100 Young Women to Attend Girls in STEM Camp at Grizzly Creek Ranch

RENO, Nev. — November 6, 2018 — Over the weekend of Nov. 9, we’ll be hosting 100 girls, ages 10-to-14-years-old, to take their love of STEM to the next level. This innovative partnership brings industry and nonprofits together creating a jam-packed weekend at Grizzly Creek Ranch.

Using Girl Scouts of the Sierra Nevada and Sierra Nevada Journeys’ STEM programming, and Women in Tesla volunteers, this weekend camp is sure to inspire and ignite. More than 30 volunteers will support Sierra Nevada Journeys’ educators in STEM activities ranging from building geodomes to testing their skills on our challenge course.  

Additionally, thanks to the donation of a 100 robot kits by REC Foundation, Friday evening’s activities will kick off with each camper building a working robot. As part of REC’s VEX IQ Curriculum, the young women will follow assembly instructions, build, document their process, and then test the finished robots.

Moreover, the Girls in STEM Camp is paid for by a grant awarded by Tesla to Sierra Nevada Journeys, as part of their initial Nevada K-12 Education Investment Fund and there was no cost for the 100 students to attend camp other than a $25 registration processing fee. The investment by Tesla focuses on Nevada K-12 STEM and sustainability education as part of the Nevada DoE Education Gift Fund.

“We were thrilled that Tesla selected Sierra Nevada Journeys to help deliver outdoor science education to children — especially for low-income and under-served students,” said Eaton Dunkelberger, Sierra Nevada Journeys CEO. “With this investment, we hope that experiences such as the Girls in STEM Camp, could change the life trajectories of these young women and inspire future careers in the STEM field.”

Links to photos from 2018 Girls in STEM camp:

Photos shared by Girl Scouts of Northern Nevada

Sierra Nevada Journeys photo site

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:

1. We are committed to outstanding quality (Q)

   1. We strive to improve through rigorous evaluations of our actions

   2. We flexibly embrace change that makes our programs and operations better

   3. We celebrate actions that demonstrate our commitment to excellence

2. We are accountable (A)

   1. We do what we say we'll do for each other and for our stakeholders

   2. At all levels of our team, we set, commit to, and reach specific goals

3. We respect each other and ourselves (R)

   1. 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

   2. We work to understand the goals and challenges of our team, participants, and donors, and integrate these considerations into our actions

   3. We believe that a diverse set of backgrounds and skills adds value to our organization

4. We provide unforgettable experiences (E)

   1. We keep participants' safety, education and experience at the forefront of our actions

   2. 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.   

Astronaut Susan J. Helms Visits Out of This World Summer Camp

RENO, Nev. — August 8, 2018 — Campers at Sierra Nevada Journeys’ space-themed summer camp, Out of This World, had a very special otherworldly guest visit them at Grizzly Creek Ranch in Portola, Calif. Astronaut Susan J. Helms, Lieutenant General, USAF, was the first woman to go where no woman had gone before – to live aboard the International Space Station and spent the morning with campers sharing her experiences in space.

In 1976, Helms broke barriers as part of the first Air Force Academy class to admit women. “Back in the 70’s the military was one of the places women could get equal pay for equal work,” said Helms. Her military career in aeronautics led to being selected for the astronaut program. During her career, Helms made five trips to space, including spending six months on the Space Station. Now, Helms spends her time encouraging young men and women to explore the science and technology fields.

“If you don’t feel like you have barriers, then what you can accomplish becomes ever so much more expansive,” said Helms. Her stories and can-do spirit that broke space barriers may have inspired some future astronauts and scientists.

About Helms’ Career

• Helms has logged 5,064 hours in space and holds the world record for the longest spacewalk.

• Her first mission was in January 1993, aboard STS-54 space shuttle Endeavour. The primary objective of this mission was to deploy a $200 million Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-F).

• Her second mission was aboard STS-64 in September 1994 as a flight engineer and the primary Remote Manipulator System (RMS) operator.

• From June 20 to July 7, 1996, aboard STS-78, Helms was the payload commander and flight engineer on the longest space shuttle mission to date. The mission included studies sponsored by 10 nations and five space agencies.

• Helms flew again aboard STS-101 in May 2000 and performed critical repairs to extend the life of the Functional Cargo Block (FGB) on the International Space Station.

