Grand Canyon Youth

Grand Canyon Youth is the only youth-specific organization with river access in Grand Canyon. Participants travel on the river, not as tourists but as stewards, participating in service projects related to the study of the river ecosystem.

Quality Program at an Affordable Cost

As a nonprofit, we strive to keep the price of our programs affordable. Over two-thirds of the organization’s funds are raised directly by Grand Canyon Youth; one–third comes from participant fees.  Additionally, Grand Canyon Youth provides financial aid to those who qualify.  

Bringing Youth Together from Diverse Backgrounds

We serve young people from a wide variety of backgrounds, often on the same trip! Some youth join us as part of a group, others sign up all by themselves.  Some have never been camping; others have never traveled or been to the Southwest. Some have special needs; others are passionate about science or art.  All of them courageously pushed beyond their comfort zone and participated fully in an adventure of a lifetime.  We believe in the transformational and unifying power of the river!

Our Educational Philosophy Empowers Youth

We believe young people get more out of their river experience if they have ownership in the process.  So, before participants dip a toe into the river, they earn their trip through community service, an educational project of their choosing and pay for part of the trip themselves.