Why Summer Camp Matters: Helping Kids Grow Outside the Classroom

As the school year winds down and summer approaches, many parents start searching for ways to keep their kids engaged, active, and learning. One of the best opportunities available? Summer camp. Whether it's a week in the woods, a local day camp, or a sleepaway adventure, camp experiences offer far more than just fun and games; they help shape confident, capable, and curious kids.

At Nevada Outdoor School, we believe deeply in the power of camp. Each summer, we see young campers step out of their comfort zones, try new things, build friendships, and discover a sense of independence that will benefit them for years to come.

Building Confidence Through Experience

One of the most powerful aspects of summer camp is the way it allows kids to grow into themselves. Away from the familiar routines of home and school, campers are encouraged to try new activities; whether that’s learning to build a fire, hiking to a scenic overlook, or speaking up in a group discussion