Transforming the future for kids and wild places
We’re on a mission to improve the future for kids and wild places through river expeditions that positively impact adolescent mental health, the environment, and spread the joy of outdoor adventure.
The Origin of GOALS
GOALS was born on the banks of the Green River, where former middle school science teacher Brett Hochmuth took his 8th grade students on an end-of-year 5-day rafting expedition through Desolation Canyon. What began as an unconventional approach to outdoor education quickly became much more, as Brett witnessed more growth, confidence, and connection in just 5 canyon days than he had throughout an entire school year as their teacher and coach. The wild landscape sparked something powerful, and lasting, in both the teacher and his students.
That moment lit the spark for GOALS: a nonprofit dedicated to harnessing the transformative power of nature to help youth overcome struggles through awareness and resilience, create authentic social connectedness, and develop a lifelong love for the outdoors. What started with one trip has grown into a movement that defines a community—proving that sometimes the best classroom has no walls at all. Curious to learn more? Read a message from our Founder.
What we do
GOALS helps kids and teens experience joy by discovering the authentic versions of themselves that societal pressures and over-scheduled, technology-heavy lifestyles have kept out of reach. We teach kids how people and wild places can benefit from one another while assuring them that their voices matter in efforts to protect and advocate.
Our expeditions are intentionally designed to give kids the chance to play, wonder, and grow—pushing their comfort zones while “being a kid again.”
Why we do it
Being a kid today isn’t easy. Despite technological advances, many kids and teens feel isolated, leading to rising rates of anxiety, depression, and harmful behaviors. At GOALS, we believe this stems from a deep sense of disconnection—and we’re here to change that.
By linking the science of adolescent brain development with the power of confidence and connection-building wilderness expeditions, GOALS is creating a new norm for today’s youth.
Adolescent Mental Health
Post-pandemic youth are feeling more isolated than ever. GOALS participants learn about the causes of stress, anxiety, and depression that affect them, and gain the tools to improve their mental well-being.
Environmental Stewardship
Earth’s remaining wilderness is disappearing at alarming rates. GOALS participants become aware of issues threatening wild places, and feel capable of making a difference.
Outdoor Adventure
A lack of unstructured, outdoor play can impact development. GOALS participants experience the uplifting mix of joy, wonder, confidence, and camaraderie that outdoor adventure creates.
How we do it
Empowering Curriculum
The GOALS journal is the backbone of every expedition. Designed by educators and wilderness guides, it contains individual group lessons, maps, and information about each canyon, along with inspiring readings that are introduced around meal circles and campfires, but resonate in young minds long beyond the take-out.
Dedicated mentors
The leaders who guide kids through their GOALS experience are charismatic, empathetic role models committed to showing up authentically to help kids thrive. They’re the people that GOALS kids want to be when they grow up, only they’re generally adverse to “growing up.”
How we do it
Disconnect to Reconnect
There are no phones or watches allowed on GOALS expeditions. By removing kids from the confines of technology and the stressors of an over-scheduled life, GOALS helps kids explore areas of their brain that stimulate wonder and creativity at depths they aren’t used to. Turns out, it’s a place they enjoy visiting and make lifestyle adjustments to spend more time there after their expedition is over.
Inspiring Wilderness
Wild rivers provide countless opportunities for growth. There’s no turning back and no chance to sit out the parts that push past your comfort zone. Traveling together yet challenged individually, GOALS kids find the confidence they need to navigate rapids or sleep under the stars, and share reflections about their growth with their team.
How we do it
Intentional Admissions
GOALS identifies the kids who are seeking more than just a river trip, utilizing their disposition to accelerate the personal transformation they’re seeking while enhancing the experience for the rest of their expedition team.
Expectation of Participation
We believe that the communities which are most rewarding to be a part of are those working toward shared success. GOALS kids are placed on camp teams with rotating communicable duties. Since many of the challenges are new—both on and off the river, kids are encouraged to fail forward, learning and growing along the way.
What’s GOALS like?
For Kids
- You’ll connect with new people and form lasting friendships
- You’ll be challenged in unique ways both on and off the river
- You’ll get a mental break from the outside world
- You’ll be immersed in one of the last remaining wild places
- You’ll discover the value of environmental stewardship
- You’ll have the freedom to discover your authentic self
- You’ll become part of the GOALS family
For Parents
- Your child will be able to truly connect with their peers without disruptive technology
- Your child will have the chance to “fail forward” in a safe, supportive environment
- Your child will be given age-appropriate responsibilities and challenges
- Your child will bond with nature and have a greater reverence for the outdoors
- Your child will return feeling more confident, independent, and maybe a little sunburnt
choose your own adventure
