiah’s mom had agoraphobia, which is an anxiety of leaving one’s home, so Chiles planned to stand with him during the opening and closing circles. 

Many BOLD & GOLD trips culminate in a closing circle, during which the participants reflect on their trip with parents and guardians. After their week-long adventure, Josiah and Eric’s group shared what they appreciated about one another. Chiles remembers that for both boys, the most meaningful parts of the trip were the conversations they had while hiking or at camp in the evenings. Josiah thanked Eric for the connection they shared, saying that it meant a lot to him; Eric said their conversations made him think differently about the world and gave him different possibilities of what could be.

This connection between Josiah and Eric is not an accident. On every BOLD & GOLD trip, our goal is to enroll young people who represent a range of economic diversity. Our unique pricing structure offers three different tiers that families can choose from, based on what is appropriate for them, in addition to scholarships. “There’s so many barriers already existing to getting young people participating in programs like BOLD & GOLD,” says Chiles. To reduce the burden, no application is required for families to choose the middle or lowest pricing tier. 

We aim for each group to consist of roughly a third of participants paying full price, a third with a very substantial subsidy, and third in the middle (the bottom and middle tiers). Because we don’t require financial information to choose between the tiers, there’s sometimes a concern that people would take advantage of the system. “I don’t think they will,” says Chiles, “and I never did.” For some families, the middle price is too high, but they may be able to pay more than the lowest tier. In her former role, Chiles would work with individual families to determine their appropriate payment amount, even if it fell between the levels. 

In addition to reducing barriers to the outdoors and promoting economic diversity, the "thirds" model also helps BOLD & GOLD work toward financial sustainability as a program. The middle tier represents the direct expenses of running the program, things like food and transportation, while the upper tier includes year-round staffing, developing partnerships, new gear, or other “wishlist” items that sites may have. Families can also apply for additional aid beyond the lowest tier, or receive a Diversity in the Outdoors award for up to 95% off through a local partner's nomination, which is supported by fundraising. 

Chiles adds that it’s important to not conflate race with socioeconomic status. While many communities of color have purchasing power, some may not yet be bought into an outdoor trip like BOLD & GOLD. It’s up to us to reach out in creative ways that align with the values of diverse communities. “You can’t do this type of recruiting from the office or through direct mailing,” says Chiles. Having people out in the community, coordinating with school counselors, and getting in front of young people and parents in person is key to forming those connections. 

This model is rooted in accessibility, but its impact goes far beyond that. By structuring our trips this way, young people are able to connect over “those deep conversations they have about what’s important,” says Chiles; “there’s so much learning about who we are as a society and how we need to work together.”

We just finished up our weeklong Train the Trainer trip at Point Reyes Seashore a week ago, and it was great to get out on the trail with the folks running BOLD & GOLD programs. I have been reflecting on how none of what we do can be just “theoretical”. While there is theory and research that supports what we do and why, you can’t be a bystander. We ask youth to show up and learn and be vulnerable and that means we need to do the same. This group is so impressive in their courage and willingness to really show up. I left the week incredibly inspired and hopeful for this group of rising leaders. Thanks to everyone who gave of themselves, was a part of getting them there, or helped them show up.