Fiscal Year 2025 | Quarter 4
July 7-10 | Elko Adventure Camp
From July 7–10, Nevada Outdoor School hosted the first Elko Adventure Camp of the season, bringing together 12 adventurous campers, 10 of whom stayed overnight, for a week of exploration and fun. Despite some strong winds that challenged the group’s camping experience, the kids showed incredible bravery and resilience. True to the spirit of adventure, a few eager explorers even found themselves stuck in the mud, requiring a helping hand from Outdoor Educator Bayley. Campers had a blast creating paracord bracelets and keychains, with many crafting multiple keepsakes. Evenings around the campfire were filled with laughter, vegan marshmallows, and rounds of the classic game telephone. A highlight of the week was geocaching; so much so that the group chose to keep hunting for caches rather than make their own.
July 2 | Spring Creek Day Camp
On July 1st, Nevada Outdoor School brought the fun to the Spring Creek Marina for a Hawaiian-themed day camp. Twelve energetic campers joined in for a day packed with water games, colorful crafts, and hands-on learning about Leave No Trace principles. The camp ran smoothly with few to no issues, and every participant shared that they had a great time. It was a fantastic day of outdoor fun, learning, and laughter by the water!
Fiscal Year 2025 | Quarter 3
June | Nature in the Park
June marked a strong start to Nevada Outdoor School’s Nature in the Park (NITP) program! Designed for young explorers ages 4–7, this summer series blends outdoor learning with engaging stories and hands-on discovery. So far, participants have dug into archaeology, stomped through time with dinosaurs, and hopped into the fascinating world of amphibians. During the first week alone, nearly 100 children in Elko and Winnemucca joined the fun, building curiosity and connection with the natural world right in their local parks.
June 28-29 | Elko Family Camp
On June 28–29, Nevada Outdoor School hosted Elko Family Camp, bringing together four families for a weekend full of learning, laughter, and connection. With 11 enthusiastic participants, the group was fully engaged in all the camp activities. The highlight of the weekend was the lively campfire program, where everyone joined in on skits, sang the Milk Song together, and enjoyed s’mores while sharing stories and laughter. Campers spent their time bonding through arts and crafts, playing games, exploring the campground, and trying new things. The positive energy was contagious—everyone was in great spirits, eager to learn and explore. It was a joyful and memorable experience for all!
June 28th | NGM Bike Rodeo in Winnemucca
On June 28th, Nevada Outdoor School attended the Nevada Gold Mines Bike Rodeo in Winnemucca. Approximately 40 people attended the event, where NOS shared Ride Safe Ride Smart principles and helped educate families on the importance of bike safety. A helmet giveaway drawing added excitement, while both kids and parents gained a deeper understanding of why wearing helmets is essential—especially in Northern Nevada, where there is no Level 3 trauma center equipped to treat serious head injuries.
June 27th | NGM Bike Rodeo in Elko
On June 27th Nevada Outdoor School attended the Bike Rodeo at Adobe Middle School to promote bike safety for kids where we met with approximately 146 people. We had an RS2 booth and had a bike course model that the kids could play with while also learning some bike safety points and real life scenarios that could happen when out riding bikes or OHV’s, and how we can avoid or solve the situation. This event was hosted by Nevada Gold Mines and they provided free bike inspections, a bike course, helmet fittings, safety coaching and riding tips as well as free ice cream and face painting.
June 16th-20th | Summer Camp Training
Summer Camp Training at Nevada Outdoor School was filled with hands-on learning and meaningful connections. A highlight of the week was a special visit from Jorge and his team at Renown Children’s Hospital, who led a “Stop the Bleed” training, equipping our AmeriCorps members with important emergency response skills. In addition, all participating AmeriCorps members became certified as Level 1 Leave No Trace Trainers, empowering them to lead LNT Awareness Workshops throughout the summer and within our communities. The training also offered plenty of time for team building and familiarization with the equipment and resources used during our summer camp programs, ensuring everyone is ready for a safe and successful season.
June 8th | Fire & Ice Charity Golf Scramble
On June 8th, Nevada Outdoor School hosted the Fire & Ice Charity Golf Scramble, and it was a day to remember! With 25 teams participating—the most we've ever had—the event was a huge success. After being rained out last month, we were thrilled to see so many teams return for our rescheduled date. A heartfelt thank you goes out to our incredible sponsors who helped make this event possible. Cooler Sponsors included American Legion, Gene & Chrissy Hunt, US Bank, Core Title Group, and Les Schwab. Firearm Sponsors were Ramcon, 5th Gear Powersports, and BF Guns & Gear. Prize Sponsors included Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, Dayton Valley Golf Club, and Duncan Golf Management. Team Sponsors were Bawcom Realty, Florida Canyon, and AIT Technologies, and our Silver Sponsor was Orla Mining. We also extend our gratitude to Ogi on the Green for catering a delicious lunch and to the Spring Creek Golf Course for hosting and helping us reschedule the tournament. Thank you to everyone who participated and supported this event—your contributions help make outdoor education in Nevada possible!
June 7th | Cave Lake Reopening
On June 7th, Nevada Outdoor School had the pleasure of attending the Cave Lake reopening celebration, where we connected with approximately 100 attendees. We engaged in conversations about potential future programs and collaborative events with community members and partners. Our Leave No Trace Trash Timeline activity was a crowd favorite, drawing interest and sparking discussion. We also led a Leave No Trace hike along the scenic Steptoe Creek Trail with three enthusiastic participants. The day concluded with the ribbon-cutting ceremony, officially marking the long-awaited reopening of Cave Lake.
