GOALS expeditions are first available to kids around age 9-10 (approximately 4th grade, with some variability).

Objective. For many kids, we know that this is their first overnight camping experience without a parent. Therefore, the primary objective is to make sure each child feels safe - focusing on connections with peers while developing comfort and independence in a true wilderness setting.

Location. These expeditions are 4 days long, and explore a beautiful stretch of the Colorado River with no real whitewater challenges. Our dedicated leaders who guide GOALS elementary school expeditions integrate creative play and imaginative discovery - making the experience more fun than kids ever knew they could have outdoors.

GOALS middle school expeditions are designed for kids between who are approximately 12-15 years old.

Objective. These programs maintain the focus on feeling safe, while introducing and celebrating vulnerability as a platform for creating group camaraderie. Through shared readings around meals that come from the GOALS journal and ignite powerful discussions, intentional reflection at the end of each day, and encouragement to try new things with permission to “fail forward” - GOALS middle school expeditions consistently celebrate effort and courage. This shift toward a new definition of “success” creates confidence & connections the lead to growth for kids in this critical period of adolescent development. Additionally, middle school expeditions include a greater focus on creating connections to wild places - through conservation education that instills a sense of appreciation for their use and a sense of responsibility for their protection.

Locations. These expeditions are 4 - 7 days long, and explore rivers throughout the western United States. They occur in canyons that present more natural challenges than our elementary expeditions offer - designed to stretch comfort zones and empower kids without creating fear or giving them more than they can handle.

GOALS high school expeditions are designed for kids who are approximately 14-18 years old.

Objective. These programs provide opportunities for kids to explore and affirm their identities - utilizing discussions and activities that generate personal awareness, acceptance, and the identification of an “inner compass” that can be used to navigate the important decisions that young adults are faced with around this time. GOALS has no interest in altering the direction that kids are headed - rather, we work to create clarity and conviction that opens new pathways to a future that is more authentic, passion-driven, and self-directed.

Locations. These expeditions are 4 - 8 days long, and explore rivers throughout the western United States. Some of our high school expeditions occur on the same rivers as middle school expeditions - though they may occur when the flow is at different levels. Kids in high school expeditions might be offered greater opportunities to safely challenge themselves in inflatable kayaks, or by captaining the bigger rafts through appropriate sections of whitewater.

GOALS international expeditions are designed for kids 15 and older - most of whom have previous GOALS experience.

Objective. International GOALS experiences are built around a mindset of becoming travelers rather than tourists, and explore rivers in countries who are geographically and culturally different than what we can experience at home. In some cases, these rivers are in danger of imminent damming, and must be seen now if they are to be seen at all. Regardless of the location, participants are encouraged to examine the relationships that local people in the regions we are exploring maintain with one another and with the resources in the area - then comparing and contrasting them to what they are familiar with at home.

Locations. These expeditions are generally around 2-3 weeks long, and explore areas that GOALS staff members have scouted previously - ensuring safety and assessing logistics, while also building relationships that lead to authentic cultural immersion experiences. Today, GOALS offers expeditions in Patagonia Chile, the Sacred Valley and Amazonas regions of Peru, and in Nepal - all of which expand the map that GOALS kids are using that “inner compass” to navigate - both literally and figuratively.