• From March to August 2001, Helms became the first woman to live and serve aboard the International Space Station as a member of the Expedition-2 crew. Helms installed the Quest Joint Airlock to the Unity module using the newly installed Canadarm2. The crew welcomed a visiting Soyuz crew that included the first space tourist. Helms also performed a world record 8-hour, 56-minute spacewalk to install hardware to the external body of the laboratory module.

• After a 12-year career with NASA that included 211 days in space, Helms returned to the U.S. Air Force until retiring as a three-star general in 2014.

• In 2011, Helms was inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame.

Summer Camp Testimonials from Parents

“This has been such an amazing experience where my son has met new friends, learned a lot about science and nature, and has just had incredible amounts of fun. His very first year we had him go with his older brother which I thought would help since he didn’t know anyone but that was not needed he had a blast regardless. Each year he goes whether or not he has friends from home going as everyone is so wonderful. He is signed up for two weeks this summer and cannot wait!”

— Parent, Michelle Sanchez-Bickley

“He waited anxiously to be old enough for SNJ, and it has absolutely exceeded our expectations! Last year he attended two sessions. This year he’d like to stay ALL summer. Now his goal is to be old enough to be a counselor!”

— Parent, Carolyn Raydon

“My daughter will be returning for her 2nd year. Last year she wanted to try a horse camp in the wine country. What a disappointment. The cost was twice as much, and it didn’t compare to SNJ on any level; cleanliness, organization, communication with families, or fun! Why would we go anywhere else!?”

— Parent, Anonymous

“My child loved SNJ. He is a reserved kid and went to camp for the first time last year with a friend. But after camp, he said he wanted to go every year and it didn’t matter if a friend went with him. He was very comfortable and eager to sign up this year. It’s important to me that he felt welcomed and included as he’s not a self-promoting kind of guy; so this camp clearly has some good counselors!”

— Parent, Nanda

Sierra Nevada Journeys Hosts Fourth Annual NGSS Bootcamp for Educators

RENO, Nev. – May 16, 2018 — Sierra Nevada Journeys hosted more than 100 teachers from northern Nevada and northeastern California for the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) training. The three-day program held at our Grizzly Creek Ranch Campus in Portola, California, shared how to incorporate NGSS standards into their classrooms through outdoor-based education.

Sierra Nevada Journeys Education Director, Sean Hill, said, “It has been our best year ever with 110 attendees including teachers, specialists, administrators and pre-service teachers that represented 11 districts across two states.”

NGSS has three distinct dimensions to learning science — crosscutting concepts, science and engineering practices and disciplinary core ideas. “Many science educators are familiar with this framework but what is not commonly known are the shifts in teaching philosophy, instruction and assessment that teachers need to know in order to effectively teach students using the current research,” said Hill.

NGSS Bootcamp brings industry thought leaders together to share ideas and best practices for STEM-based programming that focuses on the outdoors. This year’s program wouldn’t be possible without supporters such as Project Learning Tree which presented all teachers with several free lessons through PLT’s new online curriculum, or “e-units”. Additional partners included: Catamount Fund, Ltd., Intel’s Folsom campus, Nevada Division of Forestry, Nevada’s Northwestern Professional Development Program for Education, Sustainable Forestry Initiative, Washoe County School District, North American Association for Environmental Education EE360 program and Desert Research Institute’s Science Alive program. Collaborations between private, public and nonprofit companies like these fuel Sierra Nevada Journeys’ mission to deliver innovative outdoor, science-based education for youth as well as educators through continuing education.

For additional information on how to support Sierra Nevada Journeys, visit 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.

Sierra Nevada Journeys' Grizzly Creek Ranch Campus is ACA Accredited

“Sierra Nevada Journeys’ Grizzly Creek Ranch has been ACA accredited since 2011.”

For more than 50 years, the American Camp Association (ACA) has been offering many services to camps; one of which is an accreditation program. “The main purpose of the ACA-accreditation program is to educate camp owners and directors in the administration of key aspects of camp operation, particularly those related to program quality and the health and safety of campers and staff. The standards establish guidelines for needed policies, procedures, and practices. The camp, then, is responsible for the ongoing implementation of these policies.” (American Camp Association, n.d.)

The standards address all aspects of the camp operation and are organized into six categories:

1. Site – Food service, maintenance

2. Transportation – Drivers, vehicle safety

3. Health and Wellness – Medication distribution, staff qualifications

4. Operational Management – Safety regulations, emergency communication systems

5. Human Resources - Staff training, supervision ratios

6. Program Activities – Aquatics, trips, horseback riding

This is just a sample of the specifics covered in each category.

