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Grand Canyon Youth

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Why GCY
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Blog: The Ripple Effect

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2131 N First Street
Flagstaff, AZ 86004

Why GCY
Expeditions
Stories & Photos
Ways to Give
News & Events
About Us
Blog: The Ripple Effect

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Shipping options will be updated during checkout, including the option to pick up in Flagstaff. Tickets will be held at will call at event entrance.

In service to our mission and values, GCY would like to acknowledge that we are located on, and visit, the ancestral homelands of the Diné (Navajo), Havasu Baaja (Havasupai), Hoputuh Shi-ni-mu (Hopi), Hwal-Pai (Hualapai), Dilzhe’e (Western Apache), Wipukpa (Yavapai), Nuciu (Ute), and Numa (Paiute) Peoples, past and present. We recognize with gratitude the people who have stewarded these lands since time immemorial and the vibrant Native communities who make their home here today.

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Justin Gallen

Hometown: Halfway, Oregon
Year started at GCY: 2009

Justin did his first trip with GCY as a participant in 2007. They haven’t been able to get rid of him since. River running has become his passion, sharing the power of outdoor learning with youth on rivers throughout the desert west. He’s worked as a river guide, a wooden boat builder, and outdoor educator. He’s excited to be helping GCY run things behind the scenes in the warehouse, food room, and vehicle yard.

Why I Love GCY: I love GCY because I see such profound growth in every participant, on every trip. Our programs offer youth the opportunity to experience freedom, self reliance, community building, and wonder. GCY has created a wide circle of dedicated youth, alumni, guides, scientist, and educators that will help ensure the survival of some of the most unique places on this earth.

I Love Learning About

Geology
Hydrology
Carpentry
Water Policy

My Bucket List

Blow up my TV
Throw away my paper
Move to the country
Build myself a home

Favorite Books

My Side of the Mountain, Jean Craighead George
Touching the Void, Joe Simpson
Beloved, Toni Morrison
The Porcine Canticles, David Lee

“I have always been unsatisfied with life as most people live it. Always I want to live more intensely and richly. Why muck and conceal one’s true longings and loves, when by speaking of them one might discover one’s self?” – Everett Ruess