Together we discover the wonders and adventure of exploring our own backyard and take to the neighborhood. We take advantage of the summer sunshine, nourish our bodies through physical activity and fresh food, and challenge our minds through activities that encourage exploration and innovation. We create a community that supports skill development and helps kids to be successful as they grow.
Being part of a supportive and encouraging community of kids and adults provides a sense of belonging and responsibility to serve as a good citizen.
Getting moving and using human powered transportation keeps us healthy. Learning to navigate our neighborhood by foot and bike allows kids a sense of independence and familiarizes them with their neighborhood and community.
Maintaining a food garden and learning healthy gardening practices gives kids a sense of accomplishment, helps them make nutritious food choices and inspires an interest in working toward a healthy earth.
Taking part in activities that foster collaboration and inspire their imagination encourages kids to think like innovators, solve problems and embrace their creativity. From setting a bike route and caring for a garden, to working through a team building initiative, kids gain the perseverance and work ethic that will make them successful in their community and their future.
We know that a great camp experience starts with caring, mature staff members, and our staff is made up of adults who are committed to providing guidance, encouragement and an unforgettable summer of fun. At Go West we hire the cream of the crop. Our counselors go through a rigorous hiring process and are selected based on their experience, knowledge and skills in specific camp activity areas, and their ability to create positive relationships with campers and fellow staff members. Every individual contributes to the spirit and culture of camp, and we highly value including counselors from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Preparation is everything. All of our staff members complete a thorough training before summer begins, continually attend in-service trainings and are evaluated throughout the summer. Our series of trainings includes, at a minimum, First Aid, CPR and certifications in specific program activities. Staff members also go through state and federal criminal background checks. To ensure the safety of our campers, Go West maintains a 1:6 staff to camper ratio. Additionally, each activity is supervised by staff members with previous experience leading that activity.
2024 STAFF
ANDREW VANDERWEGE
OWNER & DIRECTOR
Andrew lives and breathes summer camp. As a toddler he grew up with Camp Director parents, was a camper and then moved on to work at several day and resident camps. His very favorite thing about camp is trying new things and meeting new people. He enjoys biking, board games and adding to his crazy sock collection.
ARIANNE VANDERWEGE
OWNER & DIRECTOR
With more than 20 years working with youth in school, after school, resident and day camp settings, Arianne most enjoys getting to know campers and families and being of support to our amazing staff. Favorite camp activities include creating art and growing veggies in the garden. Arianne also plays ukulele, practices yoga, loves cooking delicious food and enjoys discovering Colorado’s hiking trails with her 11 year old daughter, Maile.
KAYLIN LARKIN
SENIOR DIRECTOR
Kaylin (she/her) has been at Go West from the beginning. She has worked in every role and has loved watching campers grow throughout the years. Kaylin received a Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of Colorado and Go West has allowed her to merge her passion for working with youth and her love for the outdoors.
KAITEL BURCH
CAMP NURSE - RN, BSN
When Kaitel isn’t working at the hospital, she’s working with the staff at Go West to ensure a safe and healthy summer for all. This is Kaitel’s third year on the Go West Team. As a former Unit Director at camp, and having received her BSN from the University of Colorado, the camp nurse role has been a natural fit. Kaitel brings an infectiously positive attitude, camp knowledge and spirit of teamwork. Kaitel also enjoys practicing yoga, and playing board games with friends!
KARA PEETE
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
This is Kara’s sixth year on the Go West Team. She has held the Counselor and Unit Leader positions at camp and is excited to be the Program Director for our Chinook Trail location. Kara loves creating relationships with new campers and staff and is looking forward to new summer adventures.
SHANNON LARKIN
LOGISTICS COORDINATOR
TIIA SHEA UNIT LEADER
Tiia has lived in Colorado most of her life. She is a student at Colorado College studying mathematics education, and she loves spending time under the sun and in the mountains. Hobbies include card games, collecting stickers, and meeting cats. She is super excited for the opportunities to work with the Go West team and campers this summer!
GABI ANSLEY COUNSELOR
Gabi is currently attending the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs and is pursuing a degree in mathematics. She works at a math center for students K-12, but in her free time she enjoys hiking, yoga, exploring new restaurants, and spending time with the people she loves most. She has always loved working with kids and is looking forward to creating more memories with the Go West campers for her second year back!
