2021 Q.A.R.E. Awards Recipients

Honoring Excellence at Sierra Nevada Journeys

On November 14, 2021, Sierra Nevada Journeys celebrated its sixth annual Q.A.R.E. (Quality. Accountability. Respect. Unique Experiences.) awards honoring team members that exemplify our four core values. It has been exceptionally challenging times to deliver programs during the COVID-19 pandemic; the following six employees are recognized for their outstanding contributions. We thank you for your dedication and hard work.  

Left to right: Sarah Bruihler, Kaitlyn Langan, Eaton Dunkelberger, Alyssa Wagner, Travis Wilson, Juan Arriaga and Will McKie

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Pictured: Sarah Bruihler and Eaton Dunkelberger

Quality: Sarah Bruihler, Lead Outdoor Program Instructor, Grizzly Creek Ranch

Sarah continually demonstrates our commitment to excellence and stepped up to lead a successful 2021 summer camp program. She thoughtful strive to improve all aspects of program and camp culture through positive actions. Sarah recently completed two seasons with Sierra Nevada Journeys and looks forward to 2022. She studied geology in college and enjoys sharing her knowledge with campers about all the different types of rock formations found throughout Grizzly Creek Ranch.

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Pictured: Alyssa Wagner, Eaton Dunkelberger and Kaitlyn Langan

Accountability: Alyssa Wagner, Program Director, and Kaitlyn Langan, Core Educator, Reno

This mighty duo teaches students and leads Classrooms Unleashed programs in Northern Nevada.

Alyssa has been a superwoman this past year, juggling a hectic fall season, successfully hiring and training employees during a challenging year, and a handles a demanding teaching schedule – all while being a supportive manager to the Reno team.

Kaitlyn makes incredible connections with the students and shows up every day ready to deliver incredible programming. She volunteers for any outreach opportunities that come up and has been a valuable contributor to Virtual STEM Lesson at a time when distance learning was their only option to gain access to Sierra Nevada Journeys’ valuable STEM programming.

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Pictured: Eaton Dunkelberger, Will McKie and the cutest little baby ever

Respect: Will McKie, Operations, Grizzly Creek Ranch

Will regularly checks in to see if there is anything else he can do to help beyond his normal day-to-day duties. He always works hard to build the feelings of trust, safety, and wellbeing for all staff and guests. Because of his approachable and welcoming nature, Will easily bridges the gap between operations and program teams.

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Pictured: Travis Wilson, Eaton Dunkelberger and Juan Arriaga

Experiences: Travis Wilson, Outdoor Program Instructor and Juan Arriaga, Outdoor Program Instructor, Grizzly Creek Ranch

When it comes to delivering unique experiences, these two OPIs knock it out of the park (or in our case, the camp).

Travis brings a thoughtful perspective on inclusion and equity that has positively impacted Sierra Nevada Journeys and our students. He goes above and beyond to share his wealth of experience with other instructors and leads by example. Travis recently led programming for the “Today I’m Brave Camp” and built memorable experiences for the youth who attended this unique experiential camp.

Juan has perfected the art of meeting his students where they are – placing the individual learner at the center of the learning process and build upon their strengths from there. He embraces each person’s uniqueness with a warm and welcoming approach. Recently, at the Today I’m Brave Camp and Rotary Eighth Grade Leadership (REGL) program, Juan immediately made strong connections with the teens through his honest, approachable and a consistent presence.

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Here’s what we strive to achieve each and every day through our core values:

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.

Nevada Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation and Technology Recommends Using American Rescue Plan Act Funding for Sierra Nevada Journeys' Programs

Reno, Nev., November 8, 2021 – The Nevada Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation and Technology recommends evidence-based programs like Sierra Nevada Journeys, to enhance STEM as a means for addressing inequity and learning loss among Nevada’s students.

When it comes to using American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER) Funds, funds by Local educational agencies (LEAs), the Governor’s Office selected key STEM education to strengthen post-pandemic learning for all students.

Here’s the full article by Nevada STEM Hub and their recommendations. For further questions about these recommendations, you can contact OSIT by emailing t.howard@gov.nv.gov.

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Family STEM Nights are an educational evening for the entire family

One example of programming that can be implemented is Sierra Nevada Journeys’ Family STEM Nights. They are a fund and educational evening for the entire family. Experience the wonder of science and solve a variety of STEM challenges.

