RENO, Nev. — December 14, 2018 — Memories last a lifetime and summer camp is at Grizzly Creek Ranch is the perfect setting for fun and making new friends. Register for Summer Camp 2019 and come by our office at 190 East Liberty Street, Reno, to pick up a certificate and a FREE stuffed bear or owl to put under the tree.
We have a variety of camp sessions for kids ages 8 to 17. Every camper will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of classic camp activities including swimming at our pool, kayaking on the pond, archery and plenty of arts and crafts. In the evening, campers can hang out by the campfire singing songs and spending time making new friends. Also, campers will test their skills on our challenge course and zip line!
Check out sierranevadajourneys.org/camp to learn more about summer camp sessions.
While supplies last. Registration and deposit must be made online at sierranevadajourneys.org/camp. The certificate will be ready the following business day for pick up at 190 East Liberty St., Reno, NV. Sorry, we cannot mail or deliver certificates and stuffed animals. Registrations must be made on or before Dec. 20 and certificate and stuffed animal to be picked up no later than 5 pm on Dec. 21, 2018. One certificate and one stuffed animal per registration.
Congratulations to 2018 Q.A.R.E. Award Recipients
On Nov. 4, we celebrated our fourth annual Q.A.R.E. (Quality. Accountability. Respect. Unique Experiences.) awards honoring team members that exemplify our four core values. The festivities were held at Grand Sierra Resort’s bowling center with pizza and bowling. New this year was the addition of a fifth category, volunteer award, recognizing individuals who support Sierra Nevada Journeys with their volunteerism. See all the photos from the evening on our photo site.
Pictured: Corrie Calderon and Eaton Dunkelberger
Quality. Corrie Calderon, Part-Time Educator, started her career here as a field intern, was promoted to Field Educator, and then to Part Time Educator for her outstanding work with science and education with our program participants. During her time here, she has grown in her teaching skills and is passionate for the work she does with us. Corrie comes to every meeting prepared, takes copious notes, and implements changes and suggestions into her practice in the classroom and field. Additionally, she facilitates discussions with ease, follows up with student responses with poise, understanding, and pushes them to think critically.
Pictured: Kayla Reeser and Eaton Dunkelberger
Accountability. Kayla Reeser, Core Educator, always gives 110 percent. She is flexible meeting the demands of the schedule in Sacramento’s programming. Also, she was diligent about going above and beyond the day-to-day role of her job by hosting visiting ROSIs at her house; often stayed late to help with programing and scheduling; lead multiple staff trainings and mentored new staff. Kay helped make this season a success.
Pictured (missing) Mario Andres Hernandez and Eaton Dunkelberger
Respect. Mario Andres Hernandez, Grizzly Creek Ranch Cook, is one of our most stellar employees. He is dedicated to our mission he makes each and every shift for which he is scheduled. Mario brings a strong sense of purpose with him and is rock-solid in performance. His unwavering work ethic brings consistency and high-quality meals for our guests. Also, Mario creates a positive work environment, is collaborative and substantially contributes to the team efficiency and effectiveness. Most importantly, he is a terrific cook!
Pictured Chauncy Foster and Eaton Dunkelberger
Unique Experiences. Chauncey Foster, Residential Outdoor Science, gives every student that visited Grizzly Creek Ranch, a unique and memorable experience. He regularly sings songs to lighten the spirits of the kids, has random bursts of high energy and connects with each student. The kids leave having gained something more for their experiences with Chauncey than when they arrived at camp. He has excelled with a constant growth mindset and a level of positivity that consistently lifts his colleagues. We appreciate Chauncey for his great energy that he brings to work every day.
Picture Marlys Pryor and Eaton Dunkelberger
Volunteer. Marlys Pryor is the epitome of a dedicated, invested and caring community volunteer. Marlys is highly trusted in any role at our Family Science Nights — even lead educator. She is reliable and is a great STEM advocate in her varied roles as a volunteer in our community. Additionally, she regularly brings community organizations for partnership with Sierra Nevada Journeys. We are lucky to have Marlys on our team.
