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…
Being More IN it: Lessons on Embracing Discomfort From a 17-Year-Old By Somer Morris I never get tired of telling this story. It was the moment I realized the power of Grand Canyon Youth. On this particular morning, on the Esplanade Ledges at Sheer Wall camp in Grand Canyon, my eyes opened to the important…
Cowboy Coffee and Campfire By Madeline Friend Photo by Maddie Friend. My clothes smell of cowboy coffee and campfire on another river morning when everything is the same and more different than it has ever been. _____ I step onto my boat the one caked in sand and grins held together by technicolor…
Building Skills for Science and Life on the San Juan River By Tory Syracuse Northern Arizona University’s Upward Bound Math & Science (UBMS) program supports high schoolers who are potential first-generation college students. According to Director Mark Despain, “UBMS focuses on working with students from five high schools in northern Arizona. Most of our students…
Humbled by Nature By Lauren Pacheco “On my first GCY trip, as we were going through a rapid in the snow on the Upper San Juan, I remember thinking how much I wanted to be at home under a blanket with my dog, but I pushed through the day. Looking back, those uncomfortable moments are…
Thank You, Alison!For the past five years, Alison Holland has shared her passion for the transformative power of the river through her position as Operations Director, working with guides and preparing gear for expeditions. We will miss her and wish her well in her new endeavor. We hope she’ll be back to row kids down…
The Park Prescription By Annette McGivney Several weeks ago, while walking past the neighborhood park, I was shocked to see the playground equipment wrapped in yellow caution tape. “Was someone murdered right here on the merry go round?” I wondered. But then I realized the tape was just another desperate response to this…
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.
“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