Sponsor a Career Connection

To learn more about having your company or organization directly engage with schools and families, contact Sean Hill, Vice President of Advancement with Sierra Nevada Journeys., 775.355.1688.

Sierra Nevada Journeys Establishes Scholarship Fund To Support Underrepresented Youth in Honor of Long-time Board Member

Carol Whiteside

Sacramento, Calif., May 11, 2021 – On February 12, 2021, Sierra Nevada Journeys lost a valued member of its family with the passing of Carol Whiteside — an iconic role model and former Mayor of Modesto, California. In her honor, Sierra Nevada Journeys’ Board established the Carol Whiteside Scholarship Fund to send youth to camp. The fund will remove a critical access barrier, namely the entire cost for attending camp programs at Grizzly Creek Ranch located in Portola, California, for youth and families in Northern California.

“Carol was passionate about the role our organization plays in helping to provide access to the outdoors and quality educational programs to underrepresented and historically marginalized communities,” says Eaton Dunkelberger, CEO, Sierra Nevada Journeys. “Together, we can make tremendous impacts on families in our community through a safe and fun camp experience. Carol helped make this possible for so many kids and families.”

In 2010, Carol was appointed to Sierra Nevada Journeys’ board by Sierra Health Foundation— a private philanthropy that forges new paths to promote health, racial equity and racial justice across Northern California.

Grizzly Creek Ranch was originally built in 2003 by Sierra Health Foundation as a camp for youth with disabilities. In 2010, Sierra Health Foundation partnered with Sierra Nevada Journeys to launch experiential education at Grizzly Creek Ranch. For the past 10 years, Sierra Nevada Journeys has been operating Grizzly Creek Ranch, bringing fifth and sixth graders to camp for outdoor school, and hosting a variety of community partners for leadership and youth development programs. With Carol’s help, in 2020 Sierra Nevada Journeys purchased the camp from the Sierra Health Foundation after a 3-year capital campaign, and continues to operate programming for the community.

Sierra Nevada Journeys’ Board of Trustees established this scholarship in Carol’s name with a $7,500 investment and with additional matching donations, 10 families attended Family Camp for some much-needed respite.

Carol served as a trustee for a remarkable 11 years with Sierra Nevada Journeys, an environmental education nonprofit that inspires youth to think critically and become stewards of our own natural resources. Sierra Nevada Journeys strives to provide educational equity and inclusion by focusing on underserved youth from Northern California and Northern Nevada. Its programs are delivered in communities that span the I-80 corridor, from Sacramento to Reno, including an outdoor school and other camp programs at its Grizzly Creek Ranch location.

“We all will miss her warmth, compassion, sharp wit and intellect as a leader in our community and in our organization. Carol had a clear vision for what Sierra Nevada Journeys could be and what it could mean to the youth and families of our community, and she worked tirelessly to bring that vision to life. Carol’s life accomplishments were many, including serving as mayor, founder, board member, visionary, and advocate for lifting up those in need,” says Dunkelberger.

Two Sacramento area nonprofits, PRO Youth and Families and Sol Collective, had the opportunity to send families to Family Camp through the Carol Whiteside Scholarship.

“With the pandemic, youth and their families are facing unprecedented levels of isolation. At PRO Youth and Families, we inspire, educate, and mobilize young people — especially those who have experienced trauma — to build a healthier future for themselves, their families, and their communities. When we learned about Sierra Nevada Journeys and their Family Camps, I knew it is was the right partnership for us. Our participants that attended Family Camp experienced social emotional learning, relationship building and communication techniques, all while having fun outdoors as a family,” says Staci Anderson, President and Chief Executive Officer at PRO Youth.

Executive Director Estella Sanchez of Sol Collective, says that it started as community-based partnership to bring together a wide variety of community-led programming and activist projects. “With the pandemic, we’ve had to temporarily close our center. Sierra Nevada Journeys’ Family Camps provided an opportunity for some of our families to safely be at camp and enjoy time together surrounded by nature. We truly appreciate the funders that brought this scholarship opportunity to our families,” says Sanchez.