And if you’re wondering what attributes comprise our core values, here’s what we strive to achieve each and every day:
We are committed to outstanding quality (Q)
We strive to improve through rigorous evaluations of our actions
We flexibly embrace change that makes our programs and operations better
We celebrate actions that demonstrate our commitment to excellence
We are accountable (A)
We do what we say we'll do for each other and for our stakeholders
At all levels of our team, we set, commit to, and reach specific goals
We respect each other and ourselves (R)
We foster a respectful work environment by using supportive actions and words to positively impact our teammates and ensuring our co-workers do the same
We work to understand the goals and challenges of our team, participants, and donors, and integrate these considerations into our actions
We believe that a diverse set of backgrounds and skills adds value to our organization
We provide unforgettable experiences (E)
We keep participants' safety, education and experience at the forefront of our actions
We recognize the uniqueness of our experience for our participants, and show up each day ready to deliver
Bowen Cardoza and Regina Stanback Stroud join Sierra Nevada Journeys’ Board of Trustees
RENO, Nev. — October 19, 2018 — Sierra Nevada Journeys announces the appointment of two new board members of its Board of Trustees, Bowen Cardoza and Regina Stanback Stroud, RN, Ed.D.
Cardoza of Modesto, California is president of the family-owned Cardoza Corporation and vice president at CoSol Commercial Real Estate where he’s involved in the sales and leasing of industrial and office properties throughout the western United States. He founded and served as chairman of Stanislaus County’s Capital Club, currently the president of Miracle League of Stanislaus County and past chair of Sierra Vista Child & Family Services in Modesto. He has served on a variety of boards including Howard Training Center, Opportunity Stanislaus, and Memorial Hospital Foundation.
“Community involvement has always been a part of my life. I feel it’s terribly important to be active in our community whether is philanthropically or being hands on for a specific cause like Sierra Nevada Journeys. I hope to demonstrate the importance of community involvement to my kids, just like my parents did for me,” said Cardoza.
Dr. Stroud is president of Skyline College in San Bruno, California and has been an educator in California community colleges for more than 25 years. Under her leadership Skyline College became a National STEMconnector, a consortium of private and public entities committed to increasing the number of STEM-ready works in the global talent pool. Additionally, she serves on the STEM Higher Education Council of STEMconnector as part of the Diversity Committee.
Dr. Stroud began as a professor of nursing at then named, Rancho Santiago College of Santa Ana. She went on to become the dean of workforce and economic development at Mission College in Santa Clara and the vice president of instruction at Skyline College. Stroud is highly regarded at local and national levels for her knowledge and perspective on student equity and diversity; education and industry collaboratives; community workforce and economic development; and regional and state system policy implications for successful programs and services.
“I look forwarding to bringing my experience on diversity, equity and inclusion to Sierra Nevada Journeys, as they continue to refine their programs to resonate with the highest need youth that they serve,” said Dr. Stroud.
“Cardoza’s experience in real estate and operating a deep-rooted history of his family company, will be immensely valuable as we kick off our capital campaign to purchase Grizzly Creek Ranch in Portola, California — located north of Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada mountains,” said Eaton Dunkelberger, CEO of Sierra Nevada Journeys.
“Additionally, Stroud’s expertise in building partnership among education and industry will help us create innovation in our programs and strengthen our ability to mint new STEM workers at an early age said Dunkelberger. “We look forward to the addition of our exciting board leadership as we continue to grow our programs and their impact on building the next generation of leaders, scientists and stewards across northern California and Nevada.”
For additional information about Sierra Nevada Journeys, call 775-355-1688 or visit sierranevadajourneys.org. Here’s a complete list of current 2018/19 board members.
PPG Industries Foundation Donates $10,000 to Sierra Nevada Journeys
RENO, Nev. – December 30, 2017 — Sierra Nevada Journeys announces the $10,000 grant awarded by PPG Industries Foundation. The grant supports our Classrooms Unleashed program for northern Nevada students for the 2017-18 school year.
“We are thrilled that the PPG Industries Foundation continues to partner with Sierra Nevada Journeys to help deliver outdoor science education to elementary children,” said Karen Senger, Sierra Nevada Journeys development director. “PPG Industries is an outstanding partner committed to youth education.”
Students will receive three hands-on classroom-based lessons and one field-study experience to help increase their understanding of science standards and their interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) subjects.
Classrooms Unleashed is aligned to state and national standards and uses experiential outdoor education as a framework for children to study, think and learn.
Nevada currently ranks 44th in the nation on the Science and Engineering Readiness Index. With support from partners like PPG Industries Foundation, Sierra Nevada Journeys aims to improve these low scores and works diligently to ensure that all students regardless of their economic background have access to their high quality science education programming delivered by licensed teachers.
For additional information on how to support Sierra Nevada Journeys, visit www.sierranevadajourneys.org.
