December was a busy and meaningful month for Nevada Outdoor School, filled with opportunities to connect with learners of all ages, support community partners, and celebrate the season through outdoor education and service. From classrooms and college campuses to community events and winter hikes, NOS staff and AmeriCorps members brought hands-on learning, Leave No Trace principles, and a spirit of togetherness to communities across Northern Nevada. The following highlights reflect a month of growth, collaboration, and shared experiences that closed out the year on a strong and joyful note.
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.
December 5 | S’more 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
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