Learn more about Family Camp respite weekends. You can help support Sierra Nevada Journeys by booking a cabin for your family. Or, if you’re unable to attend Family Camp, you can help send other families this much-need respite by donating to Sierra Nevada Journeys. In fact, $25 supports a day of activities; $75 provides three days of meals for a camper; and $125 sends a child to camp.

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Family Camp’s Positive Impact for Multi-Generational Families

“We had a total of five families from our Sol Collective community be able to participate in Family Camp. We had multi- generations including babies, toddlers, youth, teenagers, adults and grandparents. Personally, I just wanted to share that my mom came and she has mobility issues walking. The camp staff was very supportive in modifying activities in order to support her being able to participate and move around camp slowly, and comfortably. We were very thankful. It was a blessing to be able to participate and know my mom felt secure walking and getting around. We can’t thank you enough. We hope we can support more opportunities like this in the future. ”

— Nicole M., Sol Collective Member

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About Sol Collective
Established in 2005, Sol Collective is a community-based partnership whose mission is to provide artistic, cultural, and educational programming, promote social justice, and empower youth through art, activism, music, and media experience. Based in Sacramento, California, Sol Collective collaborates with global and local artists activists to host art exhibitions, community workshops, youth programming, and platforms for public organizing from coast to coast.

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About PRO Youth and Families
PRO Youth and Families confronts the trauma youth, families, and communities face by inspiring, educating, and mobilizing young people. They make a difference by keeping young people off the streets, out of prison, and away from alcohol, drugs and gangs by giving them meaningful and life-changing opportunities. We are committed to strengthening youth – and their families and communities — by developing neighborhood networks, identifying and addressing needs, and by providing training and other resources that will make that happen.

One Foundation’s Vision Sparks Development of Two Teacher Training Programs – The Daugherty Science Internship and Nevada Teach Scholars Program

The unique internship brings together a partnership between philanthropy, nonprofit and public education institution. The result: improved teaching techniques for future elementary education teachers and students in Northern Nevada.

Reno, Nev., March 15, 2021 – The Daugherty Science Internship (DSI) and Nevada Teach Scholars Program (NTS) provide hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) teaching experience for teachers-in-training from the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR). These opportunities are supported by a partnership between Sierra Nevada Journeys, the University of Nevada, Reno Colleges of Education and Science, and the Sandra A. Daugherty Foundation. 

"The DSI and NTS programs are an outstanding way to improve your teaching skills in a variety of settings," says Alyssa Wagner, the Reno program director at Sierra Nevada Journeys. "Because interns are able to practice in several schools while with Sierra Nevada Journeys, the experience increases familiarity and comfort teaching and planning with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). It also provides networking opportunities within the informal education community, as well as with teachers and principals in Washoe County School District (among other local districts), and is an overall fun experience."

Bob Daugherty, MD, retired Dean at the University of Nevada School of Medicine plays a pivotal role in creating these invaluable opportunities for university students. As the husband of Sandra A. Daugherty, MD, PhD, the foundation in honor of his late wife, The Sandra A. Daugherty Foundation, is paving the way for increasing the skills and expertise of educators in Northern Nevada. “My family’s roots run deep in working hard and giving back to our community; it is a joy to mentor students and see the positive impacts they are making with the next generation of scientists, physicians and educators,” says Dr. Bob Daugherty.  

Mariah Gustin is one of those recipients. Gustin recently graduated with a Master in Education from UNR. Last year, Gustin earned the Daugherty Science Internship and practiced her teaching skills at Sierra Nevada Journeys.  

“As a lover and strong believer in the inquiry process, I was fascinated by the methods used by Sierra Nevada Journeys. One thing that was amazing was the Family STEM Nights. The community involvement and interest were inspiring. To see so many people in our community actively involved in science despite the political and social climate surrounding science made our mission seem that much more important,” says Gustin. 

Another aspect of the teaching process that Gustin learned during her internship at Sierra Nevada Journeys was the 5E Instructional Model, an inquiry-based model of instruction, that includes five phases: engagement, exploration, explanation, extension, and evaluation.

“I used universal teaching strategies so all of the students were engaged and excited to learn and that can be hard! Having designed science lessons during my course work at UNR and seeing Full Option Science System (a research-based science curriculum for grades K-8 developed at the Lawrence Hall of Science, University of California, Berkeley) implemented by Sierra Nevada Journeys’ educators, I had lessons that were so beautifully designed,” added Gustin. “To see the learning happen with Sierra Nevada Journeys’ students in such a small period of time was pretty incredible.” 