KATE KELLY COUNSELOR
Kate just earned her B.A. in Elementary Education and Sociology from Boston College and is moving across the country to join us in Colorado. She loves spending time exploring outside, swimming, and playing cards and board games. She is so excited to see what this summer has in store!
SCOTT BEAMES ROCK CLIMBING SPECIALIST
Scott is originally from California and is currently studying at Colorado College. He grew up doing gymnastics, but has transitioned into climbing since moving to Colorado. Scott loves to be active, share adventures with others, and can’t wait for the summer at GoWest Camps!
RACHEL ENRIGHT COUNSELOR
Rachel is from Ireland and is currently studying general nursing. She is very excited to come to America for the summer. She’s a friendly outgoing girl who loves being around people. Her main hobbies revolve around different sports, music and traveling. She’s looking forward to being a part of the go west team, meeting new people and learning new cultures
DIGS BYERLY COUNSELOR
Hey there, the name's Digs. I am a recent graduate of North Dakota State University and received a Bachelor of Science in both Elementary Education and Human Development and Family Science. I just recently moved to Colorado to be closer to family and am excited for all the new adventures to come, including this one at Go West Camps! My biggest goal as a camp counselor is to foster an environment that promotes curiosity and confidence in the campers.
JESSICA POWERS
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Jessica spent her childhood in summer camps. In college Jessica studied art and then traveled the country working on farms before settling in Colorado. She is back for her fifth year at Go West as a year round Program Director for our Eagleview location.
DAYNA WAHL
SITE DIRECTOR
Dayna attends Western Colorado University in Gunnison. She is currently majoring in Psychology with an emphasis in Secondary Education and minoring in Sociology. Dayna has been swimming for around 14 years and is currently part of the Western Colorado swim team. Dayna is the youngest of five kids so everyday growing up was a new adventure. In her free time she likes to hike, rock climb, and discover new TV shows and movies. In the future, Dayna hopes to become a high school Social Studies teacher and teach Psychology, History, and Sociology. Working with kids has always been something that makes her happy and always manages to put a smile on her face.
LARISSA BROCKLEHURST UNIT LEADER
Larissa was born and raised in Colorado and is currently studying Speech Pathology and Audiology in Michigan. She loves spending time outdoors. Her favorite outdoor activity is hiking with family or friends. Some of her favorite hiking spots are the beautiful Colorado mountains and Garden of the Gods. When not outdoors, Larissa loves to paint, draw, or do any other form of art. She looks forward to a wonderful summer at Go West Camps!
MEGAN BAYER FARM STAFF
Megan has lived in Colorado Springs for most of her life. She currently attends Colorado State University in Fort Collins seeking a degree in Equine Science. Megan has a love for agriculture and all things outdoors. She hopes to work in the Equine Assisted Services industry. Megan is so excited for camp this summer!!
LUIS CANDELARIO SANTIAGO
COUNSELOR
Luis is from Jaen, Spain. He has a degree in Economics from the University of Granada, loves sports, walking in nature and learning new things. Currently his passion is to travel the world and learn more about other cultures. This will be his first summer at Go West Camps and he is very excited to begin this new adventure.
GRAHAM CONGER
MOUNTAIN BIKE SPECIALIST
Graham followed his passion for outdoor recreation all the way from Kentucky to Colorado Springs to join the Go West team. He has spent his life on the trails, both near and far from home. Now, after achieving a Bachelor's degree in the recreation field, Graham is excited to lead and inspire in campers that same passion that drove him across the country. He believes there's always something fun to do, especially with good friends!
RACHEL MCCUSKER COUNSELOR
Rachel, a recent graduate turned substitute teacher from Ireland, brings her passion for working with children to Go West Camp in Colorado. With a love for music, animals, and nature, she enjoys exploring the great outdoors as well as enjoys baking during her free time for friends and family. Excited to be part of a dynamic team, Rachel looks forward to creating memorable experiences for campers through adventure, creativity, and fun.
