This summer, Nevada Outdoor School (NOS) offered a variety of engaging and educational camp programs that took participants on unforgettable journeys through nature and history. With seven distinct camps catering to kids aged 8-17, the season was packed with adventures, crafts, and valuable life lessons. Here’s a recap of the highlights from each camp:
June 24-27: Elko Adventure Camp
The summer kicked off with NOS’s first camp of the season, bringing together 11 campers for a four-day adventure led by AmeriCorps members Noah Doyle, Nicole Boivin, and Manual Salazar. The camp began with a dive into the Leave No Trace (LNT) principles, emphasizing environmental responsibility. Campers enjoyed a range of activities, including tie-dyeing hats, hiking in Lamoille, and playing at the Marina’s inflatable water park in Spring Creek. A highlight was the overnight stay in Ruby Valley, where the group set up camp and enjoyed quesadillas for dinner. A dramatic lightning storm cut their outdoor adventure short, but the campers turned the challenge into a memorable experience, watching movies and camping out in the Elko NOS office. The camp concluded with a pizza party and a series of creative crafts like making clay bowls and pirate hats.
June 25-27: Youth Backpacking Trip
From June 25th to 27th, Brandolyn and Jamie led five teens on a backpacking trip that tested their resilience and teamwork. They hiked approximately two miles up a mountain, setting up camp near Island Lake. Despite rainy weather and challenging conditions that required extra time in tents, campers participated in Leave No Trace training and enjoyed scenic hikes and water activities. The weather posed challenges, but the trip provided valuable outdoor skills and bonding experiences.
July 8-11: Cathedral Gorge Adventure
This camp saw AmeriCorps members guiding six campers through the stunning Cathedral Gorge. Highlights included visits to Kershaw-Ryan Park, Panaca Warm Springs, and Echo Canyon, where participants engaged in LNT principles, crafts, and games. Campers had a great time exploring the area and putting Leave No Trace into action by helping to clean up the area while learning about the timeline of trash. The campers spent the week learning new things, creating crafts, and lots of time in the water!
July 12-13: Time Traveler's Camp
The Pioneer Experience Camp offered a unique immersion into pioneer life. Campers spent the night at the California Trail Interpretive Center, sleeping in covered wagons and participating in activities such as gold panning, atlatl throwing, and crafting pioneer artifacts. The camp included interactive learning sessions with scavenger hunts and "cookie mining," highlighting the historical significance of the California Trail and the challenges faced by pioneers. Creative projects like pottery making and leather stamping were complemented by a Pioneer Award Ceremony and hand-churned ice cream, making for a memorable end to the camp.
July 15-18: Winnemucca Adventure Camp
During this camp, campers explored the Humboldt County Museum and engaged in various creative and educational activities. They participated in a fossil scavenger hunt, explored local history and culture, and took part in a stewardship project at Water Canyon. The campers showcased their artistic talents through painting and crafting, creating a vibrant display of their work. The camp emphasized environmental responsibility through Leave No Trace lessons and collaborative projects, enhancing the campers’ appreciation for nature and history.
July 29-August 2: Elko Adventure Camp II
The second Elko Adventure Camp faced challenges due to smoke from nearby wildfires, leading to a shift from outdoor to indoor activities. Despite the change, NOS members Nicole, Jamie, and Manny ensured the campers had a blast with activities like bowling, archery, museum visits, and engaging Leave No Trace lessons. The camp proved that fun and learning can continue, no matter the circumstances.
August 16-17: California Trail Interpretive Center Camp
The final camp of the season was hosted at the California Trail Interpretive Center, where campers enjoyed a range of historical and interactive activities. They engaged in gold panning, pioneer dress-up, and leather stamping while participating in games like archery and sack races. Creative projects included weaving, pottery, and crafting tin lanterns. The camp also featured outdoor adventures such as scavenger hunts and night sky observation, along with culinary treats like hand-churned ice cream and campfire s’mores.
Nevada Outdoor School’s summer camps were a fantastic success, offering a blend of adventure, education, and fun. From hiking and crafts to pioneer experiences and historical explorations, campers left with not only new skills and knowledge but also lasting memories of their summer adventures. Nevada Outdoor School continues to strive to be a beacon for outdoor education and exploration, making every camp an enriching experience for young adventurers.
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