Class 7

December 23rd, 2019

Dear Applicant,

Congratulations on your acceptance into Discovery ChalleNGe Academy Class 7. You must also
complete the remaining requirements listed below in order to complete your enrollment.

First Requirement: Submit any documents that have been identified as missing or incomplete
from your application. Failure to submit these documents in a timely manner will result in the
rescinding of your acceptance. You must email the documents to the Academy ASAP:
admissions@iamdiscovery.org Please keep a copy of everything you send for your records.

Second Requirement: You and your parent/guardian MUST attend the Pre-Intake Day on
JANUARY 7th. All Candidates are required to bring ALL of their packing list items on this
date. You must arrive at Discovery ChalleNGe Academy at your scheduled time. Each family
will be called to be given their show time.

IMPORTANT: Any change in status of the applicant (i.e. Legal, medical, or school issues) can
result in termination of acceptance into Discovery ChalleNGe Academy. If any applicant fails any
of the above requirements, your acceptance may be revoked.

Please invite your mentor to Intake Day, scheduled on January 12th.

Congratulations,

Chief Matthew Reece

Recruiting, Placement, and Mentoring Supervisor
reece@iamdiscovery.org
Greetings Mentors!

Hello! If you are receiving this letter, it is because you have been chosen by a new DCA
candidate to be their mentor. Below you will find important information regarding your journey
as a Discovery Mentor.

Mentor Applications: To be a mentor, an application must be completed. You can find the
application at www.iamdiscovery.org Please read and ensure you understand the role and
responsibilities you will have as a mentor while the cadets live here for 5 ½ months and for the
following 12 months after they graduate. Please note, we will be calling you in the near future
for a mentor interview. Additionally, we will be contacting the two character references that
you provide us. The Application must be done by INTAKE DAY.

Live Scan: Live Scan is a system that determines eligibility to work/volunteer with minors based
on the Department of Justice database. This is necessary in California and required by law for the
protection of our cadets. Please note: any information obtained will be secure and remain
confidential. I understand that some of you are employed by agencies (military, law enforcement,
educators, etc.) that require more extensive background checks. However, a Live Scan conducted
by DCA is still mandatory.

Mentor/Cadet Co-Training: Mentor/Cadet co-training will be held on February 15th or 16th.

The day you pick is optional and only one day is required. This will also be your first Mentor
Visit with your cadet. The time will be from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Please RSVP with me as
soon as possible.

Mentor Visits: (Save the date)

March 14th - 11:00am-3:00pm

April 18th - 11:00am-3:00pm
May 9th - 1 1 : 0 0 a m -3:00pm

Graduation – June 13th – Mentors are our

VIP’s, NO TICKET NEEDED FOR YOU.
YOU WILL RSVP WITH ME

I want to thank you for your willingness and commitment to helping your future cadet, not only
change their life, but also sustain the positive changes they will make. Welcome to the Discovery
family and again, thank you for being a Discovery Mentor!

Very Respectfully,

Mr. Cotton
916-926-9312
cotton@iamdiscovery.org
 Discovery Packing List
*MUST READ*
You need to bring all of the items on this list for Pre-Intake Day. The uniform for applicants will
be: light gray shorts, black t-shirt, black socks, running shoes and black baseball cap.
YOU MUST REMOVE ALL PIERCINGS & EARRINGS BEFORE ARRIVING. No
Jewelry.

Females: Hair must be pulled up into a bun, NO makeup, NO nail polish (including toes), NO
acrylic nails (You will be told to cut them off!)

Males: Must be clean shaven. Hair will be shaved to a ZERO at pre-intake day

Cadets are not allowed to put their hands in their pockets. If you cannot find sweatpants or shorts
without pockets, YOU MUST SEW ALL POCKETS CLOSED! Shorts below the knees, baggy
or too tight clothing are NOT allowed. If you already own any items on the list, you can bring
them, but make sure there is NO LOGO on the outside. Be sure to WASH YOUR SWEATS
SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE WEARING. If unwashed, they cover the black shirts with fuzz.

Pack all of your belongings into a GREEN MILITARY DUFFLE BAG. Do not bring
suitcases, purses, or wallets on Intake Day. ANY items brought that are not on this list, unless
previously authorized, will be sent home!

IMPORTANT MEDICATIONS: If you are taking any prescribed medications, DO NOT stop
taking them. Bring all prescription medications with you in the original prescription bottle
WITH YOUR NAME ON IT. BRING YOUR MEDICATION(S) ON INTAKE DAY!

