What's New at NOS! May 2025

May was a month full of connection, curiosity, and community for Nevada Outdoor School. From wildfire education in South Fork Meadows to creative expression in Water Canyon, our team traveled across Northern Nevada to share hands-on learning experiences rooted in outdoor exploration and stewardship. We engaged students, families, and volunteers through nature journaling, painting hikes, seed bomb crafting, and environmental education. Whether partnering with local clubs or braving unexpected weather, each event offered a unique opportunity to inspire responsible recreation and deepen relationships with the natural world. We’re grateful for another impactful month of outdoor education and engagement!

May 2nd | Wildfire Workshop

On Friday, May 2nd, Nevada Outdoor School hosted a Wildfire Workshop at South Fork Meadows in partnership with the Nevada Division of Forestry and South Fork Recreation. This hands-on event welcomed 20 participants who rotated through interactive stations to learn about fire prevention, the ecological benefits of fire, controlled burns, planting and seeding techniques, and the tools and equipment used by NDF crews in the field. To cap off the experience, attendees toured fire engines, wrote letters to Smokey Bear in Washington, D.C., and even had the chance to meet Smokey Bear himself. Nevada Outdoor School is proud to bring engaging educational opportunities like this to our communities, helping connect people to the outdoors through safety, science, and stewardship.

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.

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 14th | Northside Day | Bayley

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 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 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 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 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 | 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.

Exploring Ward Mountain: A Summer Camp Adventure for Youth

Nestled just 10 miles south of Ely, Nevada, Ward Mountain stands as the highest peak in the Egan Range, reaching an elevation of 10,941 feet. This majestic mountain offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and a variety of engaging activities, making it an ideal destination for youth summer camps.

Ward Mountain is a quintessential example of the Great Basin's high-desert terrain. The landscape features sagebrush, Great Basin wildrye, and bunch grasses, creating a vibrant, textured environment. In summer, wildflowers like Indian paintbrush and lupine add splashes of color, while higher elevations are home to pinyon-juniper woodlands that open up to sweeping views of the surrounding valleys and ranges. This transition in vegetation not only provides an opportunity to explore different plant communities, but also to observe local wildlife that inhabit these zones.

The Ward Mountain Recreation Area is well equipped for group camping, with shaded picnic tables, restrooms, and a campground that's both scenic and practical. While potable water is available during the warmer months, campers should plan ahead in the event it is turned off. For young adventurers, there’s no shortage of exciting ways to explore. Over 20 miles of hiking and biking trails wind through the area, with options for all experience levels. One of the standout features for educational engagement is the "Weeds of the Great Basin" trail, which features interpretive signs that introduce visitors to both native and invasive plant species. In the winter months, the trails also serve as excellent routes for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, although most youth camps will experience the area during the warm, dry season.

The area is steeped in history. Nearby, the Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park preserves six well-preserved beehive-shaped ovens that were used in the late 1800s to create charcoal for silver smelting operations. These structures, built between 1876 and 1879, stand as unique and fascinating relics of Nevada’s mining boom. Not far from the ovens lie the remnants of the original town of Ward, which was once the largest community in White Pine County. Founded in 1872 during the silver rush, the town flourished until around 1880. Today, visitors can explore the foundations of smelters, mill sites, and a historic cemetery, giving young campers a chance to literally walk through history.

Ward Mountain offers many ways to engage youth with the natural world in fun and meaningful ways. Programs like Nevada State Parks’ Junior Ranger activities help campers learn about ecology, conservation, and public land stewardship. The diversity of the environment also offers excellent opportunities for wildlife observation, bird watching, and nature journaling. Trails like the interpretive "Weeds of the Great Basin" route encourage curiosity and learning about the region’s ecology while on the move.

When planning a youth camp to Ward Mountain, preparation is key. The high-desert climate can shift rapidly from warm days to cool nights, so campers should pack accordingly. While exploring, it’s important to be cautious of potential hazards like old mine shafts in the area. Group leaders should ensure all participants are aware of safety protocols and practice Leave No Trace principles to protect this beautiful landscape for future generations.

