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Khris on the Bright Angel Trail

GO WEST!!! USA is a nonprofit organization committed to improving the lives of area teens. Today all teens face many daily challenges. Our objective is to provide teens with the tools needed to lead rewarding and successful lives. In order to teach these valuable lessons, GO WEST!!! USA uses nature as our classroom. Nature also provides a setting outside the comfort zone of many teens. By challenging teens physically and emotionally we are able to instill appreciation, self-worth, and healthy habits that they can carry throughout their entire lives.

At GO WEST!!! USA we stress the importance of gratitude for the blessings that all teens can find in their lives. Teens must learn the significance of responsibility. Acting responsible brings the teens a step closer to productive adulthood, which is our ultimate goal.

Along with mental and emotional lessons, GO WEST!!! USA also teaches the value of physical activity. Today teenage obesity and laziness has become an epidemic. At GO WEST!!! USA we use hiking, skiing, and other physical challenges to improve self-esteem and self-confidence.

Teens also practice other skills each day that contribute to their overall learning. These skills include learning how to use a map and compass, cooking, cleaning, and setting up camp.

GO WEST!!! USA uses nature as a classroom. By removing teens from their daily surroundings, we are able to open their eyes to new ideas. GO WEST!!! USA takes teens beyond the textbooks into a world where they can truly experience the world. For example, most teens have heard or read about The Grand Canyon. The actual experience of being there, however, cannot compare to a picture in a book. By physically being in the place they are learning about, teens have a new appreciation and enthusiasm for learning. From hiking to geography to cooking, nature provides a superb environment for teaching.

At GO WEST!!! USA we stress the importance of learning through experience. Teens are responsible for doing the cooking, the cleaning, and setting up camp. By doing these daily chores teens learn the value of hard work. They also become extremely proficient at the daily tasks. When they return from their trip they are better prepared for the tasks they face each day.

We also emphasize learning during other activities such as hiking. Teens gain knowledge of the environment, which is intended to give them a better appreciation for the world around them.