BAILY WRIGHT COUNSELOR
I'm Baily, I've grown up in Colorado Springs since I was 6 and have loved every part of it. I love being outside and trying new things. I am currently pursuing a biology degree at PPSC and hope to be able to obtain an animal degree in the near future I can't wait to meet everyone this summer!
JULIA RAUGHLEY TRIP AND TRAVEL PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Julia has been spending her time in the Blue Ridge Mountains at Appalachian State University studying Child Development and Recreation Management. Each summer she road tripped to Colorado to work at overnight summer camps. Julia loves spending her time meeting new people, seeing new places, paddle boarding, hiking, and watching App State Football. Julia is so excited to meet the campers and be a part of the Go West team!
CHRIS IONESCU-COBB SITE DIRECTOR
Chris is an avid educator and pickleball player. He obtained his B.S. in Mathematics from Western Colorado University. When he's not out spending time with his dog, he's usually immersing himself in tabletop games.
KODY HILL UNIT LEADER
Kat grew up in Colorado Springs and loves all things outdoors especially biking and rock climbing. This is their second year at Go West and they are super stoked for all the amazing adventures to come this summer.
DWIGHT GRANT
MOUNTAIN BIKE SPECIALIST
Dwight has a passion for outdoor adventure and family. He and his wife have been married for almost 40 years and have 3 adult children and 6 grandkids. Dwight started mountain biking in the mid-80s and loves sharing his love of riding with others.
MOLLY O’BRIEN TRIP AND TRAVEL LEADER
Molly is studying Psychology at UCCS and just finished her second year there. She loves hiking, swimming, and snowboarding. In the summers she loves to camp with her friends and travel in a camper. Originally from Chicago, she moved out to Colorado because she fell in love with the outdoors. She is excited to combine her love of nature with her love of fun this summer at Go West Camps.
GRACE KIMES
COUNSELOR
Grace grew up in Colorado Springs and she loves to spend time outside running, hiking, and paddle boarding. When she’s not outside, you’ll catch her teaching elementary school and traveling the globe. She’s so excited for what this summer has in store!
DANIELLE MERKIN COUNSELOR
My name is Dani and I’m originally from Ohio but moved to Colorado 2 years ago! I am an extremely outgoing and energetic person! My absolute favorite things are being outside, going to concerts, edm (electronic dance music), spending time with my friends and family, and flowing with my flowstar! I am so beyond excited to meet all the campers this summer and hope to make a difference in their lives!
CALEB DALL COUNSELOR
Caleb has lived in Colorado Springs his whole life. He is currently studying mechanical engineering at Colorado State University. He loves to do anything outdoors whenever he can. He is thrilled to be a part of Go West Camps this summer and enjoy the outdoors with the staff and campers.
ANGEL TROGI
FARM PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Angel (he/ they) started at Go West Camps in 2021 as a summer camp counselor. Currently, Angel is a year round Farm Program Director of the endlessly evolving Go West Farm, home to two hundred chickens, goats, ducks, barn cats and all sorts of garden plants. Born in Illinois, he has always had an immense passion for animals, farming, tattooing, painting, digital art, LGBTQ+ diversity and a strong desire to create safe creative space. That desire soon cultivated numerous outlets for expansion arriving in Colorado, specifically at Go West.
XAVIER LANDRUM UNIT LEADER
Xavier is an individual devoted to helping out youth whether it’s teaching, coaching, or working at camp. He has been with Go West Camps since 2019 and has been a huge help in the growth and development of Go West Camps. He graduated college with a Bachelors of Science in Sports Fitness/Management from Cameron University in Oklahoma. Upon moving, Xavier has really grown to enjoy the outdoors and traveling throughout Colorado since being here for about 11 years in. He is always ready for the next adventure and says there is no other state like Colorado. Activities he enjoys are playing basketball, football, hiking, fishing, exploring around Colorado, and gaming when he can. He is excited for what’s in store for this summer at Go West!
KATIE SHEELY UNIT LEADER
Katie earned her B.S. from Southern Oregon University last spring where she studied sociology and creative writing. She was born in the heart of timber country in Oregon and left the rainforest last year for the mountains of Colorado. She knows how to prune banana trees, can bottle feed baby goats, and has a deep passion for both the great outdoors and educating and empowering youth of all ages.