“I would absolutely recommend anyone lucky enough to be awarded the honor of participating in this program to take it. Science is fundamental to all learning. To be able to question, test, and be a critical consumer of information are important skills that are specifically taught throughout each lesson. And as climate change and other environmental issues increase, it is our job as educators to have the skills, confidence, and understanding needed to teach our students,” says Gustin. Her internship and hard work have paid off as Gustin is now teaching with the Washoe County School District.

If interested in applying for this internship, please email Alyssa Wagner at alyssaw@sierranevadajourneys.org.

LEARN MORE

View other internship opportunities.

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About the Daugherty Science Internship:

• Stipend interns will participate in a blended student teaching experience which includes seven weeks at a traditional school placement and seven weeks teaching science with Sierra Nevada Journeys, all to take place during students' teaching semester.

• Interns observe and teach 20+ NGSS-based elementary science lessons and outdoor field science programs to a wide range of students across 1st-6th grades under the direct supervision of Sierra Nevada Journeys director of education and College of Education mentors.

• The DSI includes two weeks of training on science instruction with Sierra Nevada Journeys.

About the Nevada Teach Scholars:

• Build your skills as an educator in this fun, paid role that includes 28 days (through 14 weeks) teaching hands-on and outdoor science with Sierra Nevada Journeys.

• Observe and teach 20+ Next Generation Science Standards-based elementary science lessons and outdoor field science programs to a wide range of students across 1st through 6th grades under the direct supervision of Sierra Nevada Journeys’ Program Director.

• Build highly sought-after science instruction skills and earn a $1,500 stipend.

• Have the unique opportunity to teach not only in the classroom, but in the outdoor setting as a part of Sierra Nevada Journeys’ field studies.

• Help classroom teachers in our region deliver outstanding science content to students in high-need schools.

Sierra Nevada Journeys Joins The Alternative Field Study Group to Support Students During Distance Learning

Sierra Nevada Journeys partnered with Great Basin Institute, Great Basin Outdoor School and Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation create free virtual STEM lessons that support students and teachers with distance learning.

The Alternative Field Study Committee (AFSC) is a group of environmental organizations local to the Reno, Nevada metropolitan-area, who are committed to supporting environmental education opportunities for K-12th grade students. This committee has banded together to create programs that are catered to meet the unique new educational constraints caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. These resources are free, and designed with teachers in mind, to support both their distance and in-classroom learners with little-to-no amendments needed. Programs follow Next Generation Science and Common Core standards. Though these programs are designed for teachers and students in the public school system, they are also great resources for homeschool families, private school teachers, and youth-education programs. Each program comes with three resources: a pre-lesson component (educational video, PowerPoint, story, or activity that orients the learner to the concepts), the lesson itself, and a post-lesson component (which serves as a homework assignment or cool-down activity to wrap-up student learning and assist in measuring student comprehension).

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Elementary lessons include:
Animal Adaptations
Reptiles of Nevada
Out of this World – Lunar Phases
Snow Science
Metamorphosis
Hydrology
Birds and Their Adaptations
The Flow of Energy Through an Ecosystem
Leaves and Photosynthesis

Sierra Nevada Journeys Raises $5.5 Million and Purchases Grizzly Creek Ranch

Sierra Nevada Journeys announces the purchase of the 515-acre camp, Grizzly Creek Ranch, securing a permanent home for inspiring and serving youth in this region. For the past 12 years, Sierra Nevada Journeys, an outdoor science education nonprofit, has been helping more than 190,000 youth explore nature through science and fuel their own special connections with the natural world. Most of the students that participate in Sierra Nevada Journeys’ programs come from high-need communities across Northern Nevada and Northern California.

“We are deeply grateful to our donors, program partners, volunteers and employees for investing in our mission and the youth we serve,” says Eaton Dunkelberger, CEO Sierra Nevada Journeys. “We raised $5.57 million with the generous support of our dedicated 56 donors.” 

