Fiscal Year 2026 | Quarter 1
December 22 | Frosty Yurt Hike
On December 22, Nevada Outdoor School hosted the Frosty Yurt Hike in Water Canyon, welcoming families for a winter adventure focused on outdoor exploration and stewardship. Participants hiked up to the yurt while NOS staff shared facts and discussed the Leave No Trace principles along the way, helping families learn how to recreate responsibly in winter conditions. Three families joined the hike and braved the cold, windy weather, enjoying the experience together despite the elements. Nevada Outdoor School partnered with the Humboldt County Library for this event, allowing the program to reach more community members and encourage greater participation in outdoor activities. The hike concluded with warm, delicious s’mores, creating a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere that brought everyone together. Overall, the Frosty Yurt Hike was a successful event that inspired participants to spend time outdoors while gaining valuable knowledge about Leave No Trace principles.
December 17 | Sunsets & S’mores
Nevada Outdoor School hosted a lively Sunsets & S’mores event at Highland Park, on December 17th, welcoming families for an evening of community, connection, and outdoor fun. The park was decorated with string lights, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere as the sun set over the park. Families enjoyed gathering around the fire, roasting s’mores and seeing just how many they could make before the night ended. A photo booth was set up and well-used throughout the evening, giving families a chance to capture memories together. Despite the chilly weather, the combination of the campfire, glowing lights, and colorful sunset made the evening feel cozy and worth staying out for. Sofia led Leave No Trace games, helping families learn how to enjoy outdoor spaces responsibly while having fun around the fire. The event created a welcoming space for families to relax, play, and experience the outdoors together, ending the evening with full stomachs, warm hands, and lasting memories.
December 14 | Pioneer Christmas
On December 14, Nevada Outdoor School proudly participated in Pioneer Christmas, an event that proved to be a tremendous success for the entire community. NOS staff embraced the pioneer spirit by dressing in period attire and welcoming the many families who attended throughout the day. NOS hosted a s’mores station that quickly became a favorite, with both kids and parents enjoying the warm, hands-on experience. Midway through the event, NOS staff also stepped in to support the treadle machine station, ensuring it continued to run smoothly despite staffing shortages. This station saw strong engagement, with many families stopping by and several children having the opportunity to safely try the treadle machines under supervision. Overall, Pioneer Christmas was a highly successful event, and families left feeling happy, engaged, and satisfied with their experience.
December 11 | Flagview Day
On December 11, Nevada Outdoor School participated in Flagview Day, reaching 308 fifth- and sixth-grade students through engaging, hands-on lessons. NOS led a Five Senses activity that encouraged students to explore how sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste help them understand the world around them, while also challenging them to rely more heavily on one sense when another was limited. Interactive tools such as smell jars and sensory balloons helped bring the lesson to life and kept students actively involved. Nevada Outdoor School partnered with Flagview CIS, with Mrs. O playing a key role in ensuring the day ran smoothly. Teachers were highly engaged and supportive throughout the program, contributing to a positive learning environment. With favorable weather, NOS was also able to take portions of the lesson outdoors, enhancing the experience and allowing students to connect their learning directly to the natural environment.
December 10 | Winter Wanderwood Hike
On December 10, Nevada Outdoor School hosted a Winter Wanderwood Hike, bringing community members together for an afternoon walk through the canyon. The weather was chilly with a light wind, creating a true winter atmosphere and a great opportunity to slow down and observe seasonal changes in the landscape. We shared insights about winter ecology in the canyon, pointing out how plants and animals adapt to colder temperatures and limited resources. After the hike, the group gathered to enjoy warm beverages, giving everyone a chance to connect. The event offered a calm and welcoming space to experience the outdoors in winter and build community through shared curiosity and conversation.
December 9 | NOS Christmas Party
On December 9, Nevada Outdoor School celebrated the end of the year with a Christmas party at the Martin in Winnemucca, bringing together nearly the entire NOS team and AmeriCorps members. The evening was filled with holiday cheer as staff enjoyed a white elephant gift exchange, festive games, and time to connect and reflect as a team. As part of the annual celebration, the Nevada Outdoor School Board of Directors presented end-of-year awards to recognize outstanding contributions. This year, Kim Pay was honored for creating excellent programming, and Toril Tapia was recognized for marketing and sharing that programming with the community. The celebration marked the close of a strong year for Nevada Outdoor School, highlighted by growth in both programming and participant numbers.
December 8 | Project Santa
On December 8, Nevada Outdoor School proudly supported Project Santa, a meaningful community initiative hosted by the Frontier Community Coalition in Winnemucca from December 8 through December 12. AmeriCorps members assisted FCC staff by wrapping and organizing donated gifts for families in need, contributing five hours of volunteer service to support the effort. During that time, each AmeriCorps member helped prepare gifts for at least four different families, ensuring holiday cheer reached as many households as possible. Project Santa is an annual program that plays an important role in supporting local families during the holiday season, and Nevada Outdoor School was grateful for the opportunity to partner with the Frontier Community Coalition and be part of an initiative that brings joy and relief to the community.