Green Military Duffle Bag

 Discovery Packing List
REQUIRED CLOTHING ITEMS FOR ALL CANDIDATES

2 Pairs of Black or 10 White, Black,

White based Or Grey
RUNNING shoes cotton
(NO Vans, underwear
Converse, Chuck (Females: NO
Taylors or slip on thongs, lingerie)
shoes) (Males: Briefs/
Boxer briefs,
NO loose fitting
boxers)

8 Plain BLACK
2 Pairs of Black crew neck,
flip flops cotton T-Shirts
(NO pockets,
NO V-neck, NO
Low cut, Non-
form fitting )

10 Pairs of PLAIN 3 Light GRAY

BLACK CREW sweatpants (NO
(Calf length) pockets or you
athletic socks, NO must sew
LOGO (Not dress pockets shut!)
socks)
5 Light GRAY 3 Light GRAY
gym sweat shorts sweatshirts (NO
(NO mesh, must hood, NO
be KNEE pockets, NO V-
LENGTH, No neck, NO low-
pockets or you cut, Non form
must sew pockets fitting)
shut!)

4 Black spandex 3 BLACK

compression baseball caps
shorts (NOT (NO LOGOS,
biking shorts) NO MESH)

1 BLACK kiwi
1 Set of GEL shoe shoe polish kit
inserts (Optional)

2 Prescription eye 1 Reusable Tote

glass (If Bag
REQUIRED to
use)

2 Pairs of wool
Gloves, Black
only (No Logos)
REQUIRED HYGIENE ITEMS FOR ALL CANDIDATES

2 Plain DARK BLUE 2 Plain DARK

bath towels BLUE Washcloths

3 Packs of 2 Can of shaving

DISPOSABLE Razors cream (gel type)
(Minimum of four Minimum 20 oz.
blades)

1 Bottle of medicated NON-ALCOHOL

foot powder AND Mouthwash (Check
the label – MUST be
1 Bottle of unscented non-alcohol)
body powder Minimum 64 oz.

o 1 package of Q-Tips (250 Minimum o 2 LARGE Toothpastes

Quantity) o 2 Toothbrush holders
o 4 Sticks of deodorant o 2 Bottles of UNSCENTED
o 6 BARS of soap Sunscreen lotion (SPF 50 or higher)
o 1 soap box holder o 1 Nail Clipper (WITH NO FILE)
o 1 LARGE bottle of shampoo o 2 Sticks of non-flavored chap stick
o FEMALES: 1 Bottle of conditioner SPF 30 or higher
o 2 Toothbrushes o 2 Dental floss (Regular floss NO
OPTIONAL ITEMS ONE-TIME USE FLOSS PICKS)

o 2 Spiritual or other motivational

books
o 1 bottle of unscented body lotion o Argon Oil without alcohol OR
o 10 (MAXIMUM) personal 4x6 Coconut Oil in a plastic container
photos (NO visible tobacco, alcohol, (Female)
nudity, kissing, gang signs)
o Hair clippers (Males)
REQUIRED ITEMS FOR FEMALE CANDIDATES

2 pack of BROWN or 8 WHITE or BLACK

BLACK hair ties. Sports Bras

Optional:

1 Sock bun

o 3 Boxes of pads and/or tampons

o 1 pack of LARGE bobby pins (Must be similar to your hair color)
o 2 Hairbrush or comb
o 2 bottle of hair gel
o 2 Shower Cap

REQUIRED WRITING MATERIALS FOR ALL CANDIDATES

1 Wooden Clip Mentor’s home

Board & cell phone
number and
address on a 3x5
card taped in
your clip board.

o 1 Pack of college ruled paper (200 ct.)

o 1 ream of 8 ½ x 11 size paper (500 sheets/ copy paper)
o 1 pack of black ink pens
o 2 Books of postage stamps for sending letters
o 1 Box of envelopes for sending letters (Unopened)
MEDICAL:

We are asking you to include $50.00 for medical co-pay. The purpose of the $50.00 co-pay is to cover any cost
associated with the medical care of your child. Examples of this are, but not limited to: A co-pay for a doctor’s
visit, parking at the doctor’s office, co-pay at the pharmacy, over the counter medication that we do not carry. All
unused money for your child will be returned upon completion of the stay at Discovery upon request. Please
place the $50.00 cash medical co-pay in an envelope with your child’s name and group. This will be
collected on Intake Day. For questions regarding this co-pay, please contact our medical department.

