INTRODUCTION
Joining an Overland group is a two-step process. During the first step, Placement, we determine whether or not there is space available and, if so, tentatively hold a place for the camper pending the Admissions Review process. During the second step, Admissions Review, we carefully review each applicant’s Admission Review Forms to determine whether or not he or she qualifies for admission in our sole judgment and discretion -- it's important to note that admissions at Overland is selective, is based upon our thorough review of these forms, and, as a result, we are not open to the general public (instead, we work hard to make admissions decisions that are right for our applicants and for our programs). The following is a description of the process; please call us with any questions or concerns that you have—and thank you for your interest in Overland!
STEP ONE: PLACEMENT
When we receive your son or daughter’s application if the first choice is available, you will receive a phone call and an email containing a link to our Overland Portal where you will find our Admissions Review Forms and we will accept your deposit to hold your child’s place in the program pending a favorable Admissions Review. If the first choice is not available, we will call you to confirm that the second choice is acceptable. If neither the first choice nor second choice is available, we will call you to discuss options. For those campers placed on our waitlist, we will notify you as soon as a spot becomes available.
Please note:
- If the first choice is not available your credit card will not be charged until we notify you and confirm that you want the second choice; similarly, if you are placed on a waitlist your credit card will not be charged.
- All placements are subject to our Admissions Review (see below).
STEP TWO: ADMISSIONS REVIEW
Once your son or daughter’s place on a trip has been held during Placement we will send you our Admissions Review Forms; these include:
- Parent Questionnaire.
- Physician’s Report.
- School Reference.
When we receive these completed forms back from you our Admissions Review begins. The goal of this review is to determine whether your child meets Overland’s admission standards. We seek to admit campers who have demonstrated that they possess the personal qualities and experience necessary to succeed on an Overland trip. While Overland is always supportive and nurturing, an Overland program is unlike a traditional camp in that our small groups—12 campers and 2 leaders—travel, live and work as a group, making all of their own meals, helping each other and cooperating in ways big and small, and they do all of this far from home. As a result, every camper must be able to thrive in an environment that places equal emphasis on:
- Teamwork & Shared Responsibilities.
- Independence & Self-Reliance.
- Support of Others & Consideration for Others.
Your completed Admissions Review Forms guide our review. We focus on three main areas:
- Whether the applicant is developmentally and physically capable of succeeding in Overland’s program.
- Whether the applicant is socially and emotionally prepared for Overland’s program.
- Whether the applicant has a history of disciplinary or other issues that demonstrate a concern about whether or not the applicant would succeed in Overland’s program.
As soon as we receive your Admissions Review Forms, we will begin the Admissions Review process. If our decision is to admit your son or daughter, we will send you an email confirming your child’s admission. If we decide not to admit your son or daughter we will send you an email with our decision and we will make a full refund of any payments you have made to Overland.
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
Overland prohibits discrimination against and harassment of any employee or any applicant for employment, or any camper or any applicant to join one of our camps, because of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, familial status, genetics, ancestry, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, veteran or military status, military service or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal or state law. All personnel responsible for hiring and promoting employees, for admitting and enrolling campers, for leading and supporting campers, and for developing and implementing camp programs or activities are charged to support this effort and to respond promptly and appropriately to any concerns brought to their attention. Individuals who feel they have been treated in a way that violates this policy and/or federal, state or local employment laws are encouraged to notify one of Overland’s directors. Overland will not take any retaliatory action in response to an individual’s complaints.