Community Impact Report
2023 (Published Summer 2024)
Thanks to expanding day camps and summer programs in both Reno and Sacramento, we saw a 22 percent surge in student participation. Our Classrooms Unleashed and Overnight Outdoor Learning programs also saw an increase in registration. We’ve seen notable growth in Family STEM participants in California. And the best news? Our Summer Camp was back to full capacity after a couple of years of reduced attendance due to pandemic safety measures. It’s been an absolutely thrilling journey of community impact.
We’ve been working hard at making improvements for the amazing team here at Sierra Nevada Journeys, with close alignment to our Strategic Plan Pillar 2: Talent and Team. With the introduction of the ADP human resources management software, HR and workflow systems have become a breeze. Think streamlined onboarding, easy time tracking, fuss-free payroll, efficient employee surveys, and better data management. It’s a one-stop shop for all things employee-related, including communications. But that’s not all. We’ve also introduced our Online Career Center. It’s a fantastic platform for potential employees to connect with us and experience a personalized hiring journey. And guess what? Nearly 500 applicants have already explored opportunities with us since its launch in October 2023.
Ever since we completed the purchase of Camp in 2020, creating a forever home for our programs, students have been reaping the rewards of outdoor, science-based learning. It led us to kick-start our Capital Improvement Campaign last year, aiming to keep our 500+ acres in top condition for everyone, including campers with disabilities. With the Sierra winters being tough, we prioritized a new Bobcat® tractor for snow removal, a real game-changer in saving hours of hard work and keeping our roads clear. We’ve also spruced up the Lodge’s roof and walls after the heavy snowfall in winter 2022/23, and are now moving on to revamp the 1.5-mile road into Camp.
That’s not all. We’re also buzzing with excitement as we initiate our Master Planning for Camp. Our goal is to optimize our facilities and offer programs to all children, no matter their background or financial status. We’re incredibly grateful to our generous donors who’ve backed our campaign. Do take a moment to learn more about them in this community impact report. It’s worth checking out.
Sincerely,
Sean Hill, President and CEO
Malena Raymond, Board Chair
Student Participation in Our Programs Soars by 22 Percent
Support Youth Today by Making a Donation to the Student Scholarship Fund
Some of our fondest memories in life are experienced outdoors — summer camps, family hikes, exploring with friends, and so much more.
Many children are growing up without the opportunity to experience nature. They are missing out on some of life’s best adventures, and Sierra Nevada Journeys is working to build these important connections.
A gift to our Student Scholarship Fund will give students immediate access to our educational programs such as Classrooms Unleashed, Overnight Outdoor Learning, Family STEM Nights and more.
You can be the reason a child falls in love with science and nature. If able, please take give through our secure, online portal.
By the Numbers
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DEI: A Deeper Understanding of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Environmental Education World
In 2018, we created the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee to broaden the impact of our mission across the expansive and diverse communities we serve. Read more about ways we’re making an impact.
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Girls in STEM Camp
Girls in STEM Camp has positively impacted middle school age girls from Northern Nevada and has recently expanded to include participants from Northern California.
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NASA Grant Allows for Family STEM Expansion
Family STEM Nights create immersive learning and thanks to a grant from NASA, we’ve created space-themed stations.
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Capital Improvement Initiative Enhances Camp Infrastructure and Upgrades
We’re underway with our Capital Improvement Initiative and are investing in upgrades to camp and ensuring future generations get to experience the wonders of outdoor science programs for years to come.
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Overnight Outdoor Learning Is the Ultimate Outdoor School Experience
In addition to outdoor experiences that bolster teambuilding and social-emotional learning, lessons include engineering, pond ecology, ropes course, forest ecology, astronomy, geology, storytelling, and night hikes.
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Summer and Day Camps Provide Fun All Summer Long
More than 2,000 youth attend summer camps with us exploring the outdoors and immersing themselves in STEAM activities.
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Students From the Sun Valley Area Explore a Nearby Park With Sierra Nevada Journeys on Field Days
Hosting leadership and teambuilding workshops and youth empowerment retreats are just a couple of examples of how we partner with other community organizations.
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Classrooms Unleashed Increases Participation Thanks to Donors
Engaging, hands-on science lessons for eager young minds. Our goal? To make science fun and achievable for every student.
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Inclusive Camp Experiences for People with Disabilities
According to the American Camp Association, 10,000 children attend camps each year but only a small percentage of camps have programs dedicated for youth with disabilities.
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Delivering Science to Rural Cities in Nevada
Thanks to our new AWD Toyota Sienna Hybrid van, we’re trekking across Nevada to deliver programs in rural Nevada areas.
Measuring Our Success
See How Sierra Nevada Journeys’ Programming Improves Science Test Scores
Our People
Employee Survey
October 2023
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30% BIPOC
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18% Have a Disability
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13% Nonbinary
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40% LGBTQIA+
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88% Say We Are Inclusive and Welcoming to People of Color
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90% Say That We Are Understanding and Accommodating of Neurodiversity
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69% Say That We Are Culturally Competent to Work with Students From All Different Racial, Ethnic and Socioeconomic Backgrounds
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85% Say That We Are Understanding and Accommodating of Disabilities
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100% Say That We Are Inclusive of All Gender Identities
