Stuart Golder Joins Sierra Nevada Journeys as Director of Donor Relationships

Stuart Golder, MA, CFRE, Director of Donor Relationships, Sierra Nevada Journeys

Stuart Golder, MA, CFRE, has joined Sierra Nevada Journeys as the Director of Donor Relationships. As a member of the Advancement team, Golder is spearheading key donor relationships. He has devoted his professional career to program and fund development for nonprofits, higher education, and healthcare. Over the last 25 years, Golder raised funds for the Children’s Cabinet, the University of Nevada, Reno, Truckee Meadows Community College, and Renown Health Foundation, focusing on family services, education, and healthcare.

"We are excited to welcome Stuart to our organization. Our commitment to world-class science and outdoor education for underserved youth requires community investment, and Stuart is a natural fit to help communicate our mission and develop new partnerships for support," said Sean Hill, President and CEO of Sierra Nevada Journeys. 

Golder's connection to Sierra Nevada Journeys began when his daughter attended Overnight Outdoor Learning in middle school, followed by several summers at camp.  "I was familiar with Sierra Nevada Journeys through my daughter's engagement in the overnight camp programs. However, in recent months, I've had the chance to delve deeper into the organization, and I've discovered a true gem," Golder stated. "One of my first visits to camp was able to attend the employee awards ceremony and I was touched by the team's passion and commitment to delivering high-quality STEM programs to youth. I am excited to represent Sierra Nevada Journeys and the great work being done here."

Golder’s expertise spans major gifts, donor engagement, grant writing, planned giving, endowments, and capital campaigns. He is eager to support the students and staff at Sierra Nevada Journeys to expand the region’s STEM and environmental education programs.

Stuart earned his Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential and served as president of the board for both the Sierra Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the Planned Giving Round Table of Northern Nevada.

If you're interested in meeting Golder for coffee and conversation, please feel free to contact him at 775.355.1688 or stuartg@sierranevadajourneys.org.

CEO Sean Hill Sits Down with Roadtrip Nation to Discuss Careers in the Outdoor Education Field

When students are in the classroom, they are often asked what they want to be when they grow up. They are told to dream big and that anything is possible. While some students will choose a more aspirational career, like a dolphin trainer-slash-ballerina, others will choose to mirror the jobs of those they look up to — their teachers. The need for teachers, and the encouragement for students to pursue teaching roles is needed now more than ever. While a career in education is full of possibilities, the roadmap to becoming a teacher is not always clear, nor do all teaching jobs look alike.

That’s why Teach For America and Strada Education Foundation fueled a Roadtrip Nation initiative to send three young adults on a free journey across Nevada to explore exciting new ideas, programs, and communities that are creating a new worldview of education in their own backyard. Along the way, they talked to inspiring professionals in education, legislature, the nonprofit sector, and other fields to get the advice they need to carve out their own paths in the state they call home.

And who better to talk about a unique career in education than our own Sean Hill.

Sean sat down with Roadtrip Nation to discuss his origins in education, and how it led him to his current role as CEO of Sierra Nevada Journeys. Hailing from Colorado, Sean has always had a love for the outdoors. He holds degrees focusing in environmental sciences, but really learned just how important outdoor education is when he found himself teaching in a windowless classroom in Houston, Texas. This led him to fully pursue outdoor education, so that students would be able to learn about the natural world without the boundaries of the traditional classroom setting.

Beginning in 2009, Sean spent the first eight years of his time at Sierra Nevada Journeys focused on education, first as an educator in the field and then as a curriculum developer, to finally training incoming educators. Sean’s firsthand experience of Sierra Nevada Journeys’ programs gave him the perfect foundation to progress through leadership roles in the organization, eventually shifting his focus to partnerships and the overall growth of Sierra Nevada Journeys. Sean shared openly that he doubted his own abilities at first when he stepped into the role of CEO, but credits his connection to nature and the mental health benefits that come from spending time in nature as factors that helped him as he settled into the role.

