What might happen if we teach kids how people and wild places can benefit one another?
What MIGHT HAPPEN IF WE DON’T?
Fear not - we will. GOALS (”Get Outside and Learn Something”) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit on a mission to improve the future for kids and wild places using growth-focused river expeditions that demonstrate the positive impacts each can have on the other. Much more than just a company that takes kids rafting, GOALS is a devoted community of educators, river runners, and environmental crusaders using their knowledge of adolescent brain development and the unique opportunities that natural settings afford to connect kids to the things we know are developmentally crucial - their authentic identities, the people surrounding them, and the wilderness that remains. By providing guided opportunities for kids to explore places physically and mentally that aren’t readily available, GOALS expeditions are opening new pathways to a future that is more fulfilling, passion-driven, and self-directed.
THE GOALS VISION -
MORE THAN JUST A RIVER TRIP.
GOALS designs and delivers transformative river expeditions that address the needs of today’s kids. The lessons and activities embedded in our curriculum guide them to new discoveries about the wonders around and within them - pushing beyond previously established limits in settings that inspire individual growth and create group camaraderie. The GOALS experience motivates kids to create new norms for themselves, improve their relationships with others, and give back to the wild places that have given so much to them.
The best part? We’ll make it all this magic happen while having an extraordinary amount of fun in some of the world’s most inspiring locations.
OUR APPROACH -
UNIQUE, POWERFUL & PROVEN.
GOALS expeditions are built upon a unique framework that was designed by professional educators and wilderness guides, has been tested and refined over nearly 10,000 program days in the field, and consistently results in notable growth experienced by participants & observed by leaders.
Each participant receives a journal that has been designed in house specifically for their age and the canyon they are exploring. Throughout the course of their expedition, it becomes their most valuable “souvenir” to look back on, and a map which encourages them to re-imagine their potential. Those who commit to the process repeatedly describe a feeling that new pathways are opening as a result of their GOALS experience - navigating toward a future that feels authentic and passion-driven.
A HISTORY OF IMPACT.
Since 2010, our programs have empowered over 1,600 participants to explore the world
around & within them on wild rivers throughout Colorado, Utah, Oregon and Idaho - as
well as in Chile, Peru, and Nepal.
“Thank you, canyon. You’ve made me laugh, cry, tough, vulnerable, wise, and a little bit stronger. I will always remember and cherish the connection that I felt when I touched my palm to your still water, or the comfort I feel exploring my own mind and soul underneath a blanket of your stars. I hope to come back, stronger and even more full of life. Thank you for showing me the way.”
— High school GOALS participant, from her letter to the canyon written on the last night of a GOALS expedition.