Ward Mountain is more than just a scenic backdrop; it’s a place where young people can challenge themselves physically, expand their understanding of nature and history, and create memories that will last a lifetime. It’s a perfect destination for Nevada Outdoor School’s summer camp adventures.

What to Expect at Summer Camp with Nevada Outdoor School

Summer is the perfect time to step outside, explore the wild, and make lifelong memories; and Nevada Outdoor School is excited to welcome campers of all ages to join us for an unforgettable outdoor adventure. Whether you're eight years old or eighty-eight, our camps are built around the belief that time in nature helps us grow, learn, and connect. Our summer camps are designed with both safety and fun in mind. As much as we want campers to hike, laugh, build, and discover, our priority is that every participant feels supported, respected, and prepared.

When campers arrive at camp, they should be prepared to unplug and reconnect with the natural world. We do not allow campers to make phone calls home unless there’s a pre-arranged reason, such as a birthday. We’ve found that homesickness is often made worse by phone calls, and our goal is to help campers build confidence and independence in a safe and nurturing environment. Rest assured, if there’s ever a behavioral, medical, or other serious concern, our staff will contact families right away. And of course, in the event of a family emergency, we can coordinate early pickup through our Elko or Winnemucca offices.

What to pack is one of the biggest questions we get, and it depends on whether your camper is attending a day camp or an overnight camp. For day camps, a well-packed backpack should include a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, a hat, weather-appropriate layers, and a lunch if required. Overnight campers bring those same essentials plus a sleeping bag, sleeping pad, pillow, and one small bag of personal items. Everything should be labeled with the camper’s full name to help keep track of items during the excitement of camp life.

Equally important to what campers do bring is what they should leave at home. Camp is a place for discovery, and that means no electronics, weapons, unapproved medication, ignition devices, or extra snacks. We provide nutritious meals and snacks and have all the outdoor gear needed to have a great time. If your family doesn’t have access to certain gear like sleeping bags or pads, just let us know. We have a limited supply available for loan.

At Nevada Outdoor School, we focus on more than just fun; we emphasize responsibility and respect through our Three R’s: respect for self, respect for others, and respect for the environment and equipment. These values guide everything we do, and our behavior expectations are built around them. Campers will learn and practice our Action, Impact, Choice model, which helps them understand how their actions affect others and the world around them.

To foster a positive and inclusive environment from day one, each camp group creates its own Camp Agreement. This agreement is a set of group-created guidelines that focus on kindness, trying new things, supporting each other, and, most importantly, having fun. When campers help shape the culture of their camp, they take pride in it and are more likely to contribute positively.

Health and safety are essential to a successful camp experience. All campers must submit a Health History Form before attending. If your child takes medication, it should be handed over at check-in in its original container. Medications, including over-the-counter items, are not permitted in sleeping areas and will be managed by our trained staff. This helps ensure everyone stays safe and healthy throughout their adventure.

We know sending a camper to summer camp can bring up all sorts of questions and emotions; excitement, curiosity, and maybe a little nervousness. That’s normal, and we’re here to help. Our staff is happy to answer any questions leading up to camp and will do everything possible to make sure your child has a fantastic experience.

So lace up your hiking boots, pack your water bottle, and get ready. Camp at Nevada Outdoor School is about to begin, and we can’t wait to see you there.

The Benefits of Spending Time in Nature

In today’s fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in screens, schedules, and indoor routines. But stepping outside, even for just a few minutes, can have lasting benefits for your health, your mindset, and your overall well-being. Whether you're exploring a rugged mountain trail, relaxing under a tree, or strolling through a neighborhood park, time in nature is time well spent.

Spending time outdoors naturally encourages movement. Walking, hiking, biking, or playing outside all promote cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles, and help maintain a healthy weight. Natural sunlight also boosts vitamin D, which supports bone health, immune function, and mood regulation.

Nature is one of the most effective antidotes to stress. Studies show that being in natural settings can lower cortisol levels, reduce heart rate, and ease symptoms of anxiety and depression. Even a brief walk among trees or sitting beside a body of water can bring a calming sense of peace and clarity.