Sean’s progression through Sierra Nevada Journeys is inspiring, especially for the students who participate in our programs and are igniting their love of science and the outdoors. We hope that his story will inspire today’s students to become the leaders of tomorrow, and stewards of the environment.  

Watch Sean’s full interview, and to explore more about Roadtrip Nation.

Behind-the-scenes at Oxbow Nature Area in Reno, Nevada, with Roadtrip Nation.

NOER grant helps girls in STEM get outdoors in Northern Nevada

By Sean Hill, President and CEO of Sierra Nevada Journeys

Saturday, Sept. 28, celebrates National Public Lands Day and Nevadans have also dubbed it Nevada Public Lands Day. In Northern Nevada, we want our children to have a chance at the opportunities provided by local industry to lead in STEM, outdoor, and conservation careers. Careers that pay well and protect our public lands. But we know that far too many of our girls are hitting a green glass ceiling, with only 10% of women in green jobs.  

 We at Sierra Nevada Journeys want to be a part of the solution to this crisis. 

Based in Reno, Sierra Nevada Journeys is a nonprofit organization for Nevada students focusing on innovative outdoor, science-based education programs that develop critical thinking skills and inspire natural resource stewardship.

We were one of 23 unique programs chosen in 2024 for the Nevada Outdoor Education and Recreation Grant Program (NOER), a bill passed in the 2019 legislative session. The grant helps us provide outdoor experiences for students. NOER awarded these programs over $250,000 in 2024 in nearly every county. 

We used this funding to support our “Girls in STEM" program. Specifically, this funding allowed us to provide transportation for the girls from Reno to our Outdoor Education camp for science and outdoor learning one weekend this past spring. The girls built self-confidence in STEM, and the program helped connect them to women who are leaders in STEM and green careers like engineering, education, and technology. Girls in STEM also featured youth development and collaborative problem solving on the Sierra Nevada Journeys high-hopes challenge course kayaking, outdoor exploration, and STEM activities. 

 We’ve been working closely with leadership from NOER since early in the agency’s inception. Sierra Nevada Journeys has both sought feedback and provided perspective and context around our efforts at reducing barriers to access to outdoor education for youth in Nevada. 

 We are grateful for this grant funding and the opportunity it offers our children. We know that this camp plays a role in helping more girls become leaders in STEM and in good-paying, green jobs. We also know that there needs to be continuous support for programs like NOER so these girls can return to camp as leaders and mentors to support the next generation of Nevada’s decision-makers. 

Thank you Nevada Conservation League for helping us spread the word about conservation and protecting Nevada’s natural resources.

Outstanding Employees Honored at the 2024 Employee Recognition Awards

On August 9, 2024, Sierra Nevada Journeys celebrated its ninth annual Employee Recognition Awards at its Outdoor Education Camp in Portola, CA. More than 60 people attended, including employees and their families from Sacramento, CA, and Reno, NV. The awards honor team members who exemplify our core values — equity forward; commitment to outstanding quality; accountability; respect for each other, ourselves, and our environment; and providing unforgettable experiences — while going above and beyond in their dedication to serving students and customers. The following employees are recognized for their outstanding contributions. We thank them for their dedication and hard work.  

Sierra Nevada Journeys Connects Sun Valley-area Students to Outdoor Science Education and Team Building Field Day

Hundreds of Sun Valley-area students will connect to hands-on field experiences through a program provided by outdoor education nonprofit Sierra Nevada Journeys. Thanks to a $10,000 donation from Washoe County special district funds directed by Washoe County Commissioner Mariluz Garica, students from several nearby schools will participate in science and team-building activities at Sun Valley Regional Park.

Third, fourth and fifth-grade students from Esther Bennett, Sun Valley and Virginia Palmer elementary schools will board a bus and travel to Sun Valley Regional Park for a field day with Sierra Nevada Journeys.

