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 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 & DIRECTORAndrew 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 … — 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 CAMP NURSE - RN, BSNWhen 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 … — 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 SITE DIRECTOR - CHINOOK TRAILThis is Kara’s third year on the Go West Team. She has held the Counselor and Unit Director positions at camp and is excited to be the Site Director for our new Chinook Trail location. Kara loves creating re… — KARA PEETE
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
This is Kara’s fifth year on the Go West Team. She has held the Counselor and Unit Director 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.

**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**
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

JESSICA POWERS SITE DIRECTOR - EAGLEVIEWJessica spent her childhood in summer camps. She also works in behavior intervention as a para educator at Manitou Springs Elementary. In college Jessica studied art and then traveled the country working on fa… — 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 third year at Go West as a year round Program Director for our Chinook Trail location

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.

**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 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!