Parent FAQs – Day Programs
What makes SNJ different?
Our commitment to Outstanding Education, Outstanding Value, and Outstanding People, means your student will be getting the best that the industry has to offer. We have extensive experience in the field, much of it in the greater Reno-Tahoe area, and we’re a non-profit which allows us to keep our prices low. We offer a variety of programs to give you flexibility in your choices, but using the Educational Journey Framework to maintain consistency in quality, delivery, and impact.
Are SNJ’s programs meant for my child?
If your child enjoys having fun and learning even when they don’t know they’re learning then “absolutely!” Our programs are meant for all types of students. We provide a range of programs for children in grades K-12 that are offered year-round, during both the school-year and the summers.
How much do your programs cost?
We deliberately keep our prices low to enable as many students as possible to experience these life-changing programs..
I really like your programs, but I don’t think I can afford to pay the fees in their entirety; can SNJ help?
Because we’re a non-profit we’re able to accept donations to help subsidize the cost of our programs; that’s why our costs are below market rates. We also have certain fee reduction initiatives in place that provide discounts for students in need who qualify. Please contact us to learn more about those opportunities.
How do you recruit, train, and screen your staff?
We actively seek out the most engaging, passionate, and enthusiastic staff to teach your children. Many of them we know personally, or have worked with in the past. Our staff undergo rigorous training that makes them the best at what they do.
Are your employees fingerprinted?
Yes, all employees and volunteers over the age of 18 are finger-printed, and background checked (both federal and state) per Nevada Law.
What are your student-to-instructor ratios?
On our day-programs we strive for student-to-instructor ratios of 15-to-1. For overnight programs we aim for ratios of 12-to-1.
I really want my child to attend one of your programs with their class – how do I get the school to make that happen?
Many schools want these types of opportunities and programs but don’t know where to look for them. If you see a program that you think would work well for your child and your school, let the Principal or your child’s teacher know, then get in touch with us and we’ll be happy to follow-up with them to provide more information on the exciting and educational programs we offer. Please be ready to provide the name of the school your child attends, his/her teacher, and the name of the principal.
Do I need to send my child with a lunch?
Yes, for Journeys Outdoor School, Summer Programs, and In-School Programs, please send your child with a healthy lunch on the first day. In the interest of reinforcing some of the concepts we’ll teach them, make sure they have enough to fill them up, but don’t send so much that they end up throwing most of it away. The lunch that they’d normally bring to school will suffice. We supplement those lunches with delicious, healthy snacks
I don’t see my school listed under the Current Schedule, but I’m sure they’re supposed to be coming.
There might be a one to two day lag between a school officially signing up, you hearing about it, and the school’s listing on the website. Check back after two days and – if it still isn’t listed – give us a call or shoot us an e-mail to confirm.
My child is an English-language learner – can they still attend?
Yes! If your student can manage in the classroom, he/she will certainly be set-up well for communication success during one of our programs. Although our staff primarily speak English, they are exceedingly approachable and sensitive to the needs of English Language Learners.
Looks great! How do I sign my child up?
See our Program Registration section to sign-up today!
Parent FAQs – Overnight Programs
What’s SNJ’s philosophy?
Our philosophy is best summed up by our mission: empowering youth through positive risk-taking and experiential leadership, science, and outdoor education. We commit to providing Outstanding People that deliver Outstanding Education all at an Outstanding Value.
What’s SNJ’s approach toward discipline?
SNJ’s many years of experience working with children have informed our “Positive Learning Environment”. That approach is best summed up as follows:
- Set very clear behavioral expectations from the beginning of the program
- Redirect and gently correct bad behavior (referring back to expectations)
- Vigorously recognize and reward positive behavior.
In order to grow and learn over the course of one of our programs, the students we work with are given clear guidelines for behavior that help them to feel physically, emotionally, and mentally safe in a non-competitive, positive environment.
What should my child bring?
Please refer to the Packing List (sent home by your school) for an overview of what your child will need at camp. Having done this for many years, we have gotten this list down to a science. Please make sure that they bring what’s on the list, but no more! Also, please don’t look at the list as an onerous, expensive shopping endeavor. We’ve found that most families have many of the items listed – in one form or another. If you don’t have it, think about borrowing from a friend.
What shouldn’t they bring?
Please refer to the Packing List for a list of items that students not allowed to bring. Quick highlights include: weapons, food or drinks (water is ok), electronics (including cell phones), and aerosol cans.
Who stays in cabins at night with the kids?
Qualified and trained staff serve as cabin chaperones – these can be high-school and college students who SNJ works with on a regular basis, but many times they are the parents of the students themselves.
How can I communicate with my student when they’re at camp?
In our experience, children do best at camp when they’re given a terrific support network by their peers and their instructors. That network will provide them with everything they need to grow while they’re away – even during tougher times like homesickness. Communication with parents over the course of the session tends to draw students away mentally from what they’re doing at camp, exacerbate homesickness and other issues and take significant time. For those reasons we don’t allow students to have cell phones at camp and we highly discourage calls home. We also do not allow “drop-ins” by parents. Should something happen that you need to be made aware of (your child is sick, gets hurt, etc.) we’ll notify you right away of the situation and what we’re doing to address it. Otherwise, no news is good news!
How will they take medications while they’re up there?
During the Journeys Outdoor School, teachers will administer medications. During Sumer Programming, we use a trained staff person to keep and administer medications.
My child has a life-threatening allergy, can they still participate?
Absolutely! We deal on a weekly basis with students who have severe allergies to foods, insects, medications, etc. We allow those students to carry their emergency medications (like Epi-Pens and Inhalers) should there be a problem.
My child has diabetes, can they still participate?
Certainly! We also work with children who have diabetes. We’ll make sure we’re checking in on them regularly, but it’s important that they’re able to self-monitor, recognize their highs and lows, and administer their own insulin. They’ll be able to carry snacks with them so they can eat consistently throughout the day.
Are there medical facilities nearby?
Yes. Depending on the site we use for our overnight programs (we use several), emergency medical facilities are – at most – 20 minutes away.
I’m going to be away and out of phone range while my child is at camp – is that ok?
Yes, as long as you list an appropriate emergency contact who you trust to make medical and other decisions for your child if you’re not reachable.
What’s security like?
When camp is in session we are a “closed” facility – that is, we only allow people who have been appropriately hired, trained, finger-printed, and background checked onto campus. Outsiders are not allowed on the property.
I’ve never sent my child away from home before – should I be worried?
Part of our duty as parents is to worry about our children. However, given the outstanding people who will be working with your child, the priority we put on their safety, and the life-changing experiences they’ll have, rest assured they’ll be well taken care of while they’re here. We encourage mail correspondence and upfront, positive talks you initiate with them before they come to camp. Remember, this will be an empowering experience for your child and you can do a lot to set them up for success!
Do you have people who can serve as references?
Absolutely. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch and we can provide references: teachers, principals, school district officials, and parents. |