About Sierra Nevada Journeys
Sierra Nevada Journeys is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that delivers innovative outdoor, science-based education programs for youth to develop critical thinking skills and to inspire natural resource stewardship. Through multiple points of contact, our classroom-based programs, overnight science camps, professional development for teachers, and parent engagement opportunities surround students with resources they need to succeed. All programs are designed to foster higher cognition and build long-term student achievement.
Truckee Meadows Water Authority Donates $11,000 to Sierra Nevada Journeys
RENO, Nev. – December 29, 2017 — Sierra Nevada Journeys announces the $11,000 grant awarded by Truckee Meadows Water Authority. The grant will help provide funding for northern Nevada third through fifth grade students with the Watershed Education Initiative (WEI) for the 2017-18 school year. WEI helps promote the health and protection of our local watershed and to increase conservation efforts.
“We’re so grateful for the continued support of Truckee Meadows Water Authority,” said Karen Senger, Sierra Nevada Journeys development director. “Truckee Meadows Water Authority and Sierra Nevada Journeys are both committed to educating elementary children about the importance of our watersheds and how to preserve and protect them.”
Students will participate in our Classrooms Unleashed program and receive three hands-on classroom-based lessons and one field-study experience to help increase their understanding of science standards and their interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) subjects.
Classrooms Unleashed is aligned to state and national standards and uses experiential outdoor education as a framework for children to study, think and learn.
Nevada currently ranks 44th in the nation on the Science and Engineering Readiness Index. With support from partners like Truckee Meadows Water Authority, Sierra Nevada Journeys aims to improve these low scores and works diligently to ensure that all students regardless of their economic background have access to their high quality science education programming delivered by licensed teachers.
For additional information on how to support Sierra Nevada Journeys, visit www.sierranevadajourneys.org.
About Sierra Nevada Journeys
Sierra Nevada Journeys is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that delivers innovative outdoor, science-based education programs for youth to develop critical thinking skills and to inspire natural resource stewardship. Through multiple points of contact, our classroom-based programs, overnight science camps, professional development for teachers, and parent engagement opportunities surround students with resources they need to succeed. All programs are designed to foster higher cognition and build long-term student achievement.
NV Energy Foundation Donates $10,000 to Sierra Nevada Journeys
RENO, Nev. – December 28, 2017 — Sierra Nevada Journeys announces the $10,000 grant awarded by the NV Energy Foundation. The grant supports our Classrooms Unleashed program for northern Nevada students for the 2017-18 school year.
“We are so grateful to the NV Energy Foundation for its continued support of outdoor science education for elementary children,” said Karen Senger, Sierra Nevada Journeys development director. “NV Energy is an important partner in the work we do to get children excited about and engaged with science.”
Students will receive three hands-on classroom-based lessons and one field-study experience to help increase their understanding of science standards and their interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) subjects.
Classrooms Unleashed is aligned to state and national standards and uses experiential outdoor education as a framework for children to study, think and learn.
Nevada currently ranks 44th in the nation on the Science and Engineering Readiness Index. With support from partners like NV Energy, Sierra Nevada Journeys aims to improve these low scores and works diligently to ensure that all students regardless of their economic background have access to their high quality science education programming delivered by licensed teachers.
For additional information on how to support Sierra Nevada Journeys, visit www.sierranevadajourneys.org.
About Sierra Nevada Journeys
Sierra Nevada Journeys is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that delivers innovative outdoor, science-based education programs for youth to develop critical thinking skills and to inspire natural resource stewardship. Through multiple points of contact, our classroom-based programs, overnight science camps, professional development for teachers, and parent engagement opportunities surround students with resources they need to succeed. All programs are designed to foster higher cognition and build long-term student achievement.
2017 Golden Pinecone Sustainability Awards
On Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2017, Sierra Nevada Journeys was awarded Educational Program of the Year during this year's Golden Pinecone Sustainability Awards hosted by GREENevada. Vice President of Philanthropy and Community Impact for United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra, Lulleen Lamar, presented the award to our Education Director, Sean Hill. Sean may or may not have done a happy dance on stage when given the award for the success of our Classrooms Unleashed program.
Below was our nomination:
Sierra Nevada Journeys is celebrating their 10-year anniversary and 100,00th student served in 2017, over half of which are from low-income families. To put this into perspective, Sierra Nevada Journeys now serves 20 percent of the total elementary students across five counties in northwestern Nevada every year.
