 is doubling its transformative Native Teen Guide in Training (NTGIT) program for the first time in its 12-year run. Thanks to growing community support and new funding partners, two full sessions will take place this summer on Utah’s San Juan River.){kind=link}
We all know that a river trip can shape someone’s life. And when it’s a week spent paddling and training to be a guide through sacred red rock canyons under the mentorship of Native leaders, shifts are even more likely to take place. This year, that opportunity for Indigenous youth across the country will be even greater, thanks to efforts by the Canyonlands Field Institute based in Moab, Utah.
The Canyonlands Field Institute (CFI) says it is doubling its transformative Native Teen Guide in Training (NTGIT) program for the first time in its 12-year run. Thanks to growing community support and new funding partners, two full sessions will take place next summer on Utah’s San Juan River, offering even more Indigenous youth the chance to explore their ancestral waterways, build outdoor skills, and ignite leadership potential in the heart of the canyonlands.
A Program Rooted in Place and Purpose
If you’ve ever floated the San Juan, you know it’s more than just a river: it’s a living, winding classroom. The corridor flows beside the Navajo Nation, carrying stories, geology, and connection along every bend. For Native youth, many of whom may be experiencing a multi-day wilderness rafting trip for the first time, the experience can be profound.
“This trip solidified his gratefulness for our land, people, and culture,” said one parent of a past participant. “His eyes filled with tears as he described the beauty of a sunset out there.”
And it’s not just about the sunsets or the splashy rapids. Over seven days, participants—ages 13 to 17—learn how to read water, run whitewater, cook riverside meals, set up campsites, practice teamwork and communication, and gain insights into the local flora, fauna, and Indigenous history of the region. They’re guided by Indigenous trip leaders who not only understand the technical side of river running but also share cultural knowledge.
This is a chance to develop professional skills and add something unique to a resume. Past NTGIT participants have returned to CFI for other guiding opportunities or used foundational skills from this program to gain employment in the outdoor recreation industry. They have also listed their CFI guides and mentors as references for job applications. This program is for youth who are looking to learn more about rivers, connect with peers from all over the country, or simply wish to experience something new. The students who participate in the Native Teen Guide in Training program come away with the knowledge, skills, and desire to share the richness and beauty of the river with others.
The cost is just $50, with all meals, camping gear, river equipment, and transportation included. There’s no prior river or camping experience required, just a sense of adventure and curiosity.
Why It Matters Now
Representation in the outdoor industry is still catching up to reality. Indigenous peoples have always lived in deep connection with the land and water, but rarely are they centered in outdoor recreation narratives. CFI’s program is actively reshaping that narrative—by creating space, opportunity, and mentorship where it’s most needed. “This is definitely a diamond-in-the-rough program,” said Brandi A., a lead guide with the program. “We don’t see many groups like this on the river in my experience.”
In a time when screen time dominates teen life and many youth feel increasingly disconnected from nature—and each other—this kind of immersive, unplugged week in the wild has never been more important. Participants leave with more than just sunburn and stories; they gain resume-worthy skills, real-world confidence, and, often, new life goals. Some return to guide with CFI or pursue careers in the outdoor industry. Others simply carry the experience as a cultural and personal touchstone—an anchoring memory of strength, connection, and purpose.
“This was my first raft trip and I hope to come back next year,” said Keilani K., a past NTGIT camper. “I learned how to tie knots, to paddle rafts, and to jump into a swimming hole for the first time.”
How to Apply
Indigenous youth (ages 13–17) interested in joining the Native Teen Guide in Training program can now apply for the 2025 sessions via the CFI website.
Learn more and apply at this link.
CFI supplies tents, sleeping bags, pads, and everything else needed to have a safe, memorable week on the river. For families, educators, or youth leaders looking to nominate a teen or support this work, CFI encourages outreach. The organization also welcomes donations and sponsorships to help expand the program in future years.
2025 NTGIT Program At A Glance
Who: Native American youth, ages 13–17
What: 7-day San Juan River rafting and outdoor leadership trip
When:
Session 1: June 8–14, 2025
Session 2: June 24–30, 2025
Where: The San Juan River, southern Utah
Cost: $50 per participant (includes food, gear, and transport)
Info and Application: cfimoab.org/trips/ntgit