Email for Lead Medic: vansickle@iamdiscovery.org

 PARENT HANDBOOK
Welcome!!
Please read this handbook and keep it available throughout the next 22 weeks.

Stay informed of Academy updates, events, and support for your child by logging onto Discovery’s Facebook
page regularly!

NO ONE IS ALLOWED ON BASE ONCE THE CLASS BEGINS

(UNLESS REQUESTED BY DCA STAFF)

Candidate Mailing Address: Candidate Last Name, First Name

DCA
PO Box 1189
Lathrop, Ca 95330

PACKAGES ONLY: Candidate Last Name, First Name

DCA
th
15529 7 Street Unit 1189
Lathrop, CA 95330

PARENTS ARE NOT ABLE TO DROP

ITEMS OFF TO THE ACADEMY NO
EXCEPTIONS

Discovery’s Main Phone: (844) 633-3301

 PARENT HANDBOOK
WHO ARE THE BOOSTERS?

We are a group of prior class parents who partner with the Academy to be YOUR
resource and guide you through the next 22 weeks. Many of the questions you might
have can be answered by the Boosters. We have been in your shoes, felt the emotions,
had the questions and wondered what to do next. While the Academy staff is working 24/7 with
over 200 teenagers, the Boosters are here for you. Feel free to reach out to us if you need
anything ~ we are more readily available to help you while the staff works hard to help your
candidate through the program.

HOW TO STAY CONNECTED?

Once your candidate is at Discovery, it is important to stay connected. Your best way to be
involved, ask any questions, see pictures, videos, or connect with other parents is to “Like” our
page on Facebook (it’s free!!):
FB- Discovery ChalleNGe Academy
IG- IAmDiscovery

As mentioned, you can also receive updates in an email. Send all parent contact info (Candidates
name, Group letter, all parent names, email addresses and phone numbers) to -

CONTACT EMAILS FOR BOOSTERS

Char Findlay- Booster President – Cfindlay@iamdiscovery.org

Mary Barnes- Booster VP – Mbarnes@iamdiscovery.org

HOW TO HELP YOUR CANDIDATE SUCCEED

• Write your cadet every day. Assign family members a day of the week to write to
your child.

• Remember this is not a vacation for you or your child. The Academy is not going to “fix”
your child. You need to be working on changes at home just as they are making changes
here.

• Enroll in parenting classes!

 WHAT HAPPENS AFTER INTAKE?
Acclimation Phase: The first 2 weeks is called the “Acclimation” phase. This is an intensive time
of physical activity and learning the Discovery routine. The cadets are evaluated to determine if
they are prepared for the rigors of the whole program. During this 2 week period, there is no phone
contact with your son or daughter. Letters are critical to your candidate. WRITE DAILY!!!!
Rest assured if there is any need to contact you, the counselor will call you.

After Acclimation ends, they will officially become CADETS and earn their Discovery uniform.
The remaining 20 weeks is called the "ChalleNGe" phase of academics, physical fitness,
counseling (both individual and group), life skills training, and team-building. All of the cadets
live in military barracks (male and females in separate sleeping quarters), eat and attend school on
base, provide service to the community and go on many field trips to fun and educational places.

Cadets have several opportunities to communicate with their family and mentors. They can send
and receive regular mail from day one. After Acclimation here are other ways:

• Cadets get a 5 minute phone call home after Acclimation ends. Five Minute calls then occur
before special events like Family Day, Home Passes and Graduation. The day / time for
calls vary. If you miss your cadet’s call, they will try to call you back.

• After mentor training, cadets and mentors get to have on-base visits on select weekends.

• Family Day: Is the first time you see your cadet and enjoy viewing the changes and their
accomplishments. See the Family Day / Calendar of Events pages for more information

• Home Pass: Your cadet is able to come home 2 times during the program (see Calendar of
Events page ~ subject to completing parenting class).

Details about all of these events will be posted on Facebook and sent to you in an email.

Cadets graduate through different “Phases” during the remaining 20 weeks. Each phase the Cadets
earn more privileges which are briefly outlined below.

Red Phase “Integrity”: Cadets are issued and authorized to wear their cadet uniform, call cadence,
hold leadership positions, and can earn additional phone privileges.

White Phase “Courage”: Plan and conduct their own PT sessions, authorized to play organized
sports for PT, and have platoon movie nights with Academy approved movies.