Classrooms Unleashed, one of Sierra Nevada Journey's school-based programs, is an outdoor science education program with three in-class lessons and one field study at a local nature area. It uses hands-on, experiential, and outdoor education as a framework for young people to study, think, and learn. Classrooms Unleashed is aligned to state and national standards and the Northern American Association for Environmental Education Guidelines for Excellence. External evaluation by the University of Nevada's Center for Program Evaluation showed that in 2016, five percent more students at schools that participate in Sierra Nevada Journeys' programming score at the proficient level on the State Science assessment than students at comparison schools. During the same year, the Classrooms Unleashed program was delivered to 6,800 students in Northern Nevada.
Thank you to all who have helped grow our Classrooms Unleashed program - staff, volunteers, community and financial partners, and our trustees. Congratulations to all the other outstanding individuals and organizations that were nominated!
Enjoy a few photos from the night!
2017 QARE Award Recipients
On Nov. 3, we celebrated yet another year of success educating youth in Northern Nevada and California by testing our bowling skills at Grand Sierra Resort.
When we celebrate our successes, we remind ourselves each year about our core values which we call "QARE."
We are committed to outstanding quality (Q)
We strive to improve through rigorous evaluations of our actions
We flexibly embrace change that makes our programs and operations better
We celebrate actions that demonstrate our commitment to excellence
We are accountable (A)
We do what we say we'll do for each other and for our stakeholders
At all levels of our team, we set, commit to, and reach specific goals
We respect each other and ourselves (R)
We foster a respectful work environment by using supportive actions and words to positively impact our teammates and ensuring our co-workers do the same
We work to understand the goals and challenges of our team, participants, and donors, and integrate these considerations into our actions
We believe that a diverse set of backgrounds and skills adds value to our organization
We provide unforgettable experiences (E)
We keep participants' safety, education and experience at the forefront of our actions
We recognize the uniqueness of our experience for our participants, and show up each day ready to deliver
We are excited to announce the four individuals who we thought best represented each value in 2017.
Pictured: Maribel Aguirre and Eaton Dunkelberger
Q - Maribel Aguirre is a Grizzly Creek Ranch Campus Housekeeping Assistant and is our Employee of the Year representing the core value of quality. The ledger of Maribel’s daily work is a model of dedication to mission and commitment to excellence. There is not a single camper or guest evaluation that does not highlight the neat, clean and orderly image of the campus. Further, our American Camp Association visit this season documented the exceptional sanitary standards Grizzly Creek Ranch maintains. Of particular note, Maribel assumed leadership of all housekeeping functions during part of the season and oversaw Grizzly Creek Ranch service. Congratulations, Maribel!
Pictured: Brian Broumas and Eaton Dunkelberger
A - Accountable fits this person to a tee. As soon as he started working with Sierra Nevada Journeys this year, he was fired up with enthusiasm and drive. He dove into learning about the organization and crafted our Sacramento growth story. He was on the phone within just a couple of weeks connecting with potential supporters. He knew if he could just share the Sacramento impact with people who had an interest in outdoor science education, they would be impressed. He was right. His persistence and follow-through have led to new funding opportunities for our science programs. Congratulations on all your hard work, Brian Broumas!
Pictured: Sheena Wong and Eaton Dunkelberger
R - Sheena Wong is a Grizzly Creek Ranch Campus Residential Outdoor Science Instructor and is our Sierra Nevada Journeys Employee of the Year representing the core value of respect. Sheena is one of our frequently cited instructors for her mastery of our outdoor school curriculum and her unique teaching style. Sheena is also a thoughtful contributor to not only programs but also campus operations. She has offered and implemented campus improvements regarding emergency response and protecting and conserving natural resources and education. Sheena also has volunteered to advise and represent Sierra Nevada Journeys in a diversity initiative. Congratulations, Sheena!
E - Natalie Pritchard brings 110 percent to everything she does. She is so passionate about the work we do and is always working to ensure that our programs are the best they can be. When developing training experiences for new leaders or revising lessons, she’s thoughtful and thinks critically about the experience of the participants and prioritizes their satisfaction and optimal learning. She’s an outstanding leader and a tremendous asset to the Sacramento team. Congratulations, Natalie!
Thank you to our entire team for a tremendous year! We're looking forward to what 2018 has in store for us!
Sierra Nevada Journeys Selected as 2018 Semifinalist for SVP Sacramento Fast Pitch
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Brian Broumas
brian@sierranevadajourneys.org | 916-601-0992
SVP Fast Pitch gives nonprofits $220,000 of in-kind support and chance to pitch at Golden 1 Center
SACRAMENTO, CA — Nov. 30, 2017 — Social Venture Partners of Sacramento (SVP), a network of engaged philanthropists focused on improving Sacramento-area education, announced today that Sierra Nevada Journeys has been selected as a semi-finalist for SVP Sacramento Fast Pitch, to be hosted at Golden 1 Center.
