BOLT

The Brown Outdoor Leadership Training program is designed to foster the exploration and practice of leadership while establishing a community of support for sophomore and new transfer students. The program begins with a shared wilderness experience and continues on campus with a variety of structured and informal activities.

Students apply to participate in BOLT during the second semester of their freshman year or as a new transfer student. Those accepted return to campus at the end of August to participate in a 5 day backpacking trip in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The participants are called BOLTers; they are divided into groups of ten with each group containing 7-8 sophomores or new transfers and 2-3 junior or senior leaders. Upon returning to campus each group maintains connection year long through frequent meetings as well as regular all-BOLT events. "

All sophomores, juniors, and .5ers - including previous program participants (BOLTers) - are encouraged encouraged to apply to be BOLT leaders. Future leaders spend all of spring semester training to lead a trip the following summer. In the fall semester leaders facilitate activities for their groups and have several training meetings. Leaders are encourgaged to continue their connection to BOLT by serving on a Steering Committee that recruits and trains new leaders and participants, plans year round program events, and positively shapes the program in various ways. Leaders may also lead again the following year or even become a Student Manager. Student Managers work closely with the Director to facilitate the Steering Committee and manage the overall program during the year.

BOLT is truly a diverse, loving, and supportive community that can lead to life long friends.

BOLTer: A BOLTer is a rising sophomore or transfer student who is seeking an opportunity for personal reflection through an outdoor experience as part of a group of peers. BOLTers will have the opportunity to gain competence in basic outdoor skills and to become part of a new community. Participating in the Fall Trip as a BOLTer serves as an introduction to the Brown Outdoor Leader Training program.

BOLT Leader: A BOLT Leader is a sophomore, junior, or senior .5er who is committed to becoming proficient in the technical and facilitation skills necessary to lead a group in the outdoors. A Leader receives 160 hours of training during the Spring and creates opportunities for continued BOLTer and BOLT community development throughout the Fall at Brown. Leaders provide the foundation for BOLT's sophomore advising and support network.

Mentor: A Mentor is a BOLT Leader who commits to expanding their understanding of leadership through continued trainings and the opportunity to teach. Mentors provide the core instruction and support during the Leader training in the Spring. Full time Mentors attend all Spring skills trainings, teach all BOLT technical and facilitation skills, and effectively communicate the philosophies and policies of BOLT. They are also responsible for observing and supporting the development of a small group of Leaders (a home group) throughout the Spring training. Part time Mentors help to facilitate some but not all spring trainings. Mentors are an essential part of BOLT's continuity and program development.

Manager: A Manager is a BOLT Leader who adopts BOLT as a way of life. Managers run fall events, steering committees, and spring training.