Volunteers attend a Friday evening orientation at the facility conducted by hospital staff. Saturday is a full day of interaction with the residents which continues through the evening. Client interaction continues Sunday morning and, prior to departure, there is a brief wrap-up session which allows for a discussion and evaluation of the weekend. This program offers a volunteer the option of earning university credit OR participating as a volunteer strictly for the experience. Transportation, Food, and Lodging Carpool arrangements are organized by CAVE staff with volunteers sharing the cost of gas.
Lodging is provided on the hospital grounds.
To keep costs to a minimum, volunteers are encouraged to bring snacks and food for meals. The clients at Napa State Hospital eagerly look forward to each weekend visit from CAVE volunteers. If a volunteer cancels, it is more than an inconvenience - it is a major disappointment to a client. Limited space on these trips also means that a cancellation prevents another interested volunteer from going.