“Increasing access to our amazing parks and providing educational opportunities is very important to me. What a fantastic way to kick off the new school by getting kids outside and doing hands-on activities that build confidence in STEM and a stronger connection to nature and their peers. Sun Valley Regional park is an ideal location for outdoor learning as it has hundreds of acres of open space, abundant wildlife and unusual rock outcroppings,” says Mariluz Garcia, Washoe County Commission District 3. “I was first introduced to Sierra Nevada Journeys over a decade ago through my work with Dean's Future Scholars at the University of Nevada Reno, which serves low-income, first-generation college students throughout Washoe County and surrounding tribal communities. Year after year, I personally witnessed the transformational change in our students and parents after participating in the amazing programming of Sierra Nevada Journeys and I wanted to bring similar experiences to the students of Sun Valley available right in their backyard,” added Garcia.

“We’re thrilled that Commissioner Garcia had the vision to support students in the Sun Valley area with outdoor education experiences at their regional park.  Sierra Nevada Journeys is ready to serve, and we’re excited to get these kids outside and learning!” says Sean Hill, CEO with Sierra Nevada Journeys.

Students will start the day with an opening circle ceremony and then shift into some educational and team-building exercises. These activities bring together teamwork and trust-building with classmates, a great way to start the school year. 

Students will then embark on a nature hike journaling along the way. They’ll use their five senses to observe their surroundings. Students will also use the “I Notice, I Wonder, It Reminds Me Of” exploration technique which helps them develop a mindset of curiosity as they engage with the natural world.

Sierra Nevada Journeys, a 501(c)(3) organization that serves the Northern Nevada and Northern California regions, provides a range of science and leadership education opportunities for children and teens designed to meet state science standards and improve educational outcomes. Programs include classroom lessons that culminate into a field day at a nearby nature area; and a 515-acre outdoor education camp in Portola, California where youth explore ecosystems, chemistry, and biology while building critical thinking and collaboration skills.

Sierra Nevada Journeys Receives Sports Equipment Donation From The S.W.A.A.A.G. Foundation

We’re no longer feeling deflated. Thanks to The S.W.A.A.A.G. Foundation, Students With Achievable Academic or Athletic Goals, for the donation of new balls and soccer nets for camp. Kyle Burke is not only the Kitchen and Housekeeping Manager at Sierra Nevada Journeys, he also runs a nonprofit that supports student-athletes. The Foundation advocates for a more social society for better human experience by engaging students through education and athletics.

“By providing resources and support to student-athletes in Northern Nevada, we instill confidence and that little extra support that may be needed when resources may be limited,” says Burke. “We host field trips to universities and fundraising events such as backpack drives which are filled with school supplies. We recently helped 300 students start their school year off being prepared and confident.”

Bringing two mission-driven organizations together has proven to be a winning combination.

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From the Kitchen at Sierra Nevada Journeys

Check out this video to learn about the latest upgrades that Sierra Nevada Journeys has made to the meals at camp under Burke’s supervision. We’re a completely nut-free camp and work with our visitors to ensure all dietary restrictions are not only met but that the meals are also delicious.

Employees of Sierra Nevada Journeys Attend a Retreat Day to Connect and Recharge

On September 25, 2023, Sierra Nevada Journeys hosted an all-employee team retreat at the Whitney Peak Hotel in Reno, Nevada. Employees from Sacramento, Portola and Reno spent the day reviewing the 3-year strategic plan and updates were presented on several key initiatives tied to the plan. Additionally, in Sierra Nevada Journeys style, a retreat isn’t complete without some team-building activities. Take a look at the photos of teams that participated in escape games at the Puzzle Room Reno. All five teams made it out within the designated time limit. Not surprisingly, employees crushed it when it came to the warm-up activities that were led by Whitney Peak’s climbing instructors. There are so many excellent climbers at the organization that the climbing walls at the hotel were no match for the staff.

Students Learn About the Cool, Clear, Water of the Truckee River Thanks to a $30,000 Grant

A grant awarded by the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada to Sierra Nevada Journeys will allow hundreds of students in Northern Nevada to gain valuable watershed education.

