Down the Great Unknown

Down the Great Unknown By Emma Wharton “We are three-quarters of a mile in the depths of the earth and the great river shrinks into insignificance, as it dashes its angry waves against the walls and cliffs, that rise to the world above; they are but puny ripples, and we but pigmies, running up and…

River Right

Dear GCY Community,   During a year when almost nothing was certain, there was one thing we here at Grand Canyon Youth could count on: you!   Your generosity allowed GCY to protect the health and safety of our participants, staff, and communities by canceling our 2020 season. Now, as we plan our return to…

a white boat floats on the san juan river by mexican hat

Reverberations

Reverberations By Megan Dwyer GCY provides young people time to play and learn in nature. That is, however, only one small part of it. GCY also gives us an opportunity to practice and feel the impact of community care, to be valued and empowered, to meet and learn from other human beings with values and…

Grand Canyon Youth River Guide standing and scouting river rapid on the Colorado River

Underwater

Underwater By Angela L. Keith Photo by Angela Keith I am underwater. Two seconds ago, I was in a bright red paddle raft entering Fossil Rapid on the Colorado River in Grand Canyon. Now I’m underwater, hearing muffled current and crashing waves. I’m under the boat. Then I’m not. I’m back underwater, sucked down for…

Two Grand Canyon Youth alumni high fiver over a pile of brush Service project pandemic pickup

Staying Engaged During the Pandemic

Staying Engaged During the Pandemic By Jordan Robinson GCY expeditions are on pause, but we’re still working hard to connect with young people and our broader community. Like many of us, young people are experiencing the trauma of a global pandemic. It has changed their plans and the world they will inherit with disconcerting and…

Grand Canyon Youth Field staff director Jean-Philippe rowing a green hard shell kayak

Mental Health First Aid

Let’s Talk About It: Mental Health First Aid By Jean-Philippe Clark Jean-Philippe Clark is GCY’s Operations Director. He originally came to Grand Canyon Youth in 2007 as a youth himself. Inspired by the water, the people, and the experience he decided to simply never grow up. Now years later, he still finds his home sitting…

GCY Guides on Boat Smiling

Paying It Forward

Paying It Forward: The Alumni Scholarship Fund By Kate Aitchison Kate Aitchison is an artist whose work focuses on human interventions in the natural landscape and a river guide for Grand Canyon Youth and Canyon Expeditions/Explorations.She is a GCY alumni and a lover of beauty and wild places. She is one of the founders of…

The JEDI Council

The JEDI Council: J(ustice) E(quity) D(iversity) I(nclusion) By Omar Martinez Omar Martinez was born in Nicaragua at the tail end of a revolution. His family immigrated to the U.S. when he was four years old. After pursuing a brief stint in aspiration of professional soccer glory, he quickly realized his talents were better suited to…