About the Program

BOLT is an outdoor education program for sophomores, transfers, and RUE students that fosters community and leadership. It begins with a 5-day hiking trip in the White Mountains of New Hampshire at the end of the summer, and it continues through the fall semester with community-building events. 

BOLT is led by juniors and seniors who participate in an immersive semester-long training in outdoor skills, group facilitation, and wilderness medicine. This training prepares anyone—regardless of experience—to successfully lead a group hiking trip.  

BOLT creates community by bringing together students who otherwise may never have met each other. It challenges participants to grow as people and develop leadership skills through experiences both in the White Mountains and on campus. BOLT isn’t just one thing, but here are a few activities that are emblematic of BOLT: 

• Cooking dinner over a camp stove with new friends
• Discussing identity in the outdoors and relationships to land
• Playing trail games while enjoying the beautiful views of the Whites : ) 
• Gathering as a full BOLT program on campus for the Fall Feast potluck
• Dancing the night away at the BOLT Square Dance

BOLT is committed to welcoming everyone into the program regardless of background or ability to pay. No outdoor or backpacking experience is necessary. Financial aid is available, as well as FREE gear rentals! The Fall BOLT trip offers five different opportunities within the fall trip designed to affirm people of diverse identities and abilities – learn more here.