2023 END-OF-SEASON REFLECTIONS

FOR YOUTH PARTICIPANTS

When kids share their end-of-season reflections with GOALS, it allows us to fully understand their experiences and to gauge the impact of our efforts. We intend for this to be a safe space for you to share your voices and opinions. You can choose to either include your name or to remain anonymous - either way, your insights are appreciated and valued.

For GOALS, your reflections will help us to proudly describe the impact of what we’re currently doing, and will contribute to the continuous improvement of our future programs. For YOU, sharing reflections cultivates self-awareness, and empowers you to become an active participant designing experiences that are the most meaningful and enriching experience possible for every child we’ll serve.

Thanks in advance for being involved.

Which expedition team were you on in 2023?

How many GOALS expeditions have you been on PRIOR TO this one in 2023?

If you'd like to, please share your name below. If you prefer to remain anonymous, just leave this field blank and continue.

First Name

Last Name

How old are you?

What is your gender identity?

SECTION 1. Please indicate whether you agree with, disagree with, or feel neutral about each of the statements below.

1. My GOALS expedition reduced the stress, anxiety, and/or depression that I am accustomed to living with.

2. My GOALS expedition improved my relationships with friends - both on and off the river.

3. My GOALS expedition empowered me to take on new challenges - recognizing that I grow when I'm not afraid to "fail forward."

4. My GOALS expedition helped me get to know and proudly present my authentic self to the world.

5. My GOALS expedition helped me feel comfortable sharing my opinions and ideas among a group of my peers.

6. My GOALS expedition made me feel a sense of belonging within a supportive community.

7. My GOALS expedition motivated me to prioritize my mental health.

8. My GOALS expedition inspired me to protect and preserve wild places so that others can have the same experience(s) I have.

9. My GOALS expedition showed me that I can impact the people & causes that are important to me.

10. My GOALS expedition changed my life.

SECTION 2. Please complete each of the statements below with few words / a short phrase.

1. I love GOALS because...

2. I wish GOALS would...

3. Because of GOALS, I...

(note...please see the "extra credit" question below if this one feels too difficult to answer with a few short words)

SECTION 3. Open-ended input & suggestions from the voices that matter most.

What are your very favorite parts of the GOALS experience?

Do you have any suggestions for improvement?

Were there specific GOALS leaders or river guides who you felt had a particularly powerful influence on your trip - either positively or negatively?

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

SECTION 4. YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMMING INTEREST

GOALS is developing year-round program options intended to keep kids connected long beyond their river expeditions. We're focusing on two "types" of events: 1. The GOALS "SPARK calendar". This would feature monthly events designed by GOALS and centered around the 3 most common adolescent sparks - movement, creativity and justice. "Movement sparks" might involve running a 5K together, planning a group hike or ski day. "Creative sparks" might involve a guided drawing/painting/pottery activity, writing or performing songs/poetry, etc. "Justice sparks" could involve attending events or listening to speakers centered around social or environmental justice - or taking action on a cause that feels particularly important to you. 2. GOALS is building a "social calendar" that we'll ask YOU to populate - with your athletic events, theater or music performances, birthdays, etc. Groups of GOALS kids may then pick an event to go cheer on and support their friends in games/performances, etc. together.

Which of the options above would make you excited to get involved in year-round GOALS activities if they were offered?

Since the drop-down above only allows you to pick one option, if you have anything else to share (or other great ideas for year-round programming), please use the box below.

SECTION 5. "EXTRA CREDIT."

In the 2023 "Impact Report" that GOALS is currently creating, we might feature a few "success stories" - highlighting specific participants who feel that GOALS has had a profound impact on who they are, or who they are becoming. If you feel that GOALS has had a significant positive impact on your life, please describe it here. Your "success story" might include: - how GOALS experiences have transformed who you are and/or where you are heading. - any “mantras” or “big lessons” you’ve taken away from a GOALS expedition(s). - the impact that a specific reading / experience / guide or leader / participant has had on you. - the way that GOALS has altered your relationship with yourself / others / wild places. - anything else that is particularly unique to you. Please note that this is not required - and only those who feel most compelled to share their GOALS success story should complete Section 5.

My GOALS Success Story:

Thank you for completing this 2023 end-of-season questionaire. The information you have shared will help GOALS to define how what we create is "more than just a river trip" - and will empower us to make any necessary improvements that help accomplish our mission of transforming the future for kids and wild places.

2023 END-OF-SEASON REFLECTIONS

FOR YOUTH PARTICIPANTS

GOALS YOUTH RIVER EXPEDITIONS