LARRY HANSEN BUS DRIVER
Larry has lived in Colorado Springs basically his whole life. He moved here when he was one. With all the beauty and wonder that Colorado has to offer. It's no surprise that he enjoys the outdoors so much. This will be his first season with Go West. He's looking forward to having lots of new adventures and making some friends.
LUCAS HENSON ROCK CLIMBING SPECIALIST
I’m a tree-hug’n rock-lover. Hi, my name is Lucas, I was born and raised in Colorado Springs. I’m currently attending Montana State University and quite honestly still trying to figure things out. I do know one thing though, I can’t wait to introduce campers to a sport that has changed my life and kept me grounded, rock climbing!
SINEAD EARLEY COUNSELOR
My name is Sinead Earley. I live in Co. Roscommon in Ireland, and I am currently in my 3rd year of college majoring in General Nursing. In my free time I like to play a lot of sports such as football or basketball and also enjoy getting outside into nature on walks or cycles. I also love my quiet time, relaxing, working on some arts and crafts or even baking some sweet treats. I have always loved working with kids, and I hope to carry on this passion with me into my future career. I love to travel so I can't wait to see what's in store for me at Go West camps and meet the amazing team and campers this summer!
CAMILLA CHAVES COUNSELOR
Camila Chaves is a Colombian student currently in her fourth year of university, where she is studying languages. Passionate about the outdoors since childhood, Camila has explored the magnificent landscapes of her country. In addition to her love for nature, she has interests in art, swimming and dance. Camila is embarking on a new adventure by joining the Go West Camps team for the first time. She is excited about the opportunity to meet the staff and campers, eager to share her positive energy and love for learning with everyone. With her adventurous spirit and desire to explore new horizons, Camila is ready to make this summer at Go West Camps an unforgettable experience for all involved. Get ready to experience exciting moments and create lasting memories with Camila at Go West Camps!
ANDREW WELSH COUSELOR
Andrew grew up in Colorado Springs and has spent every summer hiking and camping. He is currently studying mechanical engineering at UCCS. In his free time, Andrew enjoys being outdoors with his friends. He is excited to start a new adventure with Go West Camps.
BRITTANY CARL COUNSELOR
Brittany was born and raised in Colorado Springs, Colorado and has a passion for birds, bugs, bogs and all that is blooming. She pours her time into creative pursuits including tattooing, playing bass in her band, curating vintage clothing and making herbal concoctions. Zealous about connecting with others, learning / teaching new things, she is ecstatic to be a first year counselor at Go West Camps.
JESSE ALI COUNSELOR
Jesse (he/him) grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada and traded the desert for the beautiful snowy mountains of Colorado. He is passionate about fitness and functional movement, LGBTQ+ diversity, and creative writing. He is currently studying to be a chiropractor and is pursuing a bachelor’s in kinesiology. In his free time, he enjoys playing baseball, axe and knife throwing, rock climbing, and long walks with his senior dog, Cirilla.
CHLOE CASSENS COUNSELOR
Chloe is a Colorado native who grew up on the west side of Colorado Springs. She attended Creighton University, earning her degree in Medical Anthropology and Sociology. Since graduating in 2022 she has split her time between substitute teaching and traveling. Her travels have included 26 U.S. states, 4 continents, 18 countries and 12 farms. This fall she will attend Wageningen University in the Netherlands to pursue a Master’s degree in Resilient Farming and Food Systems. She looks forward to blending her passions of teaching, farming and the outdoors this summer at Go West!
KADEE ELROD COUNSELOR
Even though she is new, Kadee is excited to be a part of the Go West team. She has lived in Colorado her whole life, it's her favorite place to be. Her passion is in helping and teaching others, in order to help pursue her dreams she wants to work more with the kids in her community. Currently she is majoring in English Education in hopes of becoming a teacher. On her downtime she loves reading, cooking, baking, and spending time with her loved ones. She is very excited to see what the summer has in store!