“Through all the ups and downs of 2020, we have stayed focused on our mission by helping to meet the extraordinary needs of our community, teachers and students. This year, Sierra Nevada Journeys was able to pivot during the COVID-19 pandemic and still deliver support and respite to those who needed it most. For example, 50 percent of the participants at Family Camp this past fall were scholarship families who were at risk of experiencing more isolation than other families during COVID. We actively worked with community partners like the Boys and Girls Club of Truckee Meadows and Amplify Life to provide families with safe outdoor activities that build support, confidence and new skills to bounce back from life’s challenges,” added Dunkelberger.

Grizzly Creek Ranch has a unique ecosystem creating the ideal setting for using the outdoors as the classroom. Located on Big Grizzly Creek, the watershed, including a ¾-acre pond and its surrounding vegetation, is home to more than 100 bird species. “We chose to support Sierra Nevada Journeys’ endeavor to purchase the camp as they will preserve Grizzly Creek Ranch for its best and highest use. Using the exceptional land and water resources at Grizzly Creek Ranch as their outdoor classroom, they will be providing youth, especially those from disadvantaged communities, the opportunity to become the next generation of environmental scientists and land stewards,” says Lynn Campbell, North Central Area Representative, Sierra Nevada Conservancy (Ret.).

 To learn more about the purchase of Grizzly Creek Ranch go to sierranevadajourneys.org/aha.

Thank you to our donors who supported Sierra Nevada Journeys and the purchase of Grizzly Creek Ranch.

About Grizzly Creek Ranch

In addition to the 515 acres of land, there are 26 buildings at camp with a lodge, 16 cabins, four yurts, an administration building, two outdoor amphitheaters and an outdoor pool. Located 50 minutes north of Reno and 2 hours east of Sacramento, in Plumas National Forest, its facilities are modern and can accommodate 240 campers.

 Grizzly Creek Ranch was originally built in 2003 by Sierra Health Foundation — a private philanthropy investing in partnerships and programs that improve health and quality of life — as a camp for youth with disabilities. In 2010, Sierra Health Foundation partnered with Sierra Nevada Journeys to launch experiential education at Grizzly Creek Ranch. For the past 10 years, Sierra Nevada Journeys has been operating Grizzly Creek Ranch, bringing fifth and sixth graders to camp for outdoor school, and hosting a variety of community partners for leadership and youth development programs.

Ensuring Educational Equity, Access and Inclusion

Yesterday, those of us at Sierra Nevada Journeys paused our in outreach to make space to listen, learn, and stand alongside the black community in sadness, solidarity, and hope. 

Image from embracerace.org’s article “31 Children’s Books to Support Conversations on Race, Racism, and Resistance”

Sierra Nevada Journeys works to ensure educational equity, accessibility, and inclusion by focusing on reaching youth from historically marginalized communities. We know that the key to effective learning is feeling safe, and as such, Sierra Nevada Journeys condemns systematic racism that compromises the safety of so many people of color. The death of Mr. George Floyd is the latest example that highlights the disparity in the treatment of people of color in our society, played out for young people of color regularly in school and outdoor spaces. 

We are committed to implementing more culturally relevant programs, wider partnerships with historically marginalized communities, and broader diversity of staff reflective of the communities we serve. The tragic events of the last week have reminded us of the need to listen, gather advice, and work to apply our efforts where they will best serve the youth of the communities we serve. 

We are thankful to partners leading Equity and Inclusion work with youth and the outdoors, recognizing the challenges facing youth from historically marginalized communities at camps, in nature, in STEM classrooms and in STEM careers. We are learning from them and from the youth we serve, and we encourage all of our stakeholders to please get involved in your own way to work toward eliminating racism for the benefit of all youth in our community.

We recommend these resources for parents to guide discussions with your children about racism and racialized violence:

• Children’s Books to Support Conversations on Race and Racism from EmbraceRace

• Resources for Talking About Racism and Racialized Violence With Kids from the Center for Racial Justice in Education

• Talking to Kids About Race by National Geographic

• Talking Racism With White Kids is Not Enough from TIME

• Black History Movies That Tackle Racism from Common Sense Media

COVID-19 Pandemic Highlights the Need for Science Literacy

While John Adams was defending the lives of British soldiers at the time, he could very well have said the same thing about science.

As COVID-19 continues to touch every part of life around the globe, it is vitally important that we understand the science of our new realities and have an informed citizenry. Never before in modern times have we seen such an overwhelming demonstration of the need for science literacy.

