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In September, Nevada Outdoor School’s Elko team was busy connecting with teachers and scheduling lessons for the upcoming school year. With the newly revamped NIMW (Nature in My World) curriculum, NOS educators are now able to visit each classroom five times a year instead of two—providing more opportunities to engage students in meaningful, hands-on environmental learning. This expanded schedule will strengthen relationships with teachers and students while inspiring curiosity about the natural world and the ways our choices impact the environment around us. Throughout the year, NOS will visit more than 60 classrooms during October, November, February, March, and April.
On September 27, Nevada Outdoor School joined the community in celebrating the beauty of Lamoille Canyon through art. Twenty-one artists gathered to paint, draw, and photograph the stunning scenery, capturing the canyon’s natural wonder in their own unique styles. Kim and MaKayla hosted an engaging art station for families and children, offering hands-on creativity with watercolor painting and air-dry clay. While only four children participated, the event fostered meaningful connections with several artists—opening the door to potential future collaborations that celebrate both art and the outdoors.
Nevada Outdoor School wrapped up the season with an End of Summer Bash on September 13 in partnership with Lander County. The celebration brought together 130 community members for an evening filled with s’mores, yard games, and plenty of laughter. Families especially enjoyed the bounce houses, which were a huge hit with the kids. Adding to the fun, the event coincided with a lemonade walk, making it a perfect way to close out summer with sweet treats, outdoor play, and community connection.
During August, we visited communities along I-80 from Wells to Lovelock, reaching over 100 children ages 1–10. Our lessons focused on bees, worms, flowers, and ants, highlighting the important role pollinators play in our ecosystem and how we can help the natural world thrive. Each one-hour storytime included a craft and engaging gross motor activities to keep participants active and involved. A favorite activity this month was singing “The Ants Go Marching On” while children marched in a line, mimicking ants gathering food for the winter.
On August 23rd, Nevada Outdoor School hosted its very first Glowball Charity Golf Tournament, and it was a huge success! The tournament was full, with participants enjoying the unique experience of playing golf under the night sky. Despite challenges from the weather and even a power outage, players stuck with the event and made it a memorable evening outdoors. NOS extends a huge thank you to the generous sponsors - including the event sponsor, the Offenhauser Foundation, those who donated raffle items, and all who participated. Congratulations to the tournament winners, and thank you to everyone who supported outdoor education through this exciting new event!
On August 19th, Nevada Outdoor School participated in Sheriff’s Night Out in Storey County, connecting with around 40 community members. During the event, NOS distributed four helmets and engaged in meaningful conversations, including discussions about local hospitals in the Reno area. Many attendees were already familiar with NOS and were excited to see the organization present in their community. Families left with new knowledge and several expressed interest in enrolling in Ride Safe Ride Smart courses in the future.
From August 11–14, Nevada Outdoor School hosted a Pathfinders Camp at Great Basin National Park. Known as one of the least light-polluted places in the country, campers were treated to breathtaking night skies and even caught sight of meteor showers. The adventure included a guided tour of Lehman Caves and special keepsakes—a small Great Basin token for each camper to take home. Nestled in a campground beside a creek and surrounded by tall trees, the group enjoyed evenings around the campfire with s’mores, games, and time to relax beneath the stars, making for an unforgettable experience.
On August 9, Nevada Outdoor School hosted S’more than a Meteor Shower, welcoming 150 community members for an evening under the stars. More than 200 s’mores were enjoyed while guests took in the Perseid Meteor Shower, the light of a full moon, and the occasional shooting star. Kids had the chance to earn their Night Explorer Junior Ranger Badges, adding a hands-on learning experience to the night. It was a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, connect with others, and appreciate the beauty of the night sky.
On August 8th, Nevada Outdoor School hosted the second CTIC Day Camp, led by Isabel. Campers enjoyed a full day of engaging activities, beginning with crafting their own paracord bracelets and participating in a lively relay race that brought plenty of energy and excitement. To build connections, the group played fun icebreaker games before tapping into their creativity to design homemade buttons. The day concluded with a visit to the museum, where campers took part in an interactive escape room experience that blended learning with mystery and adventure.