Green spaces give our brains a break from constant stimulation. This mental rest can improve concentration, boost creativity, and support problem-solving skills. Children who regularly spend time outdoors often show better focus in school and fewer symptoms of attention disorders

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Nature also has a way of bringing people together. Whether it’s family hikes, group camping trips, or chatting with a neighbor in the park, outdoor experiences help build stronger social bonds and a greater sense of community. Shared time outside fosters teamwork, empathy, and communication.

The more time people spend in nature, the more likely they are to care about it. Regular outdoor experiences cultivate a sense of wonder, curiosity, and stewardship for the planet. Observing seasonal changes, watching wildlife, or simply listening to the wind can foster a deep, lifelong appreciation for the natural world.

Spending more time outside doesn’t have to be complicated. Try moving parts of your daily routine outdoors: eat breakfast on the porch, take work calls while walking, or read a book under a tree instead of inside. Walk or bike short distances instead of driving when you can. Start or end your day with a short walk, and make plans to meet friends outside instead of always gathering indoors. Even eating lunch on a park bench or having a picnic in the yard can bring a refreshing change. Getting outside with kids or pets, whether you’re playing a game, flying a kite, or going on a nature scavenger hunt; adds joy and movement to your day. Gardening, visiting local parks, or joining outdoor community events are also great ways to build a stronger connection with your surroundings.

Take the First Step Outside

You don’t need to be an expert or have special gear to enjoy the outdoors. Start small: take a walk after dinner, sit outside with your morning coffee, or explore a local trail this weekend. Nature is everywhere, and it’s waiting to be explored.

What's New at NOS! April 2025

April 2nd | Wild Week

On April 2nd, Nevada Outdoor School partnered with the Nevada Department of Wildlife for a Wild Week adventure at the museum, engaging 12 enthusiastic kids in a fun-filled and educational experience centered around animal adaptations. Excitement was in the air as students explored the museum’s diverse animal displays, sparking curiosity from the very beginning. Each AmeriCorps member led a segment of the lesson, diving into specific animal adaptations and how they help creatures survive in their environments. The day kicked off with an introduction to adaptations—what they are, why they matter, and how animals use them to their advantage—setting the stage for eager learners to ask questions and seek more knowledge. A highlight of the experience was an interactive scavenger hunt through the animal exhibits, where kids discovered real-life examples of adaptations up close. The lesson wrapped up with an engaging activity on predator vs. prey, where students used their observations to determine how eye placement influences an animal’s role in the food chain. To bring the concept to life, students played a game of tag while wearing special prey-animal glasses that limited their vision to their peripherals, helping them better understand how prey animals see. Special attention was also given to the unique adaptations of axolotls, rounding out a day full of discovery, critical thinking, and fun.

April 7th - 11th | Level Up for Health

From April 7th to 11th, Nevada Outdoor School was proud to support Level Up for Health, a weeklong educational event at Flagview Intermediate School focused on promoting health and wellness. AmeriCorps members helped assemble binders and supply boxes for teachers and students to use throughout the week and assisted with daily classroom activities. NOS team members helped introduce themed lessons such as Mindful Monday and Tasty Tuesday, which focused on mental and physical wellness through interactive discussions and engaging activities. On Monday, NOS connected with around 50 students during class and reached 615 students during a lively lunchtime session featuring freeze tag and a hula hoop chain game. At the end-of-week carnival, the NOS booth welcomed 115 students, offering a hands-on activity alongside information about upcoming events and opportunities to get involved with Nevada Outdoor School.

April 9th - 12th |Clark County Fair

From April 9th to April 12th, Nevada Outdoor School participated in the Clark County Fair in Logandale, partnering with UMC to provide free helmets and important safety education to both kids and adults. Ash and a team member represented NOS, engaging with over 200 individuals and distributing more than 60 helmets. The goal of this outreach was to raise awareness about the importance of wearing helmets while riding and to highlight the safety risks associated with not doing so. It was also a valuable opportunity to share the mission of Nevada Outdoor School and the work being done to promote outdoor education and safety across Northern Nevada.

