Mission


Grand Canyon Youth offers educational outdoor expeditions that connect  young people to the transformative power of the rivers and canyons of the Southwest.

Vision: We envision a diverse and equitable world where all youth are empowered to  live with purpose while discovering and caring for self, community, and the natural world.  

 

Grand Canyon Youth alumni rowing a blue paddle boat with a guide on the back

Photo by Erin Greenwood

 

Mission: Grand Canyon Youth offers educational outdoor expeditions that connect  young people to the transformative power of the rivers and canyons of the Southwest.

 

Values:

  • Connection. We explore how to connect and be in harmony with ourselves, our  communities, and the natural world. We believe these connections help inspire actions  that promote a sustainable, healthy world.
  • Adventure. We try new things, play, step out of our comfort zones, are present in the  moment, and enjoy the rewards of working together as a team.
  • Curiosity. We are curious about ourselves, each other and our surroundings. As lifelong learners, we are open to new ideas, experiences and perspectives. 
  • Respect. We model and encourage respect for ourselves, one another, and the natural  world. We bring people from diverse backgrounds together and promote a safe space  for all by committing to social justice including being anti-racist, anti-ableist and gender inclusive. 
  • Intention. We care deeply about the youth we serve, our community, and the places we  visit. Our expeditions are intentionally designed to focus on safety, quality, and meaningful, lasting impacts.
  • Responsibility. We take responsibility for understanding how our actions impact ourselves, others, and the natural world. We show our commitment through service and stewardship.

Emma Wharton

Executive Director

Chantal Mosman

Assistant Director

Mary Ellen Arndorfer

Finance Director

Margeaux Bestard

Field Staff Director

Justin Gallen

Logistics Manager

Clare Magneson

Development Director

Cassandra Roberts

Expedition Director

Erin Widman

Expedition Manager

Our guides are hand-selected for their skills and interest in sharing the natural world with young people.


When not guiding Grand Canyon Youth trips, they work as teachers, students, artists, conservationists, and healthcare providers, among other things. Given their sense of humor and ability to facilitate, we are proud to have such talented and conscientious guides leading our trips. Here are some of our dedicated river guides:

Stephanie Jackson

Tony Cola

Tyler Williams

Laura Chamberlin

Bryan Bates

Will Lytle

Justin Gallen

Cricket Rust

Emily Manone

Jak Kearsley

Corinne LaViolette

Madeline Friend

Max Andariese

Sarah Smith

Caitlin Jaramillo

Chris Rocheleau

Lisa Clark

Kate Stanley

Governing Board


Angela Keith, Chair

Eric Scott, Treasurer

Ian Austin

Scott Cundy

Carol Haden, Secretary

Linda Jalbert

Cynthia Nemeth-Briehn, Vice Chair

Scott Pettitt

Helen Ranney

Susan Spinelli

Marieke Taney

 

 

JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion) Council


The purpose of the JEDI Council is to advise the GCY board and staff on policy and practice surrounding topics related to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion. 

Sheree Denetsosie

Chelsea Griffin

Madeline Friend

Oscar Landa-Samano

Omar Martinez

Alexa Spielhagen

 

Health Advisory Task Force


The purpose of the Health Advisory Task Force is to advise the GCY board and staff on policy and practice surrounding medical, dietary and mental health related topics. 

Kevin Conn, MD

Angela Keith, PhD (Board Representative)

Sheila Mackell, MD

Alan Motter, NP

Tom Myers, MD

Volunteers are essential to the work we do


We have a lot of opportunities in our office/warehouse for volunteers to come in and help behind the scenes with getting trips out on the water. Volunteers help keep the warehouse working by checking tents, packing sleep kits, and tidying our gear borrowing room. Our volunteers also help out at local community events in Flagstaff and our annual fundraiser

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact us.

Are you interested in a seasonal job?


