Founded in 1998, Grand Canyon Youth (GCY) celebrates 25 years serving youth on education outdoor expeditions on the rivers and canyons of the Southwest. Film by Molly Baker. Thank you to Amy Martin for content.
What You Take Away
Meet Katie, one of the 40 million people who depend on the Colorado River. Pondering life after high school, Katie finds comfort in reflecting on her time in one of the Nation’s most iconic National Parks. Guided by river currents, curiosity, and scientists from the US Geological Survey, her voyage of discovery leads to a deeper understanding of the Colorado River as an ecosystem… and her own place in it.
Produced in Partnership with the US Geological Survey & Grand Canyon National Park
Rhythm of The River
GCY participants and guides describe daily life on the San Juan River. Get a sneak peak at art, food, science and learn what a day on a GCY expedition looks like!
Citizen Science in the Grand Canyon
Citizen Science in Grand Canyon describes the ecology of the highly regulated Colorado River in Grand Canyon, and how a citizen science project is creating a deeper understanding of this unique ecosystem. This video is produced by Freshwater Illustrated and all content, audio, and video is licensed by Freshwater.
GCY River Tales 2022 Fundraising Event
GCY River Tales 2021 Fundraising Event
GCY River Tales 2020 Fundraising Event
2018 SCI Talks – Developing Grit
Emma Wharton, the Executive Director of Grand Canyon Youth, presents on developing grit though experiential learning and citizen science. The 2018 SCI Talks were presented by Flagstaff Festival of Science (scifest.org), and supported by Flagstaff Arts Council, Coconino Center for the Arts, W. L. Gore and Associates, Peaks Audio and ECHO Productions.
2018 SCI Talks Short – Q&A on Teaching Grit to Students
What Participants Say…
“To me, a river trip is not just a field trip or a summer activity. To me, it is a way to express myself in new ways. Whenever I go on a river I always come back with a sense of accomplishment and see things from a new perspective.
I went on my first river trip three years ago with Grand Canyon Youth, and ever since then I have wanted to pursue a future that involves the outdoors. I will never forget the beautiful canyon walls filled with color, the cold dark green water, and the wildlife that surrounds it.”
Oscar, Middle School Adventure Participant
“This trip made me fall in love with nature, and appreciates every bit of life, food, and the services staff provided. I had so much fun being on the trip and made many amazing friends. Crashing through the rapids was the best, for me Tiger Wash rapid had me gasp in awe, the wave goes below/rise as much as 20 feet. This trip is the highlight of my life, my new friends were super nice and supportive along the trip.”
Maw, Partners in Science Participant
“After being on the trip, I have realized how people are affecting our earth and not taking care of it as much as we need to. I’ve also realized that just enjoying the beauty of the outdoors is great and that I would like to help in other ways to save our planet.”
Christina, Canyon Discovery Participant
“The journey down the Colorado River was like nothing I have experienced before as I never had gone camping or spent a complete day in the wilderness. But as inexperienced as I was being in nature, I was never hesitant to adapt and enjoy the new feats on the journey. It was fun to bail after every encounter with whitewater, to set up camp and sleep on a different beach every day. It was refreshing to travel by boat instead of car, and it is still surprising to me how we were able to journey sixty miles just by rowing. There always was a sense of wonder as we descended deeper into the canyon, distinguishing a rock layer up high as a layer we were face to face just days ago. But just as I appreciated the Canyon’s beauty, I had a good time creating memories between the walls.”
Asis, Partners in Science Participant
What Parents Say…
“We feel this is an amazing opportunity for teenagers and I wish all teenagers could experience a week like this.“
Jill, Parent of Participant
“The program is excellent from start to finish. My daughter returned from the trip so excited and talking about everything that she experienced. She seemed very happy and more confident.“
Anonymous
“Every time my son goes he comes back so different in so many good ways. It’s hard now a days for our youth and the struggles they go through. Nature and life away from daily life are beneficial to our youth. Thank you so much for this program and for helping to keep my sons love for nature alive.”
Candace, Parent of Participant
“My daughter hasn’t stopped talking about how much she gotten out of her 3-day trip with GCY. This is a girl who typically hates outdoor/physical activities. It has made me so incredibly happy to see her eyes light up about her experience. This was a priceless gift. I hope to get her another trip to go on soon!”
Monica, Parent of Participant
What Teachers Say…
“I have personally gotten so much from knowing my students in this environment. We got to see each other as humans with hearts and histories this weekend and that is difficult experience to achieve in the classroom.“
BASIS High School Teacher
“Some river newbies really came into their own on the river trip. They were leaders for their peers, helpful aides to the guides and really embraced the experience with positivity.”
Sinagua MIT-e Teacher
“We had several students totally immerse themselves in the total experience. We had students conquer real fears around water and being away from home. We saw student independence grow!”
Boulder Expedition Teacher
“Everyday was filled with adventure and discovery; students bonded and gained confidence that they took back to their everyday lives.“
Coconino High School Teacher
Story Map
Partners in Science
- Photo Gallery
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- Videos
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Grand Canyon Youth Celebrates 25 Years!
