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 staff members 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.
2025 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, BSN, RN CAMP NURSE SUPERVISOR
When Kaitel isn’t working in emergency department, she’s working with the staff at Go West to ensure a safe and healthy summer for all. This is Kaitel’s seventh 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 currently resides in Boise, Idaho with her husband and two handsome toddler boys.
SHANNON LARKIN
LOGISTICS COORDINATOR
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.
ALLI VANDERHEIDE UNIT LEADER
Hey everyone! My name is Alli and this is my first year at Go West Camps. I grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, but I go to school in Indiana. I am heading into my junior year at Taylor University where I study social studies education with a concentration in special education! I am so excited to spend the summer in Colorado. I love volleyball, coffee, and trying new things! I can't wait to meet you all!
JOSHUA PHILLIPS ROCK CLIMBING STAFF
Josh was born and raised in Colorado Springs. He loves all things outdoors like hiking, biking, skiing, and of course rock climbing. He is working on getting a degree in financial planning from Nebraska Wesleyan University. He is super excited about what adventures the summer has in store.
SILVANA BOLAOS COUNSELOR
Silvana is from Colombia and is currently a student of Foreign Languages. She’s excited to be part of Go West Camps this summer. Passionate about teaching, outdoor adventures, and traveling, she enjoys hiking, biking, dancing, gymnastics, and loves coffee. She looks forward to making amazing memories and new friends this summer!
SOPHIA VALENTINE COUNSELOR
Sophia grew up in Colorado Springs, where she developed a deep love for the outdoors. She enjoys skiing, climbing, and taking on every classic Colorado adventure. She is currently a student at Creighton University, where she competes in cross country and track. When she’s not on the trails or in class, she’s likely planning her next outdoor adventure.
AUTUMN LARGENT CAMP COUNSELOR
Hello! I’m Autumn. I'm currently a student at the University of Tulsa but reside in Colorado with family. I'm currently an Environmental Policy major and am very passionate about the outdoors and plants. I’m very excited to work as a camp counselor and can't wait share an amazing summer with everyone!
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.
ANDREW HECK COUNSELOR
Andrew grew up in Colorado Springs, Colorado and has a huge passion for the outdoors. He loves biking both on pavement and singletrack, and refuses to drive anywhere within a half an hour bike ride. He just finished his second year at the University of Colorado Boulder studying mechanical engineering and atmospheric science. He's super excited about his first summer at Go West Camps and can't wait to share his passion for biking with all the campers.
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.
JESSICA POWERS
SENIOR 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.
BRITTANY CARL CAMP 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.
ZOE SHERMAN UNIT LEADER
A born and raised Philadelphian always searching for adventure, Zoë (she/her) is ecstatic to spend her summer in Colorado! She loves forming new relationships, traveling (especially solo), live music, and pretty much all things creative. Now entering her junior year at Temple University, she's studying community education (AKA the world of educational programs, higher education, community centers, nonprofits, etc). Zoë has led a Jewish religious school classroom focusing on Jewish civic values and ethics for the past four years and has experience as an assistant unit leader, camp counselor, and a long-time camper. She is so ready to meet everyone and be a part of the Go West community!
JOEL COLON MORENO COUNSELOR
Born and raised in the gorgeous island of Puerto Rico, Joel was raised with a deep love for nature that only grew over the years. They infuse this love into all that they do, from writing to running TTRPG games professionally. This love is especially strong for the tiny organisms that live in nature, and Joel is always happy to impart careful, thoughtful insight on all the insects they encounter.
MAI MILLER COUNSELOR
My name is Mai. I was born and raised in Colorado Springs. I am currently studying social work and music at UCCS. My free time is filled with music festivities, connecting with others at school club events, and making memories with my family and friends. I absolutely love trying new and exciting things such as skydiving. I am so excited to have the opportunity to be a part of the team and even more excited to meet everybody!
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.
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!
ROBYN ZIEMBA PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Robyn is an adventurer and food enthusiast! If it looks climbable she will climb it and if it looks edible she will eat it. Originally from the swamps of Louisiana, she has made her journey west to the mountains to find more rocks to climb. She can’t wait for the opportunity to teach campers to ascend to the top of the most inspiring obstacles ever to emerge from the ground.
KODY HILL UNIT LEADER / OST LEADER
Kody grew up in Colorado Springs and loves all things outdoors especially biking and rock climbing. This is their third year at Go West and they are super stoked for all the amazing adventures to come this summer.
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!
STEPHANIE MARTINEZ BUS DRIVER
I'm Steph, I was born and raised in Texas and have been living in Colorado for 9 years. I'm a bus driver for a school district. I have three children and two grandchildren. I have a love for driving and the outdoors. Both keep me ready for every journey, whether on the road or in nature.
MAYA BRADLEY COUNSELOR
Maya can't wait to meet this summer's campers! Originally from New Jersey, lots of their time growing up was spent outdoors, hiking, camping, and kayaking! With a love of nature and all things creative, from cooking to music, Maya can't wait to share these passions with campers.
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.
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!
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!
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.
JESSE ALI COUNSELOR / OST LEADER
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.
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.
JUAN ANDINO COUNSELOR
Juan Andino is a Dancer, choreographer and musician, he plays the clarinet. He is currently doing his Degree to be a language teacher. His choreographies and projects are on Instagram : @tofu_526
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.
YULIE SPADE
Hello my name is Yulie Spade. I am originally from Louisville Kentucky, where I got my B.A. in Elementary Education. I moved to Colorado for my love of adventure and outdoors, while also living my dream as a school teacher. When I am not teaching, I am coaching youth soccer, or exploring the community and staying active! I have always enjoyed working with youth to build relationships, leadership and support just as I did growing up in many summer camps. I am extremely grateful about my new beginnings with Go West camp. I am eager to learn and share experiences with new people while doing the things I love!
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.
JOSH DAVIDSON MOUNTAIN BIKE SPECIALIST
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.
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.
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.
