Calling it a “curriculum” feels too academic. Calling it a “journal” isn’t exciting enough. Calling it “the greatest souvenir ever that can be re-visited later to understand just where you were in your personal growth process” is close - but sure doesn’t roll off the tongue.

The GOALS journal contains individual and group lessons, maps and information about each canyon, and inspiring readings that are introduced around meal circles and campfires, but resonate in young minds long beyond the take-out.

GOALS expeditions include everyone in two important ways.

First - GOALS does not discriminate when building expedition teams. Most contain a mix of ethnicities, genders, socioeconomic classes, and sexual orientations. We don’t feel that any child deserves or receives greater benefit from meaningful outdoor exploration than another - though we recognize some have greater barriers for participation, and help break those down. Our second level of inclusion occurs by incorporating kids in all aspects of their expedition - from piloting their own boats to setting up camp and cooking for their friends.

Wild rivers provide countless opportunities settings for growth. There is no turning back, no chance to sit out the portions that might stretch us.

Traveling together yet tested individually, GOALS kids find the confidence needed to navigate rapids or sleep under the stars - then to share reflections about the experience with their team. This unpredictable, awe-inspiring natural landscape empowers a courageous transformation that is undeniably GOALS.

Our expeditions can only be as great as the people leading them - GOALS guides are absolutely the best of the best.

These are mentors you want your kids to look up to; the ones you had wish you taken the leap to become 20 years ago, or hope to become 20 years from now. They turn ideas, passion, and experience into impact. We are blessed to work alongside them, and hope to “be more like them when we grow up.”

Leave your phones behind - they’re a hindrance to authentic connection. Leave your watch as well - “river time” is based on daylight, hunger, and miles to our next camp.

By removing them from the confines of technology and the stressors of an over-scheduled life, GOALS kids tap into an entirely different part of their brains; one that encourages awareness, wonder, and creativity and at levels they aren’t used to. Turns out it’s a place they enjoy visiting, and make lifestyle adjustments to spend more time there.