We are battling a deadly pandemic — and we will ultimately win this fight because of those working overtime in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) based careers. Innovation through STEM is informing our responses to COVID-19. Some examples include: 3-D printing of personal protection equipment, distilleries pivoting to produce hand sanitizer, and research and development of more than 100 vaccine candidates.

We’ve also seen our regional, state and local leaders unite behind science to help stop the spread of infection and flatten the curve. Physical distancing, protective face coverings and quarantine are all ways to fight a deadly virus without a cure or vaccine. And we know this because of the scientists who identified the virus, understood its transmission, calculated its contagiousness, are researching treatments, and potentially, a ground-breaking vaccine. The science of this pandemic has already saved an immeasurable number of lives and will continue to save many more.

And when the curve drops and restrictions are lifted, the need for cutting-edge research and science education will be crucial in how we respond to future threats. Science-literate next generations could literally save us. And our planet. Investing today will pave the way for tomorrow’s triumphs.

Long before we were staying home because of COVID-19, The Discovery, Immunize Nevada and Sierra Nevada Journeys were cultivating science literacy in our community, collectively through our in-person, online, school and outdoor-based programs.

These are scary times. And with everything changing so fast, it can be tough to make sense of it all. But one thing remains certain: the need for science education. Science is crucial in fighting and controlling the spread of disease. That’s why The Discovery exists; we’re here to inspire the next generation of scientists, researchers and innovators who will help us overcome the challenges like what we’re facing today.

Keeping our distance from misinformation is easier said than done, and Immunize Nevada continues to be a trusted resource, guiding Nevadans with credible, evidence-based facts and resources. As rapidly as this virus has spread, misinformation has spread faster, causing the WHO to coin it an “infodemic.” We can all stop the spread by fact-checking, listening to credible experts and dispelling and debunking alternative theories, dangerous cures and myths. Try out your fact-checking skills with the News Literacy Project at newslit.org/coronavirus and if you have distance learners, their Checkology curriculum is now available for free.

Sierra Nevada Journeys serves two-thirds of the elementary schools across northwest Nevada with STEM education annually. Our educators have worked to transition our in-person programs to support digital learning, and they are planning to serve 15,000 students this spring to support the region’s move to distance learning. In a time when our next generation will be relied upon to solve the next pandemic, taking a six-month leave of absence on science education is not an option.

Right now, we may not be able to serve our community the way you’re used to, but we’re still here and we are still serving you! Science matters and we can see it in the care that our loved ones receive, in the skill of our health care providers and in every aspect of our economic engines. Be a champion for science and in the meantime, stay safe and healthy, take care of each other, and never stop learning!

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This opinion column, originally published in the Reno Gazette Journal on May 9, 2020, was submitted by Mat Sinclair, President/CEO of The Discovery; Heidi Parker, Executive Director of Immunize Nevada; and Eaton Dunkelberger, CEO of Sierra Nevada Journeys.

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Overcoming Psychological Barriers of Athletes After Life-Altering Accidents

Andy Stephens, School and Community Group Manager with Sierra Nevada Journeys, was recently featured in Why People Return to the Sport That Nearly Killed Them by Outside magazine. His master’s thesis focused on athletes who return to their sports after traumatic injuries. Andy of course, when asked about it, he said, “I’m really not one to seek out any attention.” The article is an inspiring piece that shows people who have suffered unimaginably doing activities they love and their journey to returning to their sport with new vigor and respect.

Andy studied the psychological process of the athletes to understand it and help others who may be going through a similar process.

“I was lucky enough to join with an adaptive winter sports nonprofit during my graduate work. It became quickly apparent to me that while we were working with athletes to physically recover, there as a missing piece to their recovery — the mental and identity components. I had my own traumatic medical emergency which really helped inform my understanding of the struggles adaptive athletes have in redefining their identity. It impossible to explain how exciting it is to see athletes lean into their new strengths and develop this whole new way of viewing their new reality,” said Andy.  

“I was pulled toward working with an organization like Sierra Nevada Journeys because I wanted to be a part of helping drive growth in youth on a larger scale,” he added. Sierra Nevada Journeys’ curriculum focuses not only on STEM but also on Social Emotional Learning (SEL). Some of the work that happens during Overnight Outdoor Learning at Grizzly Creek Ranch for fifth and sixth graders is geared toward team building and SEL. These aspects create a learning environment that focuses on science, critical thinking, outdoor stewardship, and SEL, which is a natural fit for Andy’s journey as a mentor for youth.

