Delicious Summer Camp Recipes for Kids

Summer camp is not just about making friends and exploring the great outdoors; it’s also a time to enjoy delicious campfire cooking! Enjoy these yummy recipes, greate for campers of all ages!

1. S'mores Dip Made with campfire

There’s no summer camp without smores! The classic with a twist is a great treat for all ages. To make this dip you’ll need a cast iron skillet and the following ingredients:

• 1 cup chocolate chips

• 1 cup mini marshmallows

• Graham crackers for dipping

Simply layer the chocolate chips and mini marshmallows in the skillet and place it over the campfire until the chocolate is melted and the marshmallows are golden brown. Serve with graham crackers for dipping and enjoy the taste of summer camp goodness!

2. Campfire Pizza Pockets Made with campfire

Everyone loves pizza, and why not enjoy that pizza while camping? These pizza pockets are a great way for everyone to enjoy their favorite personal pizza! Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 package of refrigerated crescent roll dough

• Pizza sauce

• Shredded mozzarella cheese

• Your favorite pizza toppings (pepperoni, veggies, etc.)

Roll out the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles. Spoon a bit of pizza sauce onto each triangle, add cheese and toppings, then fold the dough over and crimp the edges to seal. Wrap each pocket in foil and cook over the campfire until the dough is cooked through and the cheese is melted. Enjoy!

3. Grilled Banana Boats Made with grill

Another campfire classic that the entire campground is sure to enjoy! Here’s what you’ll need per banana boat:

• 1 banana, unpeeled

• Chocolate chips

• Mini marshmallows

Slice a banana lengthwise (without peeling it completely) and stuff it with chocolate chips and mini marshmallows. Wrap the banana in foil and place it on the grill. Cook until the chocolate is melted and the marshmallows are gooey. Unwrap and enjoy with a spoon! Get creative with your toppings, try strawberries, peanut butter, or even sprinkles!

4. Campfire Tacos in a Bag Made with campfire

This fun and easy meal is perfect for feeding a crowd at camp. Everyone is able to make their tacos to their individual preference! Here’s what you’ll need per taco:

• Individual-sized bags of Doritos or Fritos (or any bag of chips really)

• Cooked ground beef or shredded chicken

• Shredded cheese

• Lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, sour cream (optional toppings)

Crush the chips inside the bag, then add your choice of meat, cheese, and toppings. Mix everything in the bag and enjoy with a fork! It’s a tasty twist on traditional tacos that kids will love.

These kid friendly meals are perfect for appeasing campers of all ages. Simple, and easy to put together. Let’s get camping!

AmeriCorps Spotlight - Noah Doyle

Noah, an AmeriCorps member wrapping up his service at Nevada Outdoor School, gives insight into what he has learned throughout his service. Noah was born in California before moving to the Elko area at around four or five years old. He graduated from Spring Creek High School and went on to work various food service jobs before deciding that he needed a different path. He found AmeriCorps through a parent of a friend, whose child had also been an AmeriCorps member, and from there, he found a job that provided him with the opportunity to be a part of something more and to work with the community. Reflecting on his experience, Noah shared, “AmeriCorps is the opportunity to provide service for people. It’s an opportunity to be a part of a community and do more for your community than a retail or fast food service job ever could.”

One of the most significant personal growth areas for Noah has been leadership. Initially hesitant to take charge, AmeriCorps has given him the confidence to make decisions, such as ensuring the safety of campers during a lightning storm. This newfound assertiveness and leadership have been instrumental in shaping his goals post-AmeriCorps, where he envisions himself as an author or potentially a high school English and creative writing teacher.

For Noah, AmeriCorps has been transformative. It's not just about the tasks he undertakes but the impact he makes on young minds through programs like the Young Naturalist Club. One standout memory for Noah was organizing activities that encouraged children to explore temporary art forms, fostering creativity and curiosity outdoors. Noah talked fondly about the hard work he put into finding temporary art forms, and how much fun the kids had with the project. These experiences have not only enriched Noah’s time with AmeriCorps but have also left a lasting impression on the children he has mentored. 

Looking ahead to life after AmeriCorps, Noah is open to the opportunities that may come his way. He acknowledges that the program has been challenging at times, pushing him beyond his comfort zone, but ultimately rewarding. “You do a lot of hard work, but it's a lot of good work,” he affirmed, reflecting on the impact of his service on both himself and his community.

In closing, Noah mused, “I’ve struggled a lot through my life, and actually being able to do something that’s meaningful has been really powerful for me and has made me feel more confident in myself.” His journey with AmeriCorps has not only equipped him with skills and experiences but has also instilled in him a belief in the impact of service, a belief that is sure to follow him in his future goals and plans.

Exploring Northern Nevada: Top Camping Areas You Don’t Want to Miss

Lamoille Canyon, Nevada.

Northern Nevada is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of landscapes and camping experiences that cater to everyone from rugged adventurers to families seeking relaxation. Whether you're drawn to alpine lakes or vast deserts, this region has it all. Here’s a guide to some of the best camping spots northern Nevada has to offer.

1. Great Basin National Park

Near the Utah border, Great Basin National Park is a must-see spot for all nature lovers. The park boasts diverse camping options, from developed campgrounds to backcountry sites for the more adventurous. Great Basin Park is known for the ancient bristlecone pine forests, Wheeler Peak - the second-highest pearl in Nevada, and Lehman Caves - a great opportunity to see stalactites and stalagmites. There are opportunities to stay on developed campgrounds, such as Wheeler Peak Campground, in more secluded areas. Great Basin National Park does experience heavy snowfall in the winter, so the best time to visit is late spring to early fall. 

2. Lake Tahoe

While predominantly in California, Lake Tahoe’s northern shores extend into Nevada and offer some of the most picturesque camping spots in the area. Campgrounds like Sand Harbor and Spooner Lake provide easy access to hiking trails, beaches, and water activities like kayaking and paddleboarding. Summer and early fall are ideal for camping here, as the weather is mild, and the lake activities are in full swing.

3. Ruby Mountains Wilderness

Known as the "Alps of Nevada," the Ruby Mountains offer beautiful views and quiet solitude. Lamoille Canyon features several campgrounds surrounded by towering cliffs, alpine lakes, and cascading waterfalls. Campsites like Thomas Canyon and Terraces Campground are popular choices for hikers looking to explore the Ruby Crest National Recreation Trail. Late spring through early fall is the best time to visit, although higher elevations may retain snow into early summer.

4. Black Rock Desert

Known for hosting the renowned Burning Man event, the Black Rock Desert features an expansive, playa-covered terrain ideal for secluded camping and stargazing. Primitive camping is allowed across large portions of the area, providing a rare chance to immerse oneself in the desert's beauty. The best time to visit is late summer and early fall when temperatures are milder, and the desert floor is dry enough for vehicle access.

5. Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

Including a majority of Nevada’s wilderness, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest offers countless camping opportunities amidst stunning mountain ranges and forests. Popular areas include the Toiyabe Range near Austin and the Jarbidge Wilderness, known for its wild rivers and abundant wildlife. Popular campgrounds include Angel Creek Campground near Wells, which provides access to fishing and hiking opportunities, and Wildhorse Campground near Elko. Camping seasons vary by elevation, but generally, mid-summer through early fall offers the best weather and accessibility.

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Northern Nevada’s camping spots are as diverse as they are beautiful, offering something for every type of camper and outdoor enthusiast. Whether you prefer the rugged terrain of the Ruby Mountains or the calm shores of Lake Tahoe, each destination promises unforgettable experiences and stunning natural beauty. Plan your visit and prepare to immerse yourself in the wilderness that northern Nevada has to offer.

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