Field Staff at Grand Canyon Youth consists of river guides and drivers. We run almost all of our expeditions from March through July. We do most of our hiring in December and January, but it is never too early or late to let us know you are interested. Our field staff typically do between 3 – 6 expeditions a year. Please read the descriptions below. If you would like to be considered for a field staff position, please email us a cover letter, resume, references, and your river log (if you have one).

  • River Guides:

  • We do most of our river programs on the San Juan River, the Colorado River’s Diamond Down section, and the Verde River’s TAPCO to TuziRAP section. We have five Grand Canyon trips each year.
  • Grand Canyon Youth guides are outdoor educators. Our primary focus is creating community and opportunities for youth to challenge themselves while exploring the rivers and canyons of the Southwest. We have fun and play in the dirt while teaching about the places we travel through.
  • Responsibilities include but are not limited to: educating participants about the place you are traveling as well as outdoor safety and etiquette; leading hikes; engaging with youth and participating in interpretation; providing needed first-aid and managing/assessing risk; setting up camp, cooking meals, cleaning dishes, maintaining toilet systems; providing care and repair to boats and equipment; using good judgment and maintaining heart and humor.
  • Minimum Requirements: Be 18 years of age or older; Wilderness First Responder, CPR, and Epi Certifications; Food Handler’s Certificate; experience on the sections we boat through; pass a pre-employment background and driving record check and drug test.
  • Drivers:

  • We do most of the transportation for our expeditions. This means driving a van with 10-19-year-olds for 2 – 6 hours across the highways of Arizona and Utah.
  • Driver responsibilities include: transporting participants to and from their Grand Canyon Youth expedition; and attending to all pre and post-drive tasks, which include pre-drive safety checks and loading of vehicles, post-drive clean-up and fueling vehicles, and gear return and cleaning as needed.
  • Minimum Requirements: be 21 years of age or older; have a working mobile phone, valid driver’s license, and five (5) years of driving experience; pass a pre-employment background and driving record check and drug test.

Please contact us if you are interested and we will send you the official job description(s).

GCY Guides on Boat Smiling
Photo by Jordan Robinson.
Vision, Mission, Values

Vision: We envision a diverse and equitable world where all youth are empowered to  live with purpose while discovering and caring for self, community, and the natural world.  

 

Grand Canyon Youth alumni rowing a blue paddle boat with a guide on the back

Photo by Erin Greenwood

 

Mission: Grand Canyon Youth offers educational outdoor expeditions that connect  young people to the transformative power of the rivers and canyons of the Southwest.

 

Values:

  • Connection. We explore how to connect and be in harmony with ourselves, our  communities, and the natural world. We believe these connections help inspire actions  that promote a sustainable, healthy world.
  • Adventure. We try new things, play, step out of our comfort zones, are present in the  moment, and enjoy the rewards of working together as a team.
  • Curiosity. We are curious about ourselves, each other and our surroundings. As lifelong learners, we are open to new ideas, experiences and perspectives. 
  • Respect. We model and encourage respect for ourselves, one another, and the natural  world. We bring people from diverse backgrounds together and promote a safe space  for all by committing to social justice including being anti-racist, anti-ableist and gender inclusive. 
  • Intention. We care deeply about the youth we serve, our community, and the places we  visit. Our expeditions are intentionally designed to focus on safety, quality, and meaningful, lasting impacts.
  • Responsibility. We take responsibility for understanding how our actions impact ourselves, others, and the natural world. We show our commitment through service and stewardship.
Staff

Emma Wharton

Executive Director

Chantal Mosman

Assistant Director

Mary Ellen Arndorfer

Finance Director

Margeaux Bestard

Field Staff Director

Justin Gallen

Logistics Manager

Clare Magneson

Development Director

Cassandra Roberts

Expedition Director

Erin Widman

Expedition Manager

Field Staff

Our guides are hand-selected for their skills and interest in sharing the natural world with young people.


