FAQs

Who can attend FIT?

Participation is open to active TK-12+ California educators, formal or nonformal, as well as preservice teachers, administrators, and program leads. Program funding is provided to enhance environmental literacy within California and only in-state educators are accepted at this time.

What can I expect from a FIT experience?

FIT provides 50 hours of instruction over the course of seven days.  To ensure Continuing Education accreditation, the program is designed to provide participants with a rigorous but rewarding educational experience.  As a residential program, all participants are expected to stay on-site, with days often starting early and ending late.

  • Field trips to off-site, rural field locations; routes sometimes take winding roads

  • Mild/moderate walking on and off established paths and uneven terrain

  • Outdoor instruction in variable environments and inclement weather

  • Limited cell service/internet access (site-dependent)

How many educators are accepted to each session?

Session sizes range from 25-35 participants due to site capacity, facility limitations, and group class size.

What are accommodations like?

On-site accommodations vary from rustic cabins to dorm rooms depending on the session. Participants are asked to stay on-site for the duration of each session, as days start early and often end late. Unfortunately, guests are not permitted to stay on-site or participate in FIT 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 does it cost to attend?

FIT registration fees include participant room, board, and curriculum materials for the duration of the session. Participants are responsible for their own travel to and from the session site.

Summer Sessions [7-day program]: $80 (early bird) / $125

FIT-Focus Sessions [3-day program]: $60 

What happens if I need to withdraw ?

Please contact the FIT Program Coordinator as soon as possible so we can notify others on the waitlist and help the session planning team make adjustments (accommodations, material ordering, meal prep, etc.). 

Your registration fee is non-refundable, but exceptions are made for family/medical emergencies up to four weeks prior to sessions starting. Please contact FIT's Program Coordinator for more details. 

Why is the registration fee non-refundable?

FIT’s registration fee helps to support maintenance of this webpage, the registration software, and staff support from the California Society of American Foresters.

 Can I return to FIT if I've already attended a full session?

​Returning graduates are eligible to attend, but must attend a different session than their original FIT experience!

Returning solo (or with 1-3 others): $950

Returning with a team (4+ others): early bird/regular rate

​Priority is given to returning participants who have also completed an approved FIT Curriculum Project from their original session.

If planning to return, contact FIT Program Coordinator to coordinate payment.