How does a camp become accredited? First, the camp submits an initial application. The director(s) then attend (or take the online version) a standards course. They review and evaluate each area of camp according to the standards using the ACA’s Accreditation Process Guide. The directors prepare documents and written materials required by the standards. ACA trained visitors then visit the camp for a day during the camp season. They observe camp and work with the directors to determine compliance with the standards. To maintain accreditation, the camp must demonstrate ongoing compliance by submitting an annual narrative report (Annual Accreditation Report) and hosting ACA visitors at least once every five years.

There are many benefits to being accredited. All accredited camps are listed on the ACA Camp Database, which is a valuable resource for the public to use in selecting a camp that meets industry and government standards and regulations. There are endless resources available for camp staff. The ACA offers the monthly magazine, “Camping Magazine”, national and local conferences, round-the-clock support during the summer season via the Crisis Hotline, and research on camp practices conducted with experts in the field (American Academy of Pediatrics and American Red Cross).  It is a great way to connect with others in the industry regarding new training and program ideas or new challenges camps face. The website offers specifics on state-by-state regulations and lists local authorities who can help ensure legislative compliance. “The American Camp Association (ACA) accreditation process has grown to keep pace with changes in the camp industry, expectations of the public, and the challenges of operating a business in today’s highly regulated society” (American Camp Association, n.d.)

Sierra Nevada Journeys' Grizzly Creek Ranch has been accredited since 2011. Our Campus Executive Director, Program Director and Director of Operations diligently maintain this accreditation and use the standards as a means to establish best practices for all our programs.

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References

American Camp Association.  (n.d.)  American Camp Association accreditation…tell me more.  Retrieved from http://www.acacamps.org/sites/default/files/page_documents/membership/Accreditation-Tell-Me-More.pdf

American Camp Association (n.d)  Accreditation. Retrieved from http://www.acacamps.org/staff-professionals/accreditation-standards/accreditation

How Children Develop Independence at Summer Camp

Camp is a place where kids can develop who they are and grow more independent. They can manage choices and decisions in a safe, nurturing environment and develop new interests. “Camp is the perfect place for kids to practice making decisions for themselves without parents and teachers guiding every move,” (Rockbrook Camp for Girls, n.d.). They can explore their own identities and develop a deeper sense of self.

Let’s explore some of the ways campers develop independence at SNJ:

Getting along with a new group of peers.
Because SNJ places tremendous focus on building community, campers learn to support others who are trying new things. Also, the pressures of who they are at school or home tend to fall away and they can really discover who they are. The quest for self-discovery in a strong community leads campers to have a peeked interest in their peers, which creates deep, lasting friendships. Many of our campers exchange email addresses or become friends on Facebook so they can stay connected during the school year. They leave camp with a peer support system that stays strong all year long!
  
Camp is a place to take manageable risks.
Parents want their children to develop a “can do” attitude. That can only be done if they are faced with challenges they can complete. SNJ has plenty of age and skill-level appropriate challenges for our campers to conquer every day. For some of our campers, they feel comfortable stepping out of their comfort zone because of the peer and counselor support they receive at SNJ. For some, being in a new setting (our remote 1,500 acres of yellow pine forest) helps them feel relaxed and readies them to try new things. We also seize every opportunity to celebrate successes, big and small!

They are responsible for their own needs.
At camp, campers do things for themselves. When it’s time to go swimming, they gather their bathing suit, towel, sunscreen and goggles. When swimming is over, they take those things back to the cabins. When they feel responsibilities are delegated to them regarding things like hygiene, getting ready and eating meals, they rise to meet them. Of course, the staff are always there if they need help, and asking for help also builds independence.  
   
Camp helps kids find balance in their lives.
At SNJ, campers have a jam packed schedule, from heading off to morning activities, signing up for camper’s choice activity blocks, practicing their skit for the last night campfire, to gearing up for a game of capture the flag. They know their schedule and responsibilities and this helps them feel in control. Because we build a strong community, campers also learn to balance the different personalities and backgrounds of their fellow campers in a respectful manner. These skills will help them be independent in their young adult lives.

It can certainly be difficult for parents to send their child away to camp, but there are so many opportunities for growth during their time away, like developing independence. Upon returning home, parents will notice changes in their campers that make it worth what can be some challenging days apart. Through every step of their camp experience, our campers are guided by highly trained and qualified staff. These individuals are not quite seen as teachers, but not quite seen as peers. They strike an important balance in between that allows them to support our campers while fostering their independence.