April 13th | NV Humanities Sensory Walk

Kim and AmeriCorps member Breanne, in collaboration with Nevada Humanities, GBC Humanities, and Fil Corbitt—an independent contractor who leads sensory walks across the state—participated in a sensory walk-through Water Canyon in Winnemucca.

Throughout the hike, the group paused at several points to receive guidance from Fil or Katie from GBC Humanities. During each stop, participants were invited to sit in silence and activate their senses of sight, smell, or hearing. After 3–5 minutes of quiet reflection, the group came together to share what they observed.

To conclude the walk, there was a discussion on the benefits of using nature as a tool for practicing mindfulness, staying grounded, and managing stress. All participants reported feeling more calm, present, and aware by the end of the experience.

April 18th | Sunshine Stroll

On April 18th, Nevada Outdoor School hosted a Sunshine Stroll that brought smiles despite the less-than-ideal weather. The event had a solid turnout, with participants in high spirits, chatting, and making new connections along the way. The cheerful atmosphere was enhanced by fun giveaways—ribbons and sunglasses were a hit with everyone! While the weather may have limited attendance, the stroll itself was a success, leaving participants happy to be outdoors and part of a well-executed event.

April 18th | Bunny Hop Trek

On April 18th, Nevada Outdoor School hosted the Bunny Hop Trek, a fun and festive outdoor event designed to get community members outside and give kids a chance to enjoy an egg hunt in nature. Held along the scenic trail near Campsite 3 in Water Canyon, the event featured hidden eggs near the bench at the top of the trail. With support from NOS AmeriCorps members Beau and Breanne, and volunteer Sofia, the event ran smoothly and brought plenty of smiles. Thanks to a surprise school day off in Winnemucca, attendance was higher than expected, with 54 participants. The kids especially loved the Easter baskets, and the event was a great success filled with laughter, exploration, and springtime joy.

April 25th | Paracord Bracelet Making

On April 25th, Nevada Outdoor School engaged 38 participants in a hands-on paracord bracelet-making activity. Attendees received a brief overview of the origins of paracord, including its original military use and structural components. They also learned about the wide variety of practical applications paracord offers in both everyday life and outdoor settings. As a group, participants followed step-by-step instructions to create a simple cobra pattern paracord bracelet. With a wide selection of cord and buckle colors available, everyone was able to personalize their bracelet to match their style. By the end of the activity, participants left with both a customized bracelet and the skills to make their own at home.

April Elko NIMW

In April 2025, the Elko office of Nevada Outdoor School reached over 300 students across 16 classrooms in six schools, bringing hands-on, standards-based outdoor education to communities throughout rural Nevada. This spring, the Elko team launched a worm farm right in the office, creating a fun and interactive way to teach Kindergarteners about composting and soil health; an experience made even more engaging by the students' excitement in meeting our wiggly worm friends. In third grade classrooms, the lesson Whooo’s in the Pellet: A Feathery Investigation has been a huge hit. Students examined real owl pellets to uncover what owls eat, sparking curiosity and enthusiasm with reactions ranging from “gross!” to “cool!” as they learned about food chains and the role of owls in the ecosystem. NOS also adapted its Watershed Field Trip into a one-hour outdoor learning experience for second graders. Now the most requested lesson of the year, this new format has been embraced with enthusiasm and flexibility by local educators, and we are grateful for their ongoing partnership

April Winnemucca NIMW

April was a busy and exciting month for our team at Nevada Outdoor School! We wrapped up all of our spring lessons in every community we serve, including a full schedule at NIMW in Winnemucca. We engaged 145 K–4th grade students across 8 classes with hands-on lessons featuring artifacts, flowers, worms, and animal adaptations. It was a fun-filled month of curiosity, exploration, and learning about the natural world!

April Winnemucca Nature Journaling

Our final nature journaling lesson of the year in Winnemucca wrapped up in April, and what a meaningful way to close out the season! Students explored the birds of Nevada, learning to observe and identify different species while practicing their drawing skills. Teachers shared their appreciation for the lessons, and the kids especially loved sketching birds in their journals. It was a bittersweet goodbye, but we're proud to have reached 245 students across 13 different classes. What a fantastic way to finish the year!

