I just wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to Bold Earth for the incredible…read moreimpact they've had on my daughter over the past three years. She's participated in multiple trips, but Ultimate Hawaii 2 was by far her favorite--and not just because of the epic adventures and fun activities (which she absolutely loved). It was truly transformative. She came home beaming with confidence and excitement for the future. Before the trip, she was really stressed about college applications, but Bold Earth changed all that. Hearing the trip leaders' stories and seeing the diverse paths others had taken completely opened her eyes. It gave her the perspective, inspiration, and self-assurance she needed. She now sees multiple pathways to her goals, and she returned with a whole new mindset. Now, she's loving her senior year--despite a crazy-busy schedule, she's happy, motivated, and present. She's chasing her dreams without letting fear hold her back, and I honestly credit Bold Earth for helping make that possible. If you're a parent wondering whether to send your teen on one of these trips, my advice is: Do it.

My child's 8th-grade class went to Yosemite with Bold Earth and the kids had nothing but wonderful…read morethings to say about the trip and their guides! They were very easy to work with (from a planning and parent point of view) and had a lovely Zoom presentation with parents ahead of time to answer questions. I would highly recommend Bold Earth to schools planning out-of-town trips!

This place is a slice of heaven. If the woods, the mountains, Christianity, brotherhood, or skill…read morebuilding interest you in any way, I one hundred percent recommend it. I owe so much to FCC and it is truly special and one of a kind.

Falling Creek is outstanding! The trip program that allows boys to backpack, mountain bike, kayak,…read moreor rock climb is incredible. A great place for boys to unplug from electronics, explore the world around them and grow in their faith.

I have been a camper at Camp Ridgecrest since 2013. After a decade of living on every hill,…read morespending a total of 22 weeks in the cabins, I can proudly say that this is my home away from home and the best place for any kid from all ages to spend their summer. The lack of technology helps limit distractions, strengthening the overarching goal to put Christ above all else. In my time at camp, there have been many changes, however the constant was that this is a place devoted to outreach in a safe place and spread the good news of the gospel. Living Conditions: the living conditions at Ridgecrest are fairly bare bones. Ten to twelve kids are in each cabin, with two or three counselors. There is a routine that is consistent throughout the session, consisting of cabin cleanup (specifics are later mentioned), and devotionals. These "devos" are typically in the style of open conversation guided by scripture. It is a great way to end the day. The bathhouses are also simple, with simple stalls and showers. Although there are sometimes mechanical issues (which happens in all settings similar to ridgecrest), some of my best memories are getting to know kids from different cabins while waiting for my favorite shower. Cabin Inspection: the cabin inspection system is always a lot of fun. It is only twenty or so minutes of making beds, cleaning the floors and organizing trunks, followed by the creation of a skit to perform for the Tribal Leader (age group leader). The TL will check to see whether or not everything is clean after a skit is performed, which all contribute to the honor cabin award. Skills: skills are one of the best parts of camp. It is basically like going to a class, where you hang out with your friends and have fun. They have all sorts of skills, from Bible Study to Archery, and from Rocketry to Spike Ball. My favorites have always been Bible Study, Outdoor Living, Crafts, and Trap Shooting. Free Time: at Ridgecrest you always have one or two free times throughout the day. At these times, the lake is open, you can play four square and two square, and skills are sometimes available! It is the best time to get to know kids from all sorts of age groups. Other Activities: there are regularly scheduled activities for all age groups, and a couple where it is all of camp playing one massive game. There are also night alone's, where one age group has the entire camp to themselves for a few hours to play one giant game. There are campouts and day hikes, none of which are too difficult. I can confidently say that anyone can make it through these hikes, and the views are incredible. Pisgah Program: the pisgah program has a special place in my heart. I have spent the summer of 2023 going all four sessions of pisgah. In pisgah, you leave camp on Monday and return on Thursday from a long camping trip. I cannot truly express how amazing this program is. The places you go are fantastic. My favorite spots I've been are Mount Mitchell and the Pisgah National Forest swimming holes. You live on the trail for days at a time, cooking your own food, setting up where you will sleep, and hiking beautiful trails. There is truly nothing else like it. Ridgecrest has so many more opportunities that I haven't mentioned, but everything we get to do is an experience designed to help you grow in faith and as a man.