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References

Borelli, L.  (2013).  How summer camp helps develop your child’s mental health and resilience.  Retrieved from http://www.medicaldaily.com/how-summer-camp-helps-develop-your-childs-mental-health-and-resilience-246970

NYMetro Parents.  (2013)  How camp helps kids gain confidence and independence.  Retrieved from http://www.nymetroparents.com/article/how-summer-camp-helps-kids-grow-in-confidence-and-independence

Rockbrook Camp for Girls.  (n.d.).  Why camp is great for children.  http://www.rockbrookcamp.com/parents/children-camp-great/

How Do Children Benefit From a Summer Camp Experience?

How do children benefit from a summer camp experience? If you ask campers or their parents/guardians, you would surely get an array of answers. But they would all fall under one of two categories – developing activity skills or life skills. How they really benefit in one (or both) of these ways comes down to one thing: the STAFF. These individuals instruct archery, have toothbrush parties, sing songs, make sure the pickiest eater is full after breakfast, supervise cabin clean up, care for bumps and bruises, and search for a backpack left in the woods on a hike. And the role goes on and on! How does the staff wear so many “hats” that help campers attain the many benefits of camp? It’s pretty simple – effective training AND the internal motivation that is found within people who have a true passion for providing youth with a transformative experience!

Staff training is as diverse as the many hats they wear. They are trained on “hard skills” such as archery, lifeguarding, ropes course facilitation, age group characteristics and risk management. They are trained on “soft skills” such as debriefing, positive behavior reinforcement, homesickness and sense of place.  We place a high value community building and train on this as well. One way we do this is by modeling it throughout our staff training. We create goals for the summer, do daily debriefs, share our successes and fears as we try new activities, find our commonalities and celebrate our differences, and have fun and create memories together. All of these staff skills contribute to the camper experience. Let’s take a look at a few!

Archery is often something new to many campers (and something our returners want to improve on each summer). Our staff is trained in the “hard skills” – safety, equipment use and storage, history of the sport and proper technique. They can help a first-time archer understand the basics or offer advice to an experienced archer on how to sharpen their aim. Enter the “softer skills”.  The activity is set up to be non-competitive to remove some of the pressures campers might face with things like school academics and sports. Campers are encouraged to set personal goals, but there are no stressful contests. This set-up is intentional to help build confidence. Staff is also very intentional about celebrating successes. “Success” takes on many meanings at camp – it could mean hitting the bull eyes, or hitting the target, or trying archery even though the camper was nervous about it, or learning about the history of the sport. Whatever it is, we are purposeful about having campers vocalize and appreciate these successes, which build confidence. If a camper doesn’t meet their goal initially, camp is a safe space to learn about perseverance and process the emotions that sometimes come with facing a setback. Establishing community early on creates a supportive environment for campers during challenging times and one where their peers can offer support and share any similar experiences they have had.

Camp is definitely a place for campers to build social skills, especially in their cabin group. There will be some “hard skills” involved with the cabin group – daily cabin clean-up jobs and times where the cabin group is responsible for set-up or clean-up in the dining hall. They will have to exercise their “soft skills” such as cooperation and working together to complete such tasks. There could also be disagreements that arise. This is common when any group spends a lot of time together and conflict is an important part of even the most successful communities. The key aspect is teaching campers how to respectfully address disagreements, such as deciding what to do for the final night skit performance. Staff will use and model the skills they learned in training to help the campers resolve disagreements in an appropriate manner and learn ways to be respectful of other campers whose opinions may differ from their own. Doing activities such as icebreakers, a community contract, teambuilding activities, and nightly debriefs builds a strong community that helps campers successfully build social skills and develop an understanding of one another.  

These are just a few ways staff training skills are utilized during the summer. As a camper, my favorite memories weren’t of what we did, but of who I was with. My counselors helped me feel confident, face challenges, and connect with my peers in a way I didn’t experience in day-to-day life. Camp and its activities will certainly continue to change over time, but at the core of every successful camp will be the people who genuinely feel fortunate to wake up and do their job every day. That will remain unchanged.

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References

Rockbrook Camp for Girls.  (n.d.).  Why camp is great for children.  http://www.rockbrookcamp.com/parents/children-camp-great/

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.