AAVE: Bold West Program Overview & Recommendation

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Choice Camps Recommendation of AAVE: Bold West

Since 1976, more than 10,000 students from 48 U.S. states and over 40 countries have enjoyed AAVE trips throughout the world. AAVE programs combine adventure travel with service work, language study, and wilderness skills through carefully-crafted itineraries. All AAVE programs include community service projects which contribute to the environment and communities visited.

The "All About Visiting Earth" community consists of teenagers who choose active participation, individual responsibility, and who respect and care about one another. AAVE trips are led by top-notch trip leaders who teach skills that lead to a lifetime of exploration, friendship, enjoyment, and personal growth. For families looking for a summer that will exceed their expectations for leadership, safety, adventure, fun, and depth of programming, AAVE may be the perfect choice.

Trip Description

Your adventure begins in Zion National Park, home to towering red cliffs, labyrinth-like canyons and cool rivers. Paragon Climbing School guides us as you learn the techniques necessary for safe and fun rock climbing. You climb sandstone cliffs, rappel into the canyon and conquer a 250-foot zip line before you call it a day!

Leaving the peace of desert canyons you enter the electric energy of Las Vegas. Hotel Circus-Circus is your home as you ride roller coasters and visit the sites of this unique city.

The quiet solitude and majestic beauty of Sequoia National Forest is your next stop. You hike among some of the earth's oldest and largest living organisms, the Giant Sequoia trees. In Yosemite National Park, you swim in the crystal clear rivers and hike to breathtaking vistas of the High Sierras.

In Santa Cruz, you learn the art of surfing and enjoy a typical California beach town, complete with a boardwalk, rides, shops, and restaurants. Your service project is in Muir Woods, home to the famous Redwoods, where you get a chance to give back to the parks you've been enjoying.

You wrap up your trip with sightseeing in San Francisco: from Chinatown to Alcatraz, Fisherman's Wharf and Haight-Ashbury... you do it all!

Staff Overview

AAVE trip leaders are highly motivated role models with extensive experience working with teenagers in adventure environments. All Trip Leaders are certified in the highest levels of first aid, CPR, and lifeguard training. AAVE Trip Leaders are at least 21 years old and are current college students or graduates.

Setting & Accommodations

AAVE Bold West participants enjoy adventure camping, hotels, and youth hostels.

Safety Standards

AAVE Trip Leaders have a minimum certification of Wilderness First Responder or Advanced Wilderness First Aid. Many are certified Adult Wilderness EMTs and life guards.

AAVE is accredited by the American Camp Association and meets more than 300 safety standards set forth by the organization.