Camp Ridgecrest for Boys is the best gift any parent can give their son! Adventurous fun embedded…read morewith Truth about God's love for all of us...and led by an unbelievable team of college kids who my son can look up to and emulate. Our son grows in his faith, in his physical strength, and in his independence with each passing summer. The land and facilities are top-notch, very safe and clean (considering it's on a mountain side and most buildings are strictly for summer use and not winterized) while maintaining a wonderful rustic element...our son truly feels like he's completely away from his regular life while he's there...including all of the stresses of school, social media, etc...it's Utopia! Cannot recommend it more!

Camp Pinnacle is one awesome summer camp for kids ages 6-14. This was my home away from home for…read moremost of my childhood (now 30+ years ago) but it was so worth going. I was up at Pinnacle this past weekend for their annual Open House and Grand Revealing of their new Dining Hall. It was so breath taking to see all the great new improvements. I arrived and the staff welcomed me and provided some nice refreshments after driving. I was then able to walk the property again (had been around 7 years since I was last there) and was just amazed. The camp has a long great history and several famous historical people are on their alumni roster including the late General William Westmoreland. Consider checking out camp for your kids. It's a life changing event where they make real friends for life and not on a computer screen. The camp is an "unplugged" camp for the campers, so kids, leave your electronics at home and time to learn real friendships. I know I did and I was so thrilled to see a childhood friend this past weekend that I hadn't seen in 30+ years.

Camp Pinnacle exceeded our expectations. Son loved every aspect of camp, immersion into great…read moreenvironment with spectacular views and facilities, knowledgeable, fun staff, making long-lasting, coed friendships with young people from all over the world. There are many opportunities for mountain biking, hiking, kayaking, backpacking, water sports, as well as traditional camp activities. Lots of time for creativity, singing, campfires, and good old-fashioned FUN! The food has been consistently another thing our boys rave about - good variety, healthy options, ample portions, and always fresh - served with a smile by Richard and his crew. No electronics; and no one minds, at all! We have seen such growth and confidence and increased love of the outdoors in both our sons as a result of their wonderful experiences at both Camp Pinnacle and their adventure / outdoor experience travel camp, Adventure Treks. The sense of community, shared responsibilities, and camaraderie... We've never had a moment's worry or lost a night of sleep while our kids have been at either Camp Pinnacle or backcountry with Adventure Treks. We can't thank you enough for your efforts, at all levels. From the logistics/planning/support team headquartered in NC to trip leaders, everything is seamless; we appreciate it! The Dockendorf Family, Dave McGlashan, Dmac, Amanda, Fayssoux et al - you are the BEST!

Ms Lauren does a great job with the kids and we love the new studio location. It's also super…read moreconvenient to enjoy outdoor time and food while the kids learn and play. Check out class schedules and camps on her website.

We have been attending the K5 - 2nd Grade Art Class for over a year now and have loved every art…read moreproject and activity to-date. Lauren is creative, fun, energetic and so patient with the kids. My son's love of art and his creative thinking have grown exponentially since starting this class, and I give full credit to Lauren and her eye for fun and detail. She instills confidence in all these budding artists and creates a safe and supportive environment for the kids to learn and grow in.

Dorm style rooms with two twin beds and a shower. Not large, but still comfortable. The cafeteria…read morehad a different selection each day, with a number of drink options and options for gluten free and vegetarian dietary restrictions. The workspaces were thoughtfully put together with sinks and power sockets. The staff were helpful and friendly.

I'm taking the Piecing and Dyeing community class at Arrowmont with Megan Koeppel. And I'm…read morethoroughly enjoying it! The textiles room is well-equipped, with all the equipment and supplies I could think to need and more! Megan is great! She brings her personal experience with natural dyeing and piecing, and a boatload of patience for our many, many questions. She also adapts her lesson plans to the interests of the group, and the strengths and weaknesses of the students in the group. I'm really pleased that Arrowmont had these community classes for those of us who can neither afford the time nor the prices for the national classes. Thank you, Arrowmont!