You have two programs in California. How do I know where to apply?
Sunburst Academy is our newest program and it is located in Los Alamitos CA (Orange County). If you live in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, or Imperial County, you should apply at Sunburst Academy. If you live in any other County (Central and Northern California) you would be eligible to apply at Grizzly Youth Academy, located in San Luis Obispo CA.
Do I have to have a mentor?
Yes. All cadets must have a mentor. The mentor must be over 25 years of age, the same sex as the cadet, and live in the same community. A completed mentor application must accompany the cadets application for enrollment. All prospective mentors must have a criminal background check once the student has been accepted. Mentor training is usually about 12 weeks after the program starts. It is held on a weekend day here at Camp San Luis Obispo, or in Sacramento or down south in Los Alamitos.
Can I make my child attend Grizzly Youth Academy?
No. Grizzly Youth Academy is strictly a voluntary program. Your child must have a desire to attend. We are not a placement facility and attending the Academy can not be court ordered or part of a probation contract.
Do I need to take a tour?
We require that you come for a tour if you live within a 3 hour radius of San Luis Obispo. Students that do come for a tour are more likely to do better in the program because they have a better understanding of what we do.
How can I get ready for the physical part of the Academy?
Start slowly......don't overdo the excercise at first. You will want to start walking and then jog for a little bit. Every week go a little bit further. Start doing a few sit-ups and push-ups a day and add a few as you feel stronger. Don't risk an injury by over excercising.
What will I be eating at Grizzly?
We have a cafeteria style dining facility. Meals are nutritional, tasty, and filling. We serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. Milk and juices are offered with meals. Snacks are provided as needed.
Can I watch TV at Grizzly?
Not in the beginning. There are no TV, radios, tape players, CD players, or MP3`s allowed until the platoons have earned the privelege.
My child is on medication....how is that handled?
Our medical staff hold all of the medications in a locked facility and hand them out as prescribed.
Do I get to go home?
Yes. Cadets are allowed up to three passes during the residential phase of the program. Two of these passes are mandatory and one is an earned or merit pass.
Can I come and visit my cadet?
We have at least one scheduled "Family Day" where the family can come and visit. Cadets receive up to three home passes during the residential phase. Mentors can arrange to take their cadets off post once a background check has been done, and the mentor has attended training. Emergencies will be handled on a case by case basis.
How much does the program cost?
NO CHARGE!! Tuition, room and board, books, meals, and uniforms are provided at NO-COST to the family. During the final portion of the Residential Phase, there are several OPTIONAL costs that the family may incur (yearbook, pictures, class ring, etc.) These costs are OPTIONAL to the family. Cadets are required to bring personal and clothing items with them on the first day. The list of these required items will be sent to the family when the application is complete and the cadet has been accepted to the program or you can see a sample packing list on the "How to Apply" page.
How old do you have to be?
Grizzly Youth Academy is for 16-18 year olds. You must be at least 16 years old on the first day of attendance. You cannot be older than 18 on the first day of attendance (You can turn 19 while your are here.)
How can I support the Academy?
The best way to help the academy is to write your local political figures (Congressperson, State Senator, or Assemblyman) and tell them you support what the academy does. Grizzly Youth Academy does accept financial donations. This money is used for scholarships, awards, and items that we are not allowed to purchase with state funds. Checks (do not send cash) should be made out to the Grizzly Youth Academy Fund. These donations will be deposited in a 501(3)c account and are tax deductible. Mail your donation in care of: Major John Oberg, Grizzly Youth Academy, P.O.Box 3209, San Luis Obispo, 93403.