December 5 | S’mores with Santa
On December 5, Nevada Outdoor School supported the S’more with Santa event, welcoming more than 100 community members for an evening of holiday fun and outdoor connection. Children participated in a festive scavenger hunt, searching for 12 Christmas-themed items to earn the chance to make their own s’mores. Families also had the opportunity to go indoors to take photos with Santa. NOS staff and AmeriCorps members worked together to keep the event running smoothly, managing check-in, s’more ingredients, and the campfire. The evening wrapped up with kids learning how to safely make s’mores over a campfire at CTIC, creating a warm, memorable experience for the community.
December 4 | GBC ESL Class
On December 4, Nevada Outdoor School’s AmeriCorps members spent two hours at Great Basin College with a group of 10 English language learners, introducing them to NOS and the organization’s mission. The session began with an overview of AmeriCorps service and an introduction to Leave No Trace principles, followed by an interactive Plan Ahead and Prepare activity in which participants worked through outdoor scenarios, selected appropriate clothing, and chose essential items to bring on their trip. The group also enjoyed making s’mores, an especially memorable experience, as several participants were trying one for the first time. The visit concluded with relaxed conversation, connection-building, and a few fun magic tricks, creating a welcoming and engaging learning environment for everyone involved.
November | Nature in My World
In November, Nevada Outdoor School’s Nature in My World program explored the five senses and their role in regulating the nervous system. Students learned how both people and animals adapt to their environments, including how individuals can thrive without one of the senses. Lessons highlighted inspiring figures like Helen Keller and Beethoven, demonstrating how adaptation allows us to fully experience the world. Hands-on activities included smell jars and balloons filled with different materials, giving students a glimpse of what it might be like to lose their sense of sight. Participants then nature journaled about what they heard, smelled, saw, and touched during the lessons. Across the Elko and Winnemucca offices, NOS visited more than 50 classrooms, engaging nearly 1,000 students in meaningful outdoor learning experiences.
November | Nature in My World
In November, Nevada Outdoor School’s Nature in My World program explored the five senses and their role in regulating the nervous system. Students learned how both people and animals adapt to their environments, including how individuals can thrive without one of the senses. Lessons highlighted inspiring figures like Helen Keller and Beethoven, demonstrating how adaptation allows us to fully experience the world. Hands-on activities included smell jars and balloons filled with different materials, giving students a glimpse of what it might be like to lose their sense of sight. Participants then nature journaled about what they heard, smelled, saw, and touched during the lessons. Across the Elko and Winnemucca offices, NOS visited more than 50 classrooms, engaging nearly 1,000 students in meaningful outdoor learning experiences.
November | Young Naturalist Club
Nevada Outdoor School wrapped up a fun and engaging fall session of Young Naturalist Club with five hands-on lessons exploring beavers, owls, astronomy, and nocturnal wildlife in Nevada. Students investigated a variety of animal skins and skulls to understand how teeth play a vital role in survival, dissected owl pellets, and even sculpted their own clay teeth. Macy from CTIC joined the group to lead an exciting astronomy lesson, where participants previewed what the night sky will look like on their birthdays. Youth also learned about beaver adaptations inside a Native American wikiup and discovered why nocturnal animals thrive at night rather than during the day. Through these activities, NOS increased its Total Service Output by 66 hours.
November 15 | Birdfeeder Workshop
On November 15, Nevada Outdoor School hosted a Birdfeeder Workshop that welcomed families for a fun and educational hands-on experience. Participants learned how to create simple, kid-friendly birdfeeders while discovering more about local bird species and the kinds of foods that attract them. Children especially enjoyed decorating their feeders with natural materials, adding personal creativity while gaining a deeper appreciation for backyard wildlife. Families worked closely together throughout the workshop, making the activity both meaningful and enjoyable. Everyone left with a finished birdfeeder and helpful tips on how to hang, fill, and maintain it to encourage birds to visit their homes year-round.
November 14 | Elko Adventure Buddies
On November 14, Nevada Outdoor School hosted an Adventure Buddies session focused on learning about the sun, its benefits, its dangers, and how it impacts our daily lives. Thirteen new participants joined the program, making for an exciting and energetic group. The children especially enjoyed the hands-on sun-themed crafts, using sunlight to color UV-sensitive beads and create bright, sun-inspired artwork. They were also highly engaged during the reading of Sunshine, eagerly participating and asking questions. Parents were equally involved throughout the session, and several even attended the following event at the California Trail Interpretive Center after learning about it through Adventure Buddies.