RENO, Nev. (December 19, 2022) — Students throughout the Truckee Meadows will get to participate in Sierra Nevada Journeys’ water education program thanks to a $30,542 grant awarded by the Truckee River Fund at the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada.

Students will participate in “Hands in the River,” a watershed education program by Sierra Nevada Journeys. Imagine a bus packed with students, lots of chatter as they’re excited to be on a field trip. They exit the bus with their backpacks in hand and are welcomed by Sierra Nevada Journeys instructors at one of our field site areas – the Nature Conservancy’s McCarran Ranch Preserve.

As a warmup, the students participate in a few teambuilding games and activities. It gets the kids moving and their minds in the present moment. They start to relax, enjoy nature, and just be kids. Then they hike down to the Truckee River, learning about native and invasive species along the way.

At the river, students record their observations, collect data, and enter their findings into their science journals, reinforcing concepts previously taught in the classroom. They explore, assess, and collect data about the health of the Truckee River Watershed by observing the river, collecting macroinvertebrate species for study, and discussing how we can use the data to make a determination of river health.

Fields days like this help students understand important science concepts related to the Truckee River and articulate how their actions affect the Truckee River watershed and local ecosystems. With this new-found knowledge, students naturally adopt environmental stewardship practices that help reduce water pollution and other human impacts. The program also embeds opportunities to build critical thinking skills, productive discussion practices, and social emotional learning.

“At Sierra Nevada Journeys, we believe that science and nature are for everyone. We prioritize partnerships with schools that primarily serve youth who have historically been denied access to high-quality science education and outdoor learning experiences. With this funding Sierra Nevada Journeys will serve 24 classrooms, ensuring we address the science and outdoor equity gap,” said Sean Hill, CEO, Sierra Nevada Journeys.

The Truckee River Fund Advisory Committee and the boards from the Truckee Meadows Water Authority and the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada lead the grant funding. The purpose of the Truckee River Fund supports projects that protect and enhance the water quality of the Truckee River watershed – our primary drinking water source for the Truckee Meadows.

Six Employees Honored at 2022 Year-End Celebration

As the season winds down, camp is winterized and programs wrap up for the year, Sierra Nevada Journeys celebrates all the wonderful accomplishments achieved over the past year.

“While we still faced some challenges with the pandemic, our team has been exceptionally diligent in delivering and supporting programs for students. After a year of distance learning, isolation and learning loss, students needed our programs and time in the outdoors more than ever. I’m very proud of all the great work we’ve achieved and I’m honored to recognize six employees who have made a genuine difference,” said Sean Hill, CEO, Sierra Nevada Journeys.

On November 10, 2022, Sierra Nevada Journeys celebrated its seventh annual employee awards event honoring team members who exemplify our core values and went above and beyond in their commitment to serving students and customers. The following employees are recognized for their outstanding contributions. We thank you for your dedication and hard work.  

See pictures below of awardees being presented awards by their managers. 

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Victorina Arvelo, Core Educator

Pictured: Victorina Arvelo, Core Educator and Corrie Calderon, Program Director

Victorina is an outstanding educator, a friendly and supportive coworker, and an asset in promoting equity and inclusion in our programs. She has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the Spanish-speaking community by frequently translating internal documents and communications, translating and creating numerous new program materials, and teaching several programs entirely in Spanish at schools with language immersion programs. Based on teacher feedback, the experience of having Victorina teach their classes in students’ native language resulted in students being much more engaged in science curricula and empowered in their identities.

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Pictured: Kyle Burke, Kitchen Manager and Elda Perez Amaya, Kitchen Cook

Elda Perez Amaya, Kitchen Cook

Elda is recognized for her commitment to excellence and her loyalty to Sierra Nevada Journeys.

During the 2022 season, the kitchen went through big changes. Elda stepped up to take on more responsibilities and remained committed to our service of students and staff — all while implementing our mission to serve others. When times are challenging, people either quit or rise as leaders. Elda chose to rise and be a leader.

