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Our guides are hand-selected for their skills and interest in sharing the natural world with young people.

When not guiding Grand Canyon Youth trips, they work as teachers, students, artists, conservationists, and healthcare providers, among other things. Given their sense of humor and ability to facilitate, we are proud to have such talented and conscientious guides leading our trips.

Guide Profiles

Josh Armstrong | 8th Grade Science Teacher and GCY Guide

“I started guiding trips for GCY while in college. I always enjoyed working youth trips, and the GCY trips were always the best. When I graduated and got a “real job” teaching middle school science, I was fortunate enough to be coordinator on GCY trips with my own students. Seeing this other side of GCY trips has been incredible for me. I really enjoy being on the river with my students, and plan on doing these trips every year until I retire.”

Pamela Mathues | Animation Instructor and GCY Guide

Pamela brings her passion for art and wild places with her to the river. Participants appreciate her sense of humor and knowledge about the Southwest. A former full-time animator for Disney, a professional photographer, and a national synchronized swimming champion, she has been known to organize skits and bring along a bag full of “dress-up” clothes to add fun to any trip.

Sarah Baden | Writer and GCY Guide

Sarah has been a full-time guide with Grand Canyon Youth for 6 years. She has a master’s degree in water policy and an insatiable curiosity for learning everything she can about the cultural and natural history of the place. She helps to facilitate many of the on-river science service projects and is also a published writer. Her laugh is contagious to everyone on the trip.

Wade Permar | Northern Arizona University chemistry major, GCY Alumni and Guide

Wade came to GCY as a participant when he was in high school. He went on several trips and decided he’d love to pursue becoming a guide. He has worked for GCY for 3 years and his favorite trips are with special-needs youth.