“The value of Fast Pitch can be measured quantitatively - 66 total nonprofits supported with over $600,000 in follow-on funding since 2015 - but the real value of the program is in the magic of each nonprofit cohort. Since 2015, 98 percent of participants have rated SVP Fast Pitch as a valuable experience that allowed them to make nonprofit and corporate connections they otherwise would not have connected with. We’re so excited for 2018!” - Bree Cahill, Executive Director of SVP Sacramento
SVP will provide Sierra Nevada Journeys with more than $11,000 of in-kind consulting and support from industry leaders and professionals. In-kind services include peer-to-peer coaching, professional video content, educational services and donor relations support along with a chance to pitch at Golden 1 Center in March 2018.
“We are thrilled to be a semi-finalist for SVP Sacramento Fast Pitch,” said Eaton Dunkelberger, CEO of Sierra Nevada Journeys. “Our STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) program growth in Sacramento elementary schools has been rapid and we are excited for the opportunity to improve on telling our story to the community.”
Sierra Nevada Journeys joins a semi-finalist pool of 20 nonprofits and a growing alumni list of 46 nonprofits throughout the Sacramento Region. The Fast Pitch program has led to over $600,000 in follow-on funding, numerous additional pitch opportunities for past participants, and several large one-time gifts ($50K+) for past participants.
The process spans four months, from Dec. 2017 through March 2018, as 20 nonprofit participants and 40 coaches work together through group and 2:1 coaching sessions to hone each 3-minute pitch. Nonprofits also take part in a series of workshops leading up to the final event. On March 8, 2018, 10 nonprofit finalists will take the stage at Golden 1 Center and pitch their stories of impact.
B Street Theater received a pledge of a new van and trailer from a donor the night of the Fast Pitch Event, allowing them to reach 30,000 additional children each year through their theatre program.
SAGE Global expanded their program to five new schools in Sacramento and added a new board member thanks to relationships formed through Fast Pitch.
Food Literacy Center used a version of their pitch in a video grant submission, earning them $20,000.
Fresher Sacramento received a $50,000 donation at SVP Fast Pitch, allowing them to bring on a new full-time staff member.
ABOUT FAST PITCH:
SVP Fast Pitch helps nonprofits craft their story. Forty business professionals are matched with 20 nonprofit leaders to build strategies, create scripts and develop a presentation. The pinnacle of Fast Pitch happens on March 8, 2018 at Golden 1 Center when 10 finalists will compete to win $30,000+ in prize money and awards. The 20 semifinalists each receive access to three workshops, a 30-second commercial quality ad, a 1-minute professionally produced pitch video, 2:1 mentoring and group pitch sessions, totaling more than $11,000 in value. Since 2015, SVP Fast Pitch has led to an additional $600K in follow-on funding for participants.
ABOUT SIERRA NEVADA JOURNEYS:
Sierra Nevada Journeys is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers innovative outdoor, science-based education programs for youth to develop critical thinking skills and to inspire natural resource stewardship. Through multiple points of contact, our classroom-based programs, overnight science camps, professional development for teachers, and parent engagement opportunities surround students with resources they need to succeed. All programs are designed to foster higher cognition and build long-term student achievement.
INFORMATION ON SVP SACRAMENTO:
SVP Sacramento unites local business leaders and philanthropists with educationally focused nonprofits, combining financial and capacity-building support with a passion for education. Since 2008, SVP Sacramento has invested over $1.3 million into educationally focused nonprofits in the greater Sacramento area. Investees include Reading Partners, Teach for America, City Year, Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA), Powerhouse Science Center, College Track and 916 Ink.
Giving Tuesday: Engage Students and Families in STEM Education
This Giving Tuesday on Nov. 28, please support Sierra Nevada Journeys as we seek financial support for our Family Science Night program that we deliver to families in Northern Nevada and the Sacramento region.
Through STEM activities, Sierra Nevada Journeys is able to turn just-another-evening into a fun and educational experience for the whole family.
We are proud to announce that Microsoft Reno is committed to providing quality STEM experiences to the community and has donated $3,000 to kick-off our campaign. Please join us and Microsoft this Giving Tuesday to help raise an additional $5,000.
If you have a Facebook account, please donate here. When you donate through Facebook on Nov. 28 starting at 8 a.m. PST, your donation may be matched up to $1,000 by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation!
If you're not active on Facebook, you can donate securely online here.
If you are interested in volunteering during our Family Science Nights, learn more and register with our volunteer coordinators.