General FIT Program FAQs
The following FAQs apply to all FIT core sessions and FIT-Focus sessions
|
Generally, what can I expect from FIT programming?
Participants engage in experiential and place-based professional learning over the duration of a session. Expect: Some extended travel in buses or vehicles to field sites, mild/moderate walking on and off established paths, active engagement with environmental education curricula in outdoor environments. Participants will also be given time to plan and design a FIT Curriculum Project, and explore the local ecosystems. Who can attend FIT and/or FIT-Focus?
Participation is open to any California educator, formal or nonformal. Funding support is provided specifically to enhance environmental literacy within California. At this time the program only accepts in-state educators. How many educator are accepted to each session?
Due to variable site-capacity and facility limitations, sessions accept between 25-35 participants. This group size facilitates meaningful relationship-building amongst participants, instructors and guest speakers. How will weather affect programming?
Session directors monitor weather conditions prior-to and during each FIT session. In the event of hazardous or extreme weather conditions, session directors will communicate with participants regarding any adjustments to the scheduled program. What are accommodations like?
Accommodations are provided by FIT. Participants are asked to stay on-site for the duration of each session, as days start early and often end late, with some days dedicated to off-site field excursions for which transportation logistics are typically arranged by FIT staff. Guests are not permitted to stay on-site or participate in FIT programming. Please Session Information page for more information about site accommodations. |
What does it cost to attend?
Since 1993, FIT has maintained an affordable cost of attendance due in large part to the generous support from program donors, and federal and state grants. Application fees are the only programmatic costs associated with attending, with early bird registration available for FIT's core summer sessions. Summer FIT sessions [7-day program]: $80 (early bird) / $125 (regular) FIT-Focus sessions [3-day program]: $60 This fee covers participants' room, board, instructional materials, schwag, curriculum resources and transportation during session. Participants are responsible for personal travel to/from the session location. What happens if I must withdraw my application to attend?
Please notify FIT as soon as possible, as your withdrawal impacts those on the waitlist, as well as each session's planning team preparations (accommodations, materials, meals, etc.). Your application fee is non-refundable, but exceptions are made for family/medical emergencies up to two weeks prior to sessions starting. Please contact FIT's Program Coordinator for more details. Why is the application fee non-refundable?
The application fee helps to support maintenance of this webpage, the FIT session registration service, and staff support from the California Society of American Foresters. Can I return to FIT if I've already attended a full session?
Returning participants are eligible to attend, but must attend a different session than their original FIT experience! Returning solo?
Returning with a team (4+ others)
Priority is given to returning participants who have also completed an approved FIT Curriculum Project from their original session. Please contact FIT Program Coordinator with any questions. |