Ben Shay

Ben Shay is a Youth Programs Coordinator with Mountain Youth Network and TREK Outdoors, a community coalition serving youth within Clear Creek County. He has spent his professional life combining remote wilderness guiding with nonprofit work to create immersive and impactful experiences for those he serves. Ben worked as a river guide in Colorado, Utah, Idaho, and Oregon while also co-leading a number of expeditions in the Patagonia region of Chile in South America. He currently still guides in Alaska during the summer season. In addition to his guiding, Ben represented the United States as a team member and captain of the Under 23 USA Raft Racing Team, traveling and competing throughout the United States and international race series. During this time he worked for numerous commercial outfitters and served as the Community Partnership Director for GOALS Youth River Expeditions (501c3). In addition to his expedition, education, and guiding work, Ben spent his time developing fundraising strategies, partners, events, and other funding streams for GOALS Youth River Expeditions (501c3). He currently leads outdoor leadership programs with TREK Outdoors while also working within the Clear Creek School District to help teach the Project Bike Technician curriculum. Ben is passionate about working with youth and supporting them in finding their path to health and happiness. Ben grew up in Clear Creek County and although he lives outside of the county now with his wife and dogs, he is excited to be building opportunities and supporting growth for the youth and community members of Clear Creek County and the surrounding areas.