Summer camp at Nevada Outdoor School is about much more than getting outside. It is about trying something new, finding confidence, building friendships, laughing around a campfire, and creating the kind of memories that stick with you long after the summer ends.
As another busy summer of camps comes to a close, we asked our staff and AmeriCorps Volunteers to reflect on their favorite moments. Their answers captured what makes NOS camps so special: sometimes the biggest moments come from the activities we plan, and sometimes they happen completely unexpectedly.
Conquering New Heights
For several members of our team, some of their favorite memories happened high above the ground at the Tahoe High Ropes Course.
At Pathfinder Camp, Sofia described the Treetop High Ropes Course as one of her favorite experiences of the summer. The course challenged both campers and staff to step outside their comfort zones and grow together.
That same spirit was on display during Voyagers Camp. Ian, Winnemucca Program Coordinator, remembers watching the teenage campers support one another as they navigated the course.
The campers started out nervous and apprehensive as they listened to the instructor and prepared for the obstacles. But once they began, something special happened. Whenever a camper felt scared or intimidated, the others were there to encourage them.
For Ian, witnessing that instinctive support among the campers was one of the most memorable parts of the experience.
Sometimes, conquering an obstacle is about more than reaching the other side. It is about realizing that you do not have to do it alone.
A Few Rocks and a Lot of Courage
Not every favorite camp memory requires a ropes course or elaborate equipment.
For Kim, NOS Director of Programming, one of the biggest highlights of the summer came from introducing Elko Adventure Campers to bouldering.
What started as a simple activity with little planning quickly became one of the highlights of the week. At first, many campers stood at the base of the rocks, uncertain and hesitant to climb. But one by one, they decided to give it a try.
As the day continued, nervous first steps turned into confident climbs. Soon, campers who had initially been afraid of the rocks were scrambling over them and proudly calling themselves "Mountain Goats."
Watching that transformation was a powerful reminder that outdoor education does not always require expensive equipment or elaborate plans. Sometimes, all it takes is a few rocks, some encouragement, and an opportunity for kids to discover what they are capable of.
Small Camps, Big Connections
Sofia's favorite Adventure Day Camp experience came from a camp that was much smaller than expected. With only three campers registered, it could have been easy to focus on what the camp lacked.
Instead, those three campers embraced every activity and made the most of their time together.
Sofia was especially proud to see the connections between the campers grow throughout the experience. By the end of camp, it was clear that the small group had created something meaningful together.
Her experience at Explorers Day Camp brought a similar sense of fulfillment. Even when the week came with a few unexpected complications, the campers left happy each day, and parents expressed their appreciation for the experience provided by NOS and our AmeriCorps members.
These moments are a reminder that camp does not have to be big to make a big impact.
Campfires, Laughter and New Friendships
Some of the best memories happen after the day's activities are over.
For Isabel, an AmeriCorps volunteer, one of her favorite moments came during Winnemucca Adventure Camp's overnight at Water Canyon.
The evening was not without its challenges, but around the campfire, something special was happening. The boys were laughing, joking, and getting into a little harmless mischief as they spent time together.
As the evening continued, Isabel could see friendships forming and the campers becoming more comfortable being themselves.
That sense of connection made all the hard work of camp worthwhile.
Daniela had a similar experience during some downtime at camp. Sitting with a group of campers, she started a conversation about their favorite outdoor places—or places they would love to visit, and why those places mattered to them.
Everyone joined in, sharing stories and ideas. It was a simple conversation, but it created an opportunity for campers to learn more about one another and share their personal connections to the outdoors.
Sometimes the Best Memories Are the Unexpected Ones
Of course, camp memories would not be complete without a little laughter.
Ashley, an AmeriCorps volunteer, has one particular Pathfinder Camp memory that she will not soon forget: campers convinced her to jump into the lake at Tahoe wearing jeans and a T-shirt.
It was a hilarious moment for everyone, and one that became an instant camp memory.
Paola also remembers the moments when campers let their personalities shine. She especially enjoyed watching the campers perform skits, including one particularly funny performance where a camper had to act as an old lady.
Another favorite moment came during ziplining. Even though heights can be intimidating, Paola and one of the campers were able to turn the nerves into fun, laughing and joking their way through the experience.
These moments of silliness and shared laughter may not appear on a camp schedule, but they are often the moments campers remember most.
More Than a Summer Camp
Across all of these stories, one theme stands out: connection.
Connection to the outdoors. Connection between campers. Connection between campers and staff. And connection to the idea that trying something new can reveal strengths we did not know we had.
Whether it was climbing a boulder for the first time, encouraging a nervous friend on a high ropes course, sharing stories around a campfire, jumping into a lake, performing a silly skit, or simply talking about a favorite outdoor place, our campers spent the summer building memories and discovering new possibilities.
We are incredibly grateful to the staff, AmeriCorps members, volunteers, families, and partners who helped make these experiences possible. Most of all, we are grateful to the campers who showed up ready to explore, learn, laugh, and make the most of every adventure.
The summer may be over, but the memories—and hopefully a little more confidence, curiosity, and love for the outdoors—will last far beyond the final day of camp.
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