On August 2nd, Nevada Outdoor School participated in the Youth Trap Shoot Tournament at the Orovada Trap Shoot. While attendance was smaller than last year, with nine youth signing up to compete, the event was still full of excitement and skill. Partnerships with the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, Nevada Department of Wildlife Game Wardens, and The Chukar Foundation helped make the day a success. Competitors showcased impressive marksmanship, including one memorable moment when the final age group had just a single participant, prompting their dad to join in. That young shooter went on to miss only one out of 25 shots, capping the day with an impressive display of accuracy.
On August 2nd, Nevada Outdoor School participated in the Youth Trap Shoot Tournament at the Orovada Trap Shoot. While attendance was smaller than last year, with nine youth signing up to compete, the event was still full of excitement and skill. Partnerships with the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, Nevada Department of Wildlife Game Wardens, and The Chukar Foundation helped make the day a success. Competitors showcased impressive marksmanship, including one memorable moment when the final age group had just a single participant, prompting their dad to join in. That young shooter went on to miss only one out of 25 shots, capping the day with an impressive display of accuracy.
On August 1st, Nevada Outdoor School visited the Lovelock Caves to explore the unique geological features of the area. Participants learned about the diverse rock formations, mineral deposits, and the natural processes that shaped the caves over thousands of years. The group hiked the scenic trail surrounding the caves, taking in the stunning landscape while examining local plant species that thrive in and around the cave environment. A guided tour of the Lovelock Caves highlighted the site’s historical and cultural importance, followed by an in-depth visit to the Lovelock Museum, where participants gained further insight into the region’s history and archaeological discoveries.
What better way to start the morning than with a fun and engaging lesson at the park? This month, our young learners explored topics like dinosaurs, ants, camouflage, and Nevada State Symbols. During our Nevada State Symbols lesson, students even created Christmas ornaments that will be proudly displayed on the Capitol Christmas Tree later this year! The Elko office had the pleasure of teaching nearly 130 students, ranging in age from 2 to 10, throughout the month of July. It’s been a joyful, nature-filled summer, and we’re so grateful for the families and kids who joined us!
Nevada Outdoor School’s Winnemucca Explorers Day Camp, held July 28–31, brought together eight excited campers, each eager to jump into the fun. Every day featured a new theme—Monday was Superhero Day, with campers arriving dressed as their favorite heroes; Tuesday was Water Day, filled with splashing and laughter; Wednesday was Wacky Wednesday, where wild outfits ruled the day; and Thursday was Dinosaur Day, complete with adventurous explorer hats. Each day offered new games the kids loved and creative crafts they proudly made. Conversations with the campers revealed their unique personalities, making it a joy to watch them fully embrace each day’s adventures with NOS.
From July 28th to 31st, Nevada Outdoor School hosted our Elko Explorers Day Camp at Mountain View Park, welcoming an average of 22 to 25 enthusiastic students each day. Campers enjoyed a new theme and storybook daily—Dino Day, Wacky Wednesday, Under the Sea, and Superhero Day—each filled with engaging, themed activities that sparked creativity and curiosity. Wacky Wednesday brought extra smiles as kids showed off their wild outfits and silly hairstyles! With perfect weather and a popsicle treat before pickup each afternoon, it was a memorable week of learning and laughter in the outdoors.
On July 25th, Nevada Outdoor School hosted an Early Bird Expedition in beautiful Water Canyon, just outside Winnemucca. Five participants joined us for a peaceful morning hike under lovely weather conditions. The group enjoyed a scenic trek to the yurt, where a surprise treat of doughnuts was a hit with everyone. It was a refreshing and enjoyable outing, filled with great company, good views, and a sweet reward at the top.
Nevada Outdoor School’s Pathfinder Camp at Ward Mountain from July 21st through July 24th, welcomed nine enthusiastic campers this summer. Each morning, the group was up early, eager to dive into the day’s planned adventures. Several campers were from Ely, which made for fun conversations about local favorites and must-see spots. The unofficial soundtrack of the week quickly became “Bye Bye Bye” by NSYNC, with campers breaking into song every ten minutes. While the weather stayed cooperative, the heat made it especially important to keep everyone hydrated and protected with plenty of sunscreen throughout the week.
Nevada Outdoor School inspires exploration of the natural world, responsible stewardship of our habitat and dedication to community.
Contact Us
Winnemucca Office
655 Anderson St.
Winnemucca, NV 89445
775-623-5656
Elko Office
170 Idaho St.
Elko, NV 89801
775-777-0814
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