Founded in 1998, Grand Canyon Youth (GCY) celebrates 25 years serving youth on education outdoor expeditions on the rivers and canyons of the Southwest. Film by Molly Baker. Thank you to Amy Martin for content.
What You Take Away
Meet Katie, one of the 40 million people who depend on the Colorado River. Pondering life after high school, Katie finds comfort in reflecting on her time in one of the Nation’s most iconic National Parks. Guided by river currents, curiosity, and scientists from the US Geological Survey, her voyage of discovery leads to a deeper understanding of the Colorado River as an ecosystem… and her own place in it.
Produced in Partnership with the US Geological Survey & Grand Canyon National Park
Rhythm of The River
GCY participants and guides describe daily life on the San Juan River. Get a sneak peak at art, food, science and learn what a day on a GCY expedition looks like!
Citizen Science in the Grand Canyon
Citizen Science in Grand Canyon describes the ecology of the highly regulated Colorado River in Grand Canyon, and how a citizen science project is creating a deeper understanding of this unique ecosystem. This video is produced by Freshwater Illustrated and all content, audio, and video is licensed by Freshwater.
GCY River Tales 2022 Fundraising Event
GCY River Tales 2021 Fundraising Event
GCY River Tales 2020 Fundraising Event
2018 SCI Talks – Developing Grit
Emma Wharton, the Executive Director of Grand Canyon Youth, presents on developing grit though experiential learning and citizen science. The 2018 SCI Talks were presented by Flagstaff Festival of Science (scifest.org), and supported by Flagstaff Arts Council, Coconino Center for the Arts, W. L. Gore and Associates, Peaks Audio and ECHO Productions.
2018 SCI Talks Short – Q&A on Teaching Grit to Students
- Alumni Testimonials
-
What Participants Say…
“To me, a river trip is not just a field trip or a summer activity. To me, it is a way to express myself in new ways. Whenever I go on a river I always come back with a sense of accomplishment and see things from a new perspective.
I went on my first river trip three years ago with Grand Canyon Youth, and ever since then I have wanted to pursue a future that involves the outdoors. I will never forget the beautiful canyon walls filled with color, the cold dark green water, and the wildlife that surrounds it.”
Oscar, Middle School Adventure Participant
“This trip made me fall in love with nature, and appreciates every bit of life, food, and the services staff provided. I had so much fun being on the trip and made many amazing friends. Crashing through the rapids was the best, for me Tiger Wash rapid had me gasp in awe, the wave goes below/rise as much as 20 feet. This trip is the highlight of my life, my new friends were super nice and supportive along the trip.”
Maw, Partners in Science Participant
“After being on the trip, I have realized how people are affecting our earth and not taking care of it as much as we need to. I’ve also realized that just enjoying the beauty of the outdoors is great and that I would like to help in other ways to save our planet.”
Christina, Canyon Discovery Participant
“The journey down the Colorado River was like nothing I have experienced before as I never had gone camping or spent a complete day in the wilderness. But as inexperienced as I was being in nature, I was never hesitant to adapt and enjoy the new feats on the journey. It was fun to bail after every encounter with whitewater, to set up camp and sleep on a different beach every day. It was refreshing to travel by boat instead of car, and it is still surprising to me how we were able to journey sixty miles just by rowing. There always was a sense of wonder as we descended deeper into the canyon, distinguishing a rock layer up high as a layer we were face to face just days ago. But just as I appreciated the Canyon’s beauty, I had a good time creating memories between the walls.”
Asis, Partners in Science Participant
- Parent Testimonials
-
What Parents Say…
“We feel this is an amazing opportunity for teenagers and I wish all teenagers could experience a week like this.“
Jill, Parent of Participant
“The program is excellent from start to finish. My daughter returned from the trip so excited and talking about everything that she experienced. She seemed very happy and more confident.“
Anonymous
“Every time my son goes he comes back so different in so many good ways. It’s hard now a days for our youth and the struggles they go through. Nature and life away from daily life are beneficial to our youth. Thank you so much for this program and for helping to keep my sons love for nature alive.”
Candace, Parent of Participant
“My daughter hasn’t stopped talking about how much she gotten out of her 3-day trip with GCY. This is a girl who typically hates outdoor/physical activities. It has made me so incredibly happy to see her eyes light up about her experience. This was a priceless gift. I hope to get her another trip to go on soon!”
Monica, Parent of Participant
- Teacher Testimonials
-
What Teachers Say…
“I have personally gotten so much from knowing my students in this environment. We got to see each other as humans with hearts and histories this weekend and that is difficult experience to achieve in the classroom.“
BASIS High School Teacher
“Some river newbies really came into their own on the river trip. They were leaders for their peers, helpful aides to the guides and really embraced the experience with positivity.”
Sinagua MIT-e Teacher
“We had several students totally immerse themselves in the total experience. We had students conquer real fears around water and being away from home. We saw student independence grow!”
Boulder Expedition Teacher
“Everyday was filled with adventure and discovery; students bonded and gained confidence that they took back to their everyday lives.“
Coconino High School Teacher
- Community Science
-
Story Map
Partners in Science
