YMCA of Central Stark To Expand Outdoor Youth Development Opportunities in Community

The Y receives grant to launch outdoor adventure and leadership program for diverse youth in grades 6-12

The primary goal of BOLD/GOLD is to reduce and remove barriers for all youth and teens, regardless of experience, ethnicity or socio-ecomonic status, to enjoy access to the outdoors  through wilderness adventure and to build leadership values and skills. The program evolved from a successful afterschool leadership club offered by the YMCA of Greater Seattle at local YMCA branches and middle schools.  “In 2006, as part of the afterschool club, we offered a backpacking expedition to the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and it proved so popular that demand and interest just kept growing,” stated Andrew Jay, director of the program for the YMCA of Greater Seattle.  “By 2010 more than 30 backpacking, rock climbing and mountaineering expeditions involving more than 300 youth were scheduled.”

Carrie Weigley, Program Coordinator said the Y of Central Stark looks forward to building on    Seattle’s success.  “Programs like BOLD/GOLD and Expeditioners help the Y provide so many of the assets kids need to become successful adults, such as a sense of belonging, supportive relationships with adults, opportunities to enhance decision-making and leadership skills, and a sense of safety.  We look forward to sharing and expanding the BOLD/GOLD program through Expeditioners here in Stark County and Northeast Ohio and are grateful to all of the foundation and individual donors who made this grant possible.  Because of their generosity, we can connect many deserving boys and girls to the great outdoors so they can learn, grow and thrive - both in nature and in life.”  

John Duntley, Senior Camping Specialist and National BOLD/GOLD Program Liaison, believes the benefits are long-lasting.  “We are confident that the Ys that were selected will effectively pilot the BOLD/GOLD program at their Ys and in their communities to help develop young people into future leaders.” 

Grant funding will enable participating Ys, including the Y of Central Stark, to provide financial assistance for teens to participate in Expeditioners program regardless of family income. Locally, the funding will be used for training, travel expenses and equipment.   

The YMCA of Central Stark County invites local support for this new youth outreach program that it plans to build   to be sustainable for years to come as a positive youth development effort for the community. 

### About REIThe REI Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. The Foundation's mission is to ensure         that tomorrow's outdoor enthusiasts and conservation stewards reflect the diversity of America. Recognizing that most people with a love of the outdoors discover the natural world early in their life, the Foundation's primary efforts are in encouraging active outdoor participation by young people and their families. The Foundation also supports communities by funding recovery efforts from natural disasters and local community programs in honor of deceased REI team members. rei.com/regives   About the YThe Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,715 Ys engage 21 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. ymca.net