Grand Canyon Youth
The mission of Grand Canyon Youth is to offer educational outdoor expeditions that connect young people to the transformative power of the rivers and canyons of the Southwest. They 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.
Founded in 1998 and based in Flagstaff, Arizona, Grand Canyon Youth is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has served over 13,500 young people between the ages of 10 and 19. Their screen-free, educational expeditions take participants down the Verde, San Juan, and Colorado Rivers — some of the most awe-inspiring waterways in North America. While they primarily serve youth from Northern Arizona, select programs are open to participants across the country, and robust financial aid ensures that cost is never a barrier to participation.
Grand Canyon Youth runs three types of expeditions: open-enrollment programs where youth from across the country come together to explore and form community, group and school expeditions tailored to pre-existing educational goals, and identity-based programs that connect youth with peers who share common life experiences.
On every expedition, participants aren't just along for the ride — they are full members of the team. Youth hike into side canyons, paddle boats through whitewater rapids, camp beneath open desert skies, and rotate through crew chores and responsibilities. The experience is intentionally designed to push participants outside their comfort zones, disconnect from technology, and open the door to discoveries about themselves and the natural world.
On every expedition, participants aren't just along for the ride — they are full members of the team. Youth hike into side canyons, paddle boats through whitewater rapids, camp beneath open desert skies, and rotate through crew chores and responsibilities. The experience is intentionally designed to push participants outside their comfort zones, disconnect from technology, and open the door to discoveries about themselves and the natural world.
Education is woven into every moment on the river. Programming includes hands-on science, art-making, teamwork challenges, and time for reflection. One of the most distinctive elements of a GCY expedition is participation in real, ongoing Citizen Science initiatives. Youth collect data for projects like an emergent insect monitoring program and an acoustic bat monitoring study, contributing directly to research conducted by partners such as the U.S. Geological Survey Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center and the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. These aren't simulated lab exercises — they are genuine scientific contributions made alongside working researchers in one of the most ecologically significant landscapes on Earth.
The mission of Grand Canyon Youth is to offer educational outdoor expeditions that connect young people to the transformative power of the rivers and canyons of the Southwest.
Grand Canyon Youth's Work
The following are a couple highlights of the impactful work of Grand Canyon Youth.
Partners in Science
One of GCY's flagship programs pairs young participants with real scientists on multi-day river expeditions. Youth learn firsthand about the complexities of protecting and managing a place like the Grand Canyon, gaining perspective on conservation, land management, and Indigenous stewardship of the land. Studies consistently show that the longer youth spend in wilderness settings, the deeper and more lasting the impact.
Grand Canyon Youth is deeply committed to making their programs accessible to all. Financial aid is available for every program, and their Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Council actively advises the board and staff on policy and practice to ensure GCY is a welcoming space for every young person they serve.
Equity and Access
Join us in supporting Grand Canyon Youth
75% of this month's donations will go towards this month's partner
This month and every month, Wild Boyz Photography will be partnering with one nonprofit. 75% of any donations that we receive during the month will go to the nonprofit. Help Grand Canyon Youth as they connect youth to the transformative power of the rivers and canyons of the Southwest.