Blue Phase “Honor”: Cadets are responsible for day-to-day activities, use of CD/Radio players,
sporting equipment, and acoustic musical equipment can be authorized.
 DEALINNG WITH
HOMESICKNESS
LETTER WRITING

Candidates get very homesick and they need your written support throughout the program. You
and your entire family must write OFTEN. Daily is not too much. Please share the following
information with all of your family and friends to write your candidate. The more support the
better!! Here is how to address an envelope to your candidate:

Candidate Last Name, First Name

DCA
P.O. Box 1189
Lathrop, Ca 95330

WANT TO HELP A CANDIDATE IN NEED?

Many candidates/cadets get very little mail. If you would like to send words of encouragement
to candidates/cadets in need of support, place your unsealed cards/letters in a larger envelope
and mail to:
Discovery Boosters, PO Box 1189, Lathrop, Ca 95330
There is no need to put a stamp on each Candidate letter envelope since they will be hand
delivered to the Academy by the Boosters. The boosters will address the envelope with the
Cadet’s name. Feel free to include your return address. I’m sure some will write you back.
Please continue to write your own candidate DAILY!! They will need you more than you can
ever imagine while they are at the Academy. Homesickness is HARD!!!
 PARENT MEETINGS – BEGIN IN WHITE PHASE
DO NOT COME TO THE BASE
(UNLESS REQUESTED BY DCA STAFF)

Shortly after the candidates phase from the acclimation period into red phase, your candidate will
then be called a cadet and begin their full journey at Discovery. The Academy will provide a
parent meeting where you can meet and greet with your cadet’s Platoon SGT, Case Manager,
and Counselor who work directly with your cadet. The location will be announced on Facebook /
emails. Mark your calendar and plan on attending:

March 14th at 9:00am

you will be done by 11:00am

2707 Transworld Drive, Stockton, Ca 95206

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

All dates are estimated and subject to change. These dates are only provided as an estimate.
Please watch our Facebook page for up to the minute changes and confirmation of all dates and
events. Dates below are based from the starting date of this class:

¨ 1st Phone Call: Around January 27th

¨ Mentor Training: February 15th or 16th (Mentors ONLY)

¨ Family Day: March 21st

¨ 1st Home Pass: April 10th – 13th

¨ 2nd Home Pass: May 22nd – 25th

¨ Graduation: June 13th

All dates are subject to change. We will keep you updated.

 CONGRATULATION CADET CARDS

After completing the 2 weeks of Acclimation your Candidates will become Cadets and will begin
Red Phase. As a special gift to your child, for working through a very challenging 2 weeks,
We encourage you to mail DIRECTLY to your Cadet by -
DATE: January 20th. Label the envelope with “CONGRATS CARD” so we give it to them on
the correct day!

DONATED CARDS (for those who do not get one mailed from home) – mail unsealed/
unaddressed cards to BOOSTERS PO Box 1189, Lathrop, Ca 95330 by DATE: January 20th

Guidelines for sending cards

Cards can be no larger than 8 x 11 piece of paper - they must fit inside locker
NO GLITTER -NO GLITTER- NO GLITTER - NO GLITTER
NO INAPPROPIATE PHOTOS OR LANGUAGE
Be Creative and have fun!
NO GLITTER

NO CARDS CAN BE HAND-DELIVERED TO THE ACADEMY—NO

EXCEPTIONS
 ACADEMY STAFF CONTACT INFORMATION

Contact counselors only for any questions/concerns regarding cadet, family issues/emergencies,
illnesses or deaths in the family, parenting classes, etc.
DO NOT WRITE TO CADETS ABOUT FAMILY EMERGENCIES UNTIL YOU HAVE
SPOKEN TO HIS/ HER COUNSELOR. THEY WILL HELP SUPPORT YOUR CADET.

Support staff (Will be assigned at Pre-Intake)

Counselors are the Liaison to the PARENTS
Case Managers are the Liaison to the Mentors

RPM Coordinator (ALL Probation/ Court/ Legal Questions/ Concerns)

Chief Reece reece@iamdiscovery.org
916-217-5780 or 916-855-4032

Lead Counselor
Mr. Abney abney@iamdiscovery.org

Medical (contact for any medical/dental concerns or medication monitoring questions

Medics WILL be contacted to coordinate ANY/ALL

medical appointments. No Exceptions

Lead Medic
Staff Sergeant Vansickle:
vansickle@iamdiscovery.org
Your ChalleNGe Starts
January 12 !
th

We will not give up on you

Or allow you to give up on yourself!