Q1: How do I become a Guide?
It's easy to get started. If you are 21 years or older, just complete the Guide application and fax it to 916.368.5157 or mail it to:
Wonder, a program of Sierra Forever Families
8929 Volunteer Lane, Suite 240
Sacramento, CA 95826
(916) 290-1206
We'll review it and contact you within 48 hours.

Q2: How much time will I need to commit to the child?
You'll need about 8 hours a month for one year to be a Guide. That's about three excursions and several phone calls each month with the child. And while we ask for a minimum 12 month commitment, we encourage (and anticipate) longer connections with each child.

Q3: What kind of support does Wonder offer?
As a Guide, you can count on approximately 15 hours of intensive training before you meet the child (Explorer). That way you're prepared to build a relationship with the child, plan interesting activities, manage behaviors, and know what's expected of you as a Guide. We also provide a well-stocked website designed just for Guides with creative ideas in each of the Wonder areas (music, the arts, sports, volunteer service, dining out and nature). You'll find a smorgasbord of things to do with your Explorer ranging from simple, inexpensive (or free) excursions to more elaborate outings. And each Guide receives individualized, ongoing support during a monthly review with Wonder staff.

Q4: What if I don't connect with the child?
Some Explorers will need several months before feeling comfortable with their Guides. We make sure every Guide understands this and is willing to be patient if necessary before meeting their Explorer.

We've designed our program so that Guides have the support they need to build friendships with every child. Our training is designed to help Guides with their initial introduction to their Explorers and to help them build rapport. Our staff is trained to provide ongoing, individualized support to each Guide and can utilize clinical psychologists for further guidance if necessary. The last thing we want is for a child to have another adult give up on them. We'll do everything possible before the "match" is ended.

Q5: What if I can't afford to pay for all of the activities?
Some people have the time, compassion and commitment to be a great Guide, but not necessarily the money to pay for all of the excursions. While activities don't need to be expensive to be fun, some activities will cost money. Guides who need some financial assistance can receive up to $150.00 per year in reimbursements.

Q6: What if the child's residential placement changes?
Our goal is to provide each child with a consistent, caring adult for at least 12 months even if the child's placement changes. In fact, as a condition of acceptance into our program, each Guide agrees to follow his or her Explorer to a new placement if necessary and reasonable (i.e., if the child is moved less than 45 miles away from their previous placement). Every effort will be made to ensure that matches do not end due to changes in a child's placement.

Q7: Do you have a teen program? In August 2008, Wonder started a program called Counselors in Leadership Training (C.I.L.T.). The C.I.L.T. program offers ten currently enrolled teen Explorers and their Guides to enter into a year long training and group teen program. The program builds on the principals of youth development and youth participation by educating the teen C.I.L.T.s in leadership skills, public speaking, decision making, and how to work in partnership with adults. The C.I.L.T.s are currently enrolled Explorers who are at least 13 years old and are matched with a Guide. The C.I.L.T.s will plan four group outings for the other teen Explorers and their Guides. They will also will participate in a leadership capacity at Camp Wonder and other Journey outings throughout the year. We will enroll a different 10 Explorers and their Guides each year.

Q1: How do I enroll a child in the program?
It's easy to get started. Simply complete the Explorer application and fax it to 916.368.5157 or mail it to:
Wonder, a program of Sierra Forever Families
8928 Volunteer Lane, Suite 240
Sacramento, CA 95826

We'll review it and contact you within 48 hours.

Q2: What ages do you accept?
Children between the ages of six and twelve are currently eligible to be Explorers.

Q3: What if the child's residential placement changes?
Our goal is to provide each child with a consistent, caring adult for at least 12 months even if the child's placement changes. In fact, as a condition of acceptance into our program, each Guide agrees to follow his or her Explorer to a new placement if necessary and reasonable (i.e., if the child is moved less than 45 miles away from their previous placement). Every effort will be made to ensure that matches do not end due to changes in a child's placement.

Q4: How do you screen the guides?
Ensuring the safety of every child in our program is the top priority at Wonder. That's why we screen every applicant carefully before accepting them to be a Guide.