Now is your moment to join me in supporting Sierra Nevada Journeys and the campaign to purchase Grizzly Creek Ranch

My name is Matson Sewell, and I’m a co-trustee and grants manager for the Arata Brothers Trust.

I’m so glad to have the chance to talk about why the Trust has made a commitment to the capital campaign to purchase the Grizzly Creek Ranch. We first learned of Sierra Nevada Journeys through our sister, Elfrena Foord, a much-appreciated philanthropist in Sacramento. Elfrena was moderating the Social Venture Partners Fast Pitch program. After we heard Eaton’s pitch, my brother, Mark Sewell, the senior trustee at Arata Brothers leaned over to me and said, “That’s the nonprofit I want us to check out this year.” I agreed and lined up a visit to the Grizzly Creek Ranch.

Mark had been speaking for many months about a strong desire for us to do some grant awarding that invested in a lasting legacy for the Arata Brothers Trust. We are proud of the programming that over $15 million has funded in Sacramento education programs, informed by the practical insights from my niece, our third trustee, Lisa Malvini, a Sacramento elementary school teacher. But I understood what Mark meant about a lasting legacy for future generations. When I returned from the camp visit I contacted Mark and said, “I think I’ve found our legacy.”

We grew up in Reno, visited Sacramento each summer to see our grandfather and his two brothers, whose grocery business formed the Arata Brothers Trust after they died. We also spent August of every summer at our grandfather’s cabin in the woods off of Highway 50. My brothers attended Mohawk Boys camp when they were a little older which used to be just a few miles from the Grizzly Creek Ranch. We thrived in the Sierra natural environment, treasured the memories of those experiences and wanted to preserve the Sierras as well as expose the next generations to a landscape they will love and want to cherish and preserve as well.

At this time of tremendous competition for funding dollars, especially in support of STEM and workforce readiness, Sierra Nevada Journeys stands out as an especially effective, scalable, and impact-driven organization. By their purchase of the Grizzly Creek Ranch, they can take their training of next-generation environmental scientists and land stewards to a new level.

Both the physical landscape as well as the mission and vision of Sierra Nevada Journeys checks off every box for us to provide substantial financial support to something that will serve future generations. The physical layout is extraordinary with its full accessibility and multiple natural habitats for hands-on natural science education. The processes and systems in place are exceptional — I came out of decades in patient safety in healthcare and wish the medical centers I’d worked in could claim this organization’s level of exquisite attention to regulatory compliance and safety detail as well as their open welcome to everyone.

There is one additional factor in our commitment, and that is to honor the memory of our brother, Andy, who we lost in the surprise snowstorm of October 2004. He went for an end-of-season mountain bike ride off of Highway 50 near our grandfather’s cabin. A dozen small groups were stranded for three days by this surprise blizzard, including the two visitors from Japan who froze on the face of El Capitan. All the others were rescued except our brother. Eighteen months after he went missing, a Sierra Search and Rescue training exercise repelled down a cliff face near where his bike and backpack were found. A recovered vertebrae confirmed the DNA match.  The next summer Mark, Elfrena and I hiked to the location at Scout peak and noticed the wild, electric blue and yellow threads of shiny cloth woven into the bird and squirrel nests in the trees. We smiled imagining these came from Andy’s first layer of the Lycra leggings and shirt he must have worn that day. It helped to recognize that he became woven into and a part of the landscape he loved more than any place on earth. It helps, even more, to honor his memory with supporting the purchase of this property for future generations to love this area as much as we have.

Sierra Nevada Journeys has exceptional programming but that can’t be secured if it could be disrupted by a change in landlords. They need to own the property to secure the future of their work. This property will be sold. I have a sense of urgency about the situation because imagining this remarkable landscape being purchased and re-purposed to any other use, such as… a golf club and resort would be an unbearable loss to the science and environmental education of young people in our region. And this gorgeous land will go that route if we don’t preserve it for its best and highest use. It’s up to us.

Come and visit the Grizzly Creek Ranch — I think you will never forget it.