Ancient Lands:
Mammoth - Tahoe Tour
Native like Water, Native like Rock
July 9 - 12, 2009

FAQ

Step One: Decide on your attendance
Your decision to attend is indeed an honor to your community and our program. Participants must submit the registration as soon as possible. This program may fill quickly. We accept a small group of no more than 10-13 students. It is important we confirm our participants’ placement. We are available to assist you with questions and with groups of 3 or more. Contact us: tribalrelations@gmail.com.

Step Two: Get your correct documentation together
Complete and return the registration form ASAP along with the non-refundable deposit of US $100. Once we receive your registration and deposit, we will notify you of your acceptance into the program.  A confirmation packet and program details will be sent to you following receipt of your registration.

Step Three: Raise matching funds for the trip
There is a shared cost to participants, family or community due to current funding situations. Each participant is required to raise $300 to cover half the cost.  Total cost is more than $700; however, current funding provided by Purdue University’s Indigenous Earth Science Project and other community contributions grant each student a $400 scholarship to attend. This applies for students who submit their registration deposit by June 15, 2009.  Program fee for registrations received after June 25, 2009 is $400. 
Formal or informal requests to family members, community members, or Tribal Councils are the first place to start. Please use your formal letter of acceptance as your proof of privileged participation.  If after making a sincere effort, you are struggling with this, please contact us ASAP. You have come a long way already; and we have faith that you can do anything - we want to help.

Step Four: Confirmation
Confirmation of your attendance is needed before June 1, 2009.  At this time, you would need to have provided a non-refundable deposit of US $100.  If for some reason you choose not to attend after making your final payment, you will be given travel credit (less the $100 non-refundable deposit) with ITY to be used within one year.  There will be another opportunity for you.  Transportation to/from San Diego, San Bernardino meeting points is not included in the program fee.

FAQ Sheet; Common Asked Qs?
Q: What is the purpose of this trip? Wellness, Culture, Tribal Interchange and Academic Enrichment.

Q: Registration, arriving arrangements, Leads, Chaperones? Travel and Registration: Northern California Leaders: Joanie Hanson, ProgramCoordinator 760-301-0992 and Marc Chavez, 858-688-2624 will maintain logistics. 4 staff member Mentors/Counselors and Palomar College Adjunct Professor.

Q:  How much is this trip going to cost? Participant is responsible for raising $300. There will be no additional costs to the student. All will be included.  Spending money will only be needed for gifts, mementos, sharing, etc. Trip is TAX-DEDUCTABLE and can be written off as a gifted educational donation.

Questions regarding payment please contact Program Coordinators, Debra Avila or Joanie Hanson, via email: registration@intertribalyouth.org or call 760-301-0992 Messages are Returned often in the afternoon/evening.

Checks/Money Orders are made payable to:
The BRIDGE - ITY
874 Seacoast Drive
Imperial Beach, CA 91932
Check Memo: Mammoth-Tahoe, Student Name.
Accounting: Barbara 619-429-6621

Q: Keeping in touch with participant? We will supply direct cell phone numbers to reach ITY staff for emergency, with the exception when camping. Participants will be allowed to make phone calls on two separate nights to call family at the decision of the participant.

Q:  Where do participants sleep and what are the arrangements? Accommodations will always be clean, comfortable and be moderately upscale to include 3 nights camping. Food will be prepared by traveling world-class chef. Male and female students will be separated and chaperoned/supervised. There are 2.5 staff members to every 4 students.