When not guiding Grand Canyon Youth trips, they work as teachers, students, artists, conservationists, and healthcare providers, among other things. Given their sense of humor and ability to facilitate, we are proud to have such talented and conscientious guides leading our trips. Here are some of our dedicated river guides:

Stephanie Jackson

Tony Cola

Tyler Williams

Laura Chamberlin

Bryan Bates

Will Lytle

Justin Gallen

Cricket Rust

Emily Manone

Jak Kearsley

Corinne LaViolette

Madeline Friend

Max Andariese

Sarah Smith

Caitlin Jaramillo

Chris Rocheleau

Lisa Clark

Kate Stanley

Board of Directors

Governing Board


Angela Keith, Chair

Eric Scott, Treasurer

Ian Austin

Scott Cundy

Carol Haden, Secretary

Linda Jalbert

Cynthia Nemeth-Briehn, Vice Chair

Scott Pettitt

Helen Ranney

Susan Spinelli

Marieke Taney

 

 

JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion) Council


The purpose of the JEDI Council is to advise the GCY board and staff on policy and practice surrounding topics related to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion. 

Sheree Denetsosie

Chelsea Griffin

Madeline Friend

Oscar Landa-Samano

Omar Martinez

Alexa Spielhagen

 

Health Advisory Task Force


The purpose of the Health Advisory Task Force is to advise the GCY board and staff on policy and practice surrounding medical, dietary and mental health related topics. 

Kevin Conn, MD

Angela Keith, PhD (Board Representative)

Sheila Mackell, MD

Alan Motter, NP

Tom Myers, MD

Volunteer

Volunteers are essential to the work we do


We have a lot of opportunities in our office/warehouse for volunteers to come in and help behind the scenes with getting trips out on the water. Volunteers help keep the warehouse working by checking tents, packing sleep kits, and tidying our gear borrowing room. Our volunteers also help out at local community events in Flagstaff and our annual fundraiser

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact us.

Employment

Are you interested in a seasonal job?


Field Staff at Grand Canyon Youth consists of river guides and drivers. We run almost all of our expeditions from March through July. We do most of our hiring in December and January, but it is never too early or late to let us know you are interested. Our field staff typically do between 3 – 6 expeditions a year. Please read the descriptions below. If you would like to be considered for a field staff position, please email us a cover letter, resume, references, and your river log (if you have one).

  • River Guides:

  • We do most of our river programs on the San Juan River, the Colorado River’s Diamond Down section, and the Verde River’s TAPCO to TuziRAP section. We have five Grand Canyon trips each year.
  • Grand Canyon Youth guides are outdoor educators. Our primary focus is creating community and opportunities for youth to challenge themselves while exploring the rivers and canyons of the Southwest. We have fun and play in the dirt while teaching about the places we travel through.
  • Responsibilities include but are not limited to: educating participants about the place you are traveling as well as outdoor safety and etiquette; leading hikes; engaging with youth and participating in interpretation; providing needed first-aid and managing/assessing risk; setting up camp, cooking meals, cleaning dishes, maintaining toilet systems; providing care and repair to boats and equipment; using good judgment and maintaining heart and humor.
  • Minimum Requirements: Be 18 years of age or older; Wilderness First Responder, CPR, and Epi Certifications; Food Handler’s Certificate; experience on the sections we boat through; pass a pre-employment background and driving record check and drug test.
  • Drivers:

  • We do most of the transportation for our expeditions. This means driving a van with 10-19-year-olds for 2 – 6 hours across the highways of Arizona and Utah.
  • Driver responsibilities include: transporting participants to and from their Grand Canyon Youth expedition; and attending to all pre and post-drive tasks, which include pre-drive safety checks and loading of vehicles, post-drive clean-up and fueling vehicles, and gear return and cleaning as needed.
  • Minimum Requirements: be 21 years of age or older; have a working mobile phone, valid driver’s license, and five (5) years of driving experience; pass a pre-employment background and driving record check and drug test.

Please contact us if you are interested and we will send you the official job description(s).

GCY Guides on Boat Smiling
Photo by Jordan Robinson.
Financial