While all challenges require the imagination and cooperation of every participant, the real challenge lies in the communication skills and confidence of the team. The aim is to maximize the group's experience for total effectiveness. BOLD's GIC program is designed to meet the specific goals of every group that participates. However, there are some skill that almost every GIC program develops, such as:

• Communication and Decision Making Skills
• Leadership Formation
• Team Effectiveness
• Group Identity
• Conflict Resolution

BOLD's Low Ropes Course (LRC)

    The LRC is designed to mesh with GIC activities that complement each other for a half or whole day team development experience.  The LRC consists of 'fixed' elements ranging from 6 inches to 14 feet off the ground.  This is an excellent intermediate step between GIC and HRC.

     Teams involved in a LRC experience generally confront skill development challenges. Such as:

• Problem Solving
• Effective Planning
• Interdependence
• Trust
• Developing Creative Solutions

BOLD's High Ropes Course (HRC)

The HRC consists of activities that take place in the trees, anywhere from thirty feet to fifty feet above the ground. The program is meant to be a continuation of the GIC/LRC, using the teamwork and trust skills learned while accomplishing the lower elements. The high elements also require problem-solving skills and confidence (in yourself and your team).

Participants are protected at all times by a detailed safety network. Each group member wears a protective harness, helmet, and safety rope. Furthermore, before leaving the ground, each person is carefully trained in the appropriate operation of the equipment. Some benefits often obtained from participating in the HRC are:

• Extension of Personal Limitations
• Group Support
• Experience in Handling Unusual Matters
• Increased Self-Confidence
• Increased Trust and Reliance

Common Questions about BOLD

How much time does my group need?
The GIC or GIC/LRC combination will take from two hours up to an entire day depending on group size and objective.  Exceptions may be made for time constraints.  Mobile versions of the GIC and LRC allow BOLD to provide programs in any open space at your site or retreat setting! 
   The HRC takes at least four hours with an extra half hour or so needed for warm-up activities.  The HRC is offered only as a full day or longer program and is combined with a GIC/LRC program agenda.

What should I wear?
*Comfortable Clothing: loose fitting but secure with closed toed, lace up shoes and a cap.
*Wind and or Rain gear
*Cold Weather: wear layers and gloves

Click on a picture to	view a larger image

How can I get in touch with BOLD?
Come by the BOLD office, located in Richards Gymnasium on the Berry College campus in Rome, Georgia. You can call us as well at (706) 238-7806 or 706-236-2225, e-mail us at BOLD-HPE@berry.edu or mking@berry.edu , or fax us at (706) 802-6735.

What will happen after I get in touch with BOLD?
It will take anywhere from a day to a week to confirm that staff is available for your request. Once confirmation is made, BOLD will send a participation package with the necessary information. All requests are considered tentative until confirmations have been made, the letter has been sent, and a deposit has been received.
Note: alternative dates are very helpful in planning a program.

What if I need to Cancel?
Programs go Rain or Shine. On rare occasions we cancel due to severe weather. You may reschedule or receive a full refund.  Cancellations are requested to be within 48 hours of the scheduled date. If you find that a cancellation may be in order, please try to consider all possible alternatives. If it becomes a necessity, BOLD is happy to reschedule for another time. If you cancel or decrease your numbers:

• At least 30 days before you program:100% refund
• 4-5 days before you program:security deposit and/or Early payment discounted rate is non-refundable. All other payments:50% refund
• Less than 5 days before the program:No refund

NOTE: A deposit is due 30 days before your program to reserve your training date.

What happens if the weather is severe (lightening, ice, etc)?
There is no bad weather during BOLD programs.  Just inappropriate clothing worn to the program.  Make sure you bring what you need to participate and adjust to changing weather conditions.  In the occurrence of severe weather, the group coordinator and BOLD will decide together whether to continue the program. In some cases, the program can be moved indoors.

What kind of group does BOLD cater to?
The BOLD program has hosted area youth groups, middle school, high school, and college classes, sports teams, church youth groups, and corporate groups.  All programs are custom designed and priced according to individual group needs and objectives.  Ask about weekday and educational institution discounts.  All Berry College groups receive a special on campus group rate.

How many people can I bring?
BOLD works with groups as small as 8 and as large as 500. Large groups will be divided up into smaller subgroups. For small groups, the maximum number of participants is 30. It is crucial to know an accurate number of participants ahead of time so that BOLD can provide the correct number of instructor staff.

Is there an age requirement?
Yes. All participants in the GIC/LRC must be at least in junior high school. All participants in the HRC must be at least in eighth grade.

What about safety?
Safety is the first concern at BOLD. Instructors are trained to take groups through the course in nothing but currently accepted experiential education techniques. All youth programs will be supervised by adults while on the course, and all participants are trained in safe spotting techniques before performing on the course. BOLD has always and continues to incorporate the Challenge By Choice philosophy.  Participants are not required to anything they do not feel comfortable doing. Additionally, BOLD has incorporated a comprehensive risk management plan since its inception 20 years ago.

What are the qualifications of the staff?
BOLD's staff has more than 100 years of combined experience and staff members are trained in first aid and CPR. The BOLD staff members are dedicated to the teaching of trust, team building, and the group process. The staff includes individuals with training in experiential education/ psychology, business, engineering, medical fields, counseling, recreation, coaching and more.  Many hold advanced degrees in their field of expertise, plus adventure based certification and training.

For more information:
Berry Outdoor Leadership Development Program
Berry College
P. O. Box 495026
Mount Berry, GA 30149-5026

Phone: (706) 236-2225
Fax: (706) 802-6735
Email: bold-hpe@berry.edu