Ride Safe, Ride Smart: Empowering Safe OHV Practices Across Nevada

At Nevada Outdoor School, we believe outdoor adventures should be exciting, and safe. That’s why our Ride Safe, Ride Smart program continues to expand its reach and impact, helping youth and families across Nevada learn how to enjoy Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs) responsibly and safely. From helmet giveaways to hands-on skills courses and classroom partnerships, we're proud to share some of our recent efforts to build a culture of OHV safety.

Helmet Outreach and Training at Sand Mountain

October brought one of our most impactful events yet. On October 26th, our team returned to Sand Mountain, where we interacted with 266 participants over two days. We distributed an incredible 155 helmets and facilitated a Youth Rider Evaluation, where 11 young riders took part in skill assessments focused on safe ATV operation. Parents and families from across the region stopped by, many expressing appreciation for our hands-on approach to safety education. We were thrilled to see more kids wearing helmets by the end of the weekend — proof that education truly leads to action.

We returned to Sand Mountain again over Easter weekend, where we distributed an additional 110 helmets, further expanding our reach in one of Nevada’s most popular OHV recreation areas.

Launching a New After-School Program

On March 19th, we kicked off our latest Ride Safe, Ride Smart class with a group of enthusiastic students. With support from Communities in Schools, we launched a dedicated after-school program that dives into critical topics like durable versus non-durable surfaces, outdoor preparedness, and safe ATV navigation. Students engaged in interactive activities and games, reinforcing key safety concepts in a fun and memorable way.

To encourage commitment, Communities in Schools is sponsoring a raffle, students who attend every session have the chance to win a free spot at summer camp, blending learning with opportunity.

Spreading Safety at Logandale Trails

Later in March, we joined the Logandale Junior Ranger Day on March 29–30, hosting a Youth Helmet OHV Safety Booth at Logandale Trails. Our team engaged with 106 participants, including families eager to learn more about safe riding habits. We distributed 40 helmets and spent a total of 424 hours outdoors, offering practical safety advice and building relationships with key partners like the Bureau of Land Management and other outdoor safety advocates.

Online and Statewide Education

Ride Safe, Ride Smart doesn’t stop at in-person events. This year, 33 adults and two youth completed our online OHV safety course, demonstrating the value of accessible education for riders of all ages.

We also participated in the Clark County Fair from March 9–13, where we met with 258 attendees and handed out 60 helmets to Nevada youth. In November, we partnered with Renown Medical Hospital at the Nevada Farm Bureau Conference, engaging with 22 participants about OHV safety and helmet use.

Reaching Rural Nevada

Outreach to Nevada’s rural schools remains a cornerstone of our mission. In early 2025, we connected with 34 students during our RS2 and AIC education programs alongside the USFS, BLM Biology, and Fire teams in Paradise Valley and McDermitt. These partnerships help ensure that even Nevada’s most remote communities receive the tools they need to enjoy outdoor recreation safely.

Thank You to Our Supporters

Nevada Outdoor School would like to extend our sincere thanks to NV Energy, the Nevada Off-Highway Vehicles Program, and the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative for their generous support of the Ride Safe, Ride Smart program. Their contributions make it possible for us to provide life-saving safety education, distribute helmets, and empower youth and families to enjoy Nevada’s outdoor spaces responsibly. We’re incredibly grateful for their partnership in helping make our trails and communities safer.

A Safer Trail Ahead

From classrooms to desert trails, Nevada Outdoor School’s Ride Safe, Ride Smart program continues to grow in impact and reach. With over 365 helmets distributed so far this year and hundreds of meaningful interactions across Nevada, we're proud to lead the charge in promoting safe, respectful OHV use.

Thank you to our partners, volunteers, and community members who help make this work possible. Together, we’re creating a culture of safety that protects both people and public lands, one helmet at a time.

Ride safe. Ride smart. See you on the trail!