June 6th | Gravely Fjord Field Trip
Nevada Outdoor School recently had the unique opportunity to explore a permit-only section of the California Trail, offering a rare glimpse into areas many don’t typically get to see. Traveling caravan-style, we journeyed along historic routes, tracing the paths once taken by wagon wheels and early travelers on foot. One particularly memorable moment was the chance to use dowsing rods at an unmarked graveyard, adding a layer of reflection and connection to the past. Lunch was generously provided, giving participants time to rest and reflect on the significance of the day. This special experience deepened our appreciation for the rich history woven into the landscape of the California Trail.
May Nature in My World
In May, Nevada Outdoor School wrapped up another exciting round of Nature in My World lessons. The majority of programs this month focused on the Watershed lesson for second graders, reaching 12 classes across three different schools. In addition, a few fourth grade classes participated in the engaging CSI: Creature Survival Investigation lesson. During this activity, students put their observation and deduction skills to the test, matching hides, tracks, and skulls while learning about how an animal’s teeth relate to its diet and survival.
May 23rd | Scavenger Hunt Hike
Nevada Outdoor School was thrilled to host a successful Scavenger Hunt Hike on May 23rd! This fun-filled event welcomed many families who were new to NOS programs, creating a wonderful opportunity to connect with the community and share the joy of outdoor exploration.
Participants of all ages enjoyed the chance to experience something new as they explored the beautiful grounds of the California Trail Interpretive Center. The relaxed, go-at-your-own-pace format allowed families to take their time, enjoy the fresh air, and make lasting memories together. A total of 33 enthusiastic explorers joined in, each excited to find hidden tokens scattered throughout the area. Their efforts were rewarded with awesome prizes at the finish line, making for a rewarding and engaging outdoor adventure. Nevada Outdoor School is grateful to everyone who participated and looks forward to more outdoor fun in the future!
May 19th-22nd | Flagview Fieldtrips
Nevada Outdoor School had a fantastic time during the Flagview field trips held May 19th through 22nd. Each group of students visited for 20 minutes, arriving with smiles—many already familiar with NOS and excited to engage. During their visit, students learned about worms and their body parts through hands-on exploration, getting the chance to observe and gently touch live worms. Afterward, they participated in a nature walk, helping identify and remove trash or items that didn’t belong in the natural environment. The students were incredibly respectful, especially in following the key safety rule of staying away from the fast-moving water. Their enthusiasm, curiosity, and excellent behavior made the field trips a rewarding experience for all involved.
May 16th | Little Choices, Big Impact
Nevada Outdoor School was thrilled to welcome 102 participants to the "Little Choices, Big Impact" event, held in the beautiful courtyard of the UNR Extension Office on May 16th. The Elko Pollinators Club brought live bees and shared engaging information about native pollinators in Northern Nevada, including how the gentle vibrations of bees can help reduce stress. The Elko Compost Club captivated attendees with a worm display and practical tips on starting home compost systems, highlighting the essential role worms play in environmental health. SNAP-Ed and 4-H joined the event to promote healthier food mindsets and share resources with local families. Nevada Outdoor School, alongside dedicated AmeriCorps members, led a hands-on wildflower seed bomb activity while teaching the Leave No Trace principle of traveling on durable surfaces. It was a day full of learning, fun, and inspiration to make small, meaningful changes for the planet.
May 15th | Brush Strokes in the Wild
On Thursday, May 15th, Nevada Outdoor School staff traveled to the Winnemucca office to assist with "Brush Strokes in the Wild," a painting and hiking event held at Water Canyon. The group, made up of three participants, enjoyed a short hike to a scenic overlook above Winnemucca, where they took in the natural beauty of the area. Following the hike, participants drew inspiration from the surrounding landscape to create nature-themed paintings. With perfect weather and meaningful conversation, the event offered a relaxing and creative way to connect with the outdoors.
May 14th | Northside Day
On May 14th, Nevada Outdoor School had the pleasure of seeing every student at Northside Elementary School enjoy time outside in 30-minute intervals—an estimated 261 students total! The school’s nature study area served as the perfect setting for a nature journaling activity, where students were invited to slow down and connect with the outdoors. With just a clipboard, a piece of paper, and a pencil, students recorded what they saw, heard, felt, or were simply thinking about, through writing or drawing. Even with off-and-on rain throughout the day, students embraced the experience with enthusiasm. It was a wonderful reminder that nature is always nearby, and connecting with it can be as simple as taking a few moments to observe and reflect—something they can easily do again at home.
May 13th | Battle Mountain Watershed Day
On Monday, May 13th, Nevada Outdoor School participated in Battle Mountain Watershed Day, engaging with approximately 56 enthusiastic students throughout the day. Although unexpected hail forced the event indoors, the shift in setting didn’t dampen the students’ excitement or eagerness to learn. Each group remained actively involved, with the final class showing especially positive energy. The teachers were incredibly patient and accommodating despite the weather challenges, contributing to the event’s overall success. Nevada Outdoor School staff thoroughly enjoyed the day, inspired by the students’ curiosity and respectful behavior.
May 8th | Volunteer Fair
On May 8th, Nevada Outdoor School participated in a Volunteer Fair hosted by Nevada Volunteers, an event designed to connect community members with volunteer opportunities. NOS made 76 contacts and shared information about the AmeriCorps program, highlighting it as a meaningful way to serve while earning a living stipend and education award. Staff also spoke with attendees about the wide range of skills they could bring to the community through NOS’s skills workshops. The event provided a great opportunity to connect with other nonprofits who share the same goal: to serve and strengthen our communities through meaningful engagement and service.