meet the staff

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 & DIRECTORWith 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 c… — 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 PROGRAM DIRECTORKaylin 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 Wes… — 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.

DAYNA WAHL COUNSELORDayna 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 o… — 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 BIKING SPECIALISTGraham 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 achievin… — 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!