Community Impact Report
2024 (Published Summer 2025)
Sierra Nevada Journeys experienced a year of meaningful milestones and significant challenges. Through it all, we emerged stronger — more focused, more resilient, and more committed than ever to ensuring that all children have the opportunity to learn and grow through outdoor science education.
We saw many bright spots this year. We redesigned our flagship Classrooms Unleashed program to boost learning outcomes and streamline delivery. We launched a Master Planning process for our Outdoor Education Camp, setting a bold vision for the next decade of experiential education. And, we hosted our first-ever Grown-Up Getaway Camp, a joyful and now-annual fundraiser that brings our community together in support of our mission.
In a year marked by extreme weather events, we also successfully and safely evacuated students and staff during the Gold Complex fires, demonstrating our team’s deep commitment to safety and preparation. We proudly served two schools with 100 percent scholarships for Overnight Outdoor Learning. And we were honored to host the Latino Stakeholders Council of Nevada for a day at camp, deepening relationships and dialogue around equity and access. To top it off, we were named Best Summer Camp in the Sierra Nevada — a testament to our team’s dedication to excellence.
We also continued to expand our role as a voice for outdoor education across the region. CEO Sean Hill graduated from the Washoe County Leadership Academy and was appointed to the Open Space and Regional Parks Commission, where he advocated for youth access to public lands. Our work was highlighted in regional media on both sides of the state line — including features on KOLO 8 News, the Reno Gazette Journal, and the Washoe Life Podcast. Also, Sean had the opportunity to speak about Sierra Nevada Journeys on Roadtrip Nation, helping elevate the field of outdoor science education to a broader audience.
As we look ahead, we are entering a new phase at Sierra Nevada Journeys. The last 18 years have brought tremendous growth. Now, we are embracing a season of strategic focus — one centered on program quality, long-term sustainability, and deepened impact. With your support, we’ll continue to provide transformative experiences in nature for youth across our region.
Thank you for believing in this mission, and for walking this path with us.
With gratitude,
Sean Hill, President and CEO
Malena Raymond, Board Chair
As We Reflect on 2024 . . .
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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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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Community Partner Camps
Sierra Nevada Journeys hosted 38 organizations and 2,514 participants for leadership workshops, youth empowerment retreats, and continuing education programs. Through our experiential education model and challenge course, we foster unity, trust, and teamwork among groups.
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Students from Natchez and Risley Elementary Schools Attend Camp
Students attend Overnight Outdoor Learning on 100 percent scholarship.
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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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Grown-Up Getaway Camp
Grown-Up Getaway Camp is a three-day, all-inclusive weekend for adults who are craving something more than just another vacation. It’s a chance to step out of your routine and into the rhythm of nature, connection, and a little bit of silliness.
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Summer and Day Camps Provide Fun All Summer Long
Nearly 1,000 youth attended summer camps with us exploring the outdoors and immersing themselves in STEAM activities.
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Washoe County School District’s 21st Century Community Learning Center
The school district’s program opens doors to enriching, hands-on learning experiences for students beyond the traditional school day by attending Overnight Outdoor Learning.
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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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Salmon Camp
Sierra Nevada Journeys teamed up with Sacramento’s Language Academy to host a week-long day camp focused on the critical role salmon play in the region’s ecosystems.
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Family STEM Nights
They’re a fun and educational experience for the whole family.
Measuring Our Success
See How Sierra Nevada Journeys’ Programming Improves Science Test Scores