November 8 | Junior Ranger Day
On November 8, Nevada Outdoor School participated in Junior Ranger Day at the California Trail Interpretive Center, an event that drew around 50 attendees. The event featured seven stations offering crafts and educational activities for all ages, with NOS hosting the sixth station. At their station, NOS provided activities including animal track and leaf rubbings, as well as informational quiz cards. Kids were excited to learn and explore, especially enjoying the surprise of discovering how rubbings worked, while parents actively engaged by quizzing their children with the cards. A few parents also signed up for NOS’s monthly newsletter, making the event a fun and successful opportunity to educate families about nature and NOS programming. Throughout October, Nevada Outdoor School celebrated Nevada Invasive Species and Wildlife Month (NIMW) in both Elko and Winnemucca. Across both offices, NOS educators visited more than 50 classrooms, reaching approximately 1,000 students. Lessons focused on Nature Journaling, encouraging students to step outside and experience the calming benefits of time spent in nature. Many classes enjoyed nature walks around their school campuses, discovering details from the natural world that often go unnoticed. Students also had the opportunity to explore fascinating natural items such as bull horns, acorns, hornet nests, and mule deer antlers, sparking curiosity and a deeper appreciation for Nevada’s diverse ecosystems.
November 4 | Elko Career Fair
On November 4, Nevada Outdoor School participated in the Elko Career Fair, engaging with more than 500 students throughout the day. NOS staff spoke with attendees about the organization’s mission, programs, and the importance of outdoor education in the community. Sixth-grade students had the opportunity to practice interview skills, providing a valuable hands-on learning experience. NOS also shared information about its AmeriCorps program—highlighting the vital work AmeriCorps members do, their roles within the organization, and how they contribute to serving communities across Nevada. It was a full and rewarding day of inspiring youth and showcasing the many ways NOS and AmeriCorps make a positive impact.
November 3 | Nature in My World at NYTC
On November 3, Nevada Outdoor School spent four hours at the NYTC for Nature in My World, engaging with a group of eight high school students, marking the first time NOS has been able to bring programming into a high school setting. During one-hour sessions, students were introduced to the business side of NOS, including its mission and the wide range of programs offered. The group also explored nature journaling, a new experience for all participants, learning about its benefits and the value of spending time outdoors. NOS staff brought along a deer skull to teach about wildlife, and during the journaling activity on the football field, students discovered and learned about seed pods, an unexpected but exciting hands-on learning opportunity. The connection with the students was incredible, and NOS looks forward to collaborating with NYTC in the future on more engaging and educational outdoor experiences. On November 4, Nevada Outdoor School participated in the Elko Career Fair, engaging with more than 500 students throughout the day. NOS staff spoke with attendees about the organization’s mission, programs, and the importance of outdoor education in the community. Sixth-grade students had the opportunity to practice interview skills, providing a valuable hands-on learning experience. NOS also shared information about its AmeriCorps program—highlighting the vital work AmeriCorps members do, their roles within the organization, and how they contribute to serving communities across Nevada. It was a full and rewarding day of inspiring youth and showcasing the many ways NOS and AmeriCorps make a positive impact.
November 2 | Capital Christmas Tree in Elko
On November 2, Nevada Outdoor School participated in the Capital Christmas Tree Event, connecting with around 300 community members over the course of three hours. The event provided a wonderful opportunity to share who NOS is, what the organization does, and the many upcoming programs and events offered. Staff handed out glow stick bracelets to kids and parents, hosted a fun winter dice game for young participants, and gathered several new sign-ups for the monthly newsletter. It was a joyful evening filled with community engagement, as NOS team members spoke with families of children ranging from kindergarten through high school, highlighting that NOS programs are designed for all ages. Overall, the event was a great success in spreading awareness about NOS’s mission and encouraging families to get involved in outdoor education and community activities. On November 3, Nevada Outdoor School spent four hours at the NYTC for Nature in My World, engaging with a group of eight high school students, marking the first time NOS has been able to bring programming into a high school setting. During one-hour sessions, students were introduced to the business side of NOS, including its mission and the wide range of programs offered. The group also explored nature journaling, a new experience for all participants, learning about its benefits and the value of spending time outdoors. NOS staff brought along a deer skull to teach about wildlife, and during the journaling activity on the football field, students discovered and learned about seed pods, an unexpected but exciting hands-on learning opportunity. The connection with the students was incredible, and NOS looks forward to collaborating with NYTC in the future on more engaging and educational outdoor experiences. On November 4, Nevada Outdoor School participated in the Elko Career Fair, engaging with more than 500 students throughout the day. NOS staff spoke with attendees about the organization’s mission, programs, and the importance of outdoor education in the community. Sixth-grade students had the opportunity to practice interview skills, providing a valuable hands-on learning experience. NOS also shared information about its AmeriCorps program—highlighting the vital work AmeriCorps members do, their roles within the organization, and how they contribute to serving communities across Nevada. It was a full and rewarding day of inspiring youth and showcasing the many ways NOS and AmeriCorps make a positive impact.