THEODOSIA AZARIAH PHOTOGRAPHER & VIDEOGRAPHER
Theodosia (they/them) has been a passionate filmmaker from childhood. They’ve worked with kids since high school and are blending their two skills into one to be the photographer and videographer for Go West Camps. They are an avid creator whether it’s film or art they are always excited to create something.
RACHEL WALKER
Rachel grew up on a farm in upstate New York and spent many happy years exploring the fields and woods behind her parent’s house. After earning her BA from Vassar College in Poughkeepsie NY, she began working seasonal jobs throughout the country as a guide and outdoor educator. She is an avid trail runner, hiker, skier, horseback rider, and all around explorer! Some recent highlights include racing Mount Marathon in Seward, Alaska and being the last runner standing at the Cobscook Backyard Ultra 50 miler in Maine. She is super excited to be working with Go West Camps this summer and looks forward to helping to spread a deep appreciation for the natural world to the next generation.
NATE GRANDCHAMP
Born and raised in Maine, being active in the outdoors has been a lifelong passion for Nate. Growing up there provided ample opportunity to experiment with all forms of outdoor activity, but a love for being in, on, and around the water have kept paddling (any craft will do) and fishing at the top of his ever growing list of hobbies. In recent years, Nate earned a degree in Outdoor Leadership and has since begun a full time career getting people outside, with a focus on paddle sports of all types. Interested in seeing more of what is out there, he has spent the past several seasons traveling cross country, and is excited to see what Colorado has in store for this summer season.
JOSH DAVIDSON
Josh is a goofy artist who has devoted most of his life to following artistic and adventurous passions. Born and raised in Colorado, he naturally gravitated to mountainous outdoor activities like rock climbing, mountain biking, longboarding and snowboarding. Adventure sports aside Josh practices a wide range of arts like blacksmithing, ceramics, laser cutting, sculpture, 3D printing and animation. To expound upon his creative passions he pursued a degree in fine art at the Institute for American Indian Arts in Santa Fe New Mexico. He received his Bachelor of Fine Art and acquired his Masters in Curricular Design and Colorado Teaching License; now he teaches art at the secondary level. Helping students achieve their creative best is what Josh loves most! He lives his life at lightspeed balancing and blending all these creative and adventurous elements into one crazy experience.
Go West Camps is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA), the nationally recognized accrediting body for the camp industry. The ACA accreditation process requires a camp to undergo a thorough (over 300 standards) review of its operation, from staff qualifications and training to emergency management. ACA collaborates with experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Red Cross, and other youth-serving agencies to ensure that current practices at the camp reflect the most up-to-date, research-based standards in camp operation.
LEARN MORE ABOUT ACA ACCREDITATION.
Go West Camps is licensed as a school aged childcare program by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood.
Andrew and Arianne are the Owners and Directors of Go West. They started Go West in Colorado Springs in 2015 as a culmination of their combined experiences in camping and youth development.
Camp is Andrew’s life’s work. He grew up at resident camp where his parents, Dave and Kathy, were on staff. During his college years at the University of Colorado at Boulder, he spent summers as a camp counselor. He went on to become a Day Camp Director, Director of Camping Services, and Resident Camp Director at the YMCA of Boulder Valley and the YMCA of Honolulu. He has been a volunteer board member with the Pikes Peak Children's Museum, Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates, and Bike Colorado Springs, and has served on the American Camp Association Local Council of Leaders. Andrew’s favorite part of camp is challenging kids to step outside of their box and explore the possibilities in the outdoors. He is an avid biker and loves to take bike packing and fly fishing trips.
Arianne studied Psychology at the University of Colorado and went on to spend more than 15 years working in Community Schools Programs with Boulder Valley Schools and the St. Vrain School District. She also has 20 years of experience in camping, as a Unit Director, Day Camp Director, and Resident Camp Director at the YMCA of Boulder Valley. She and Andrew moved with For Arianne, the most exciting part of creating Go West is using all of the best ideas from her experience to create a supportive community for kids and staff. She loves implementing creative ideas and inspiring kids to have a positive impact on their world. She also embraces the idea of lifelong learning, currently serving as American Camp Association Rocky Mountain Regional Professional Development Co-Chair. She has loads of personal interests, including watercolor, gardening, biking, and ukulele.