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Spencer Bocks, Outdoor Program Instructor

Spencer has the ability to create rapport with participants of seemingly any age or background. He seamlessly transitions from school groups to community groups to camp and back with ease. The quality of the experiences Spencer facilitates for students, has been top tier. He strives daily to create that for every group.

Pictured: Spencer Bocks, Outdoor Program Instructor and Andy Stephens, Program Director

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Pictured: Anna Moragne, Lead Outdoor Program Instructor and Krissy McGill, Residential Director of Education

Anna Moragne, Lead Outdoor Program Instructor

Anna stepped into the Lead Outdoor Program Instructor role late in the season and absolutely knocked it out of the park. Her gentle leadership is calm, yet palpable and she strives to think ahead in all aspects of programming to support staff and students.

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Pictured: Alyssa Wagner, Program Director and Amanda Mulholland, Afterschool Coordinator

Amanda Mulholland, Afterschool Coordinator

Amanda always goes above and beyond and embodies Sierra Nevada Journeys’ accountability core value. She always says what she will do and follows through on it. Amanda supports others around her and regularly helps out her colleagues by always volunteering to lend a hand. Amanda is an integral part of Sierra Nevada Journeys and she makes our students feel cared for and is such a wonderful team mate.

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Pictured: Kelsey Streeby, Bookkeeper and Ward Fansler, Finance Director

Kelsey Streeby, Bookkeeper

Kelsey has been Wonder Woman when it comes to supporting the grant reimbursement reporting that have included hundreds and hundreds of supporting documents downloaded and cross-referenced to the general ledger. During the staff transition in Advancement, she took on data input in the donor database, preparing thank you letters and other organization functions to help the fundraising process. Kelsey is never without a helping hand whenever there is something to be done, like taking it upon herself to make sure breakfast was available to Alyssa’s team cleaning out the basement storage in Reno one early morning. She is very skilled at working with vendors and staff to solve problems and provide and get answers. We are grateful she chose Sierra Nevada Journeys to share her talents and enthusiasm! 

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Shop and Support Sierra Nevada Journeys

Figure 1

Using AmazonSmile is a great way to support your favorite charity and is an easy way to give back while doing your everyday shopping with Amazon. You may already be familiar with AmazonSmile, but did you know in 2020, Amazon did an update to its app to add AmazonSmile to the mobile platform? If you’re a fan of online shopping through the Amazon app, then you’re going to find that linking your AmazonSmile to your mobile app will supersize your donations to Sierra Nevada Journeys.

With just a few easy steps, your holiday and year-round shopping will support our student scholarship fund. It reaches youth from schools with financial barriers and have the least access to high-quality STEM education and outdoor experiences like those offered by Sierra Nevada Journeys.

There are two steps to prior to setting up your preferred charity on your Amazon app – you’ll need an AmazonSmile desktop account and have the Amazon app.

Figure 2

First, from your desktop computer sign into AmazonSmile, using your same account that you use for Amazon.com. Next, select your favorite charity, Sierra Nevada Journeys, to start generating donations at no cost to you. There is no cost to using AmazonSmile — either from your desktop computer or through the app — and you have the same products and prices as Amazon.com.

Second, make sure you have the Amazon app via your mobile phone. You can download the Amazon app from the App Store for iOS or Google Play for Android.

You’re now ready to turn on AmazonSmile through your app in just a couple of steps:

1. Open the app, and select the collapsed menu-burger icon of the three horizontal lines, Figure 1.

2. Scroll past the boxes to the bottom of the page and tap “settings,” Figure 2.

3. Under settings, select “AmazonSmile.” On the top of this page, you will see your selected charity. Turn on the mobile app from this page. Over time, you can also see your AmazonSmile impact from this section. Figure 3 and 4.

Once you are set up, the donations automatically come to Sierra Nevada Journeys and you’re helping students access quality STEM programs. AmazonSmile donates 0.5% of all eligible purchases and it adds up so it is worthwhile to take a moment and update your app and start shopping!

Figure 3

Figure 4

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You can read more here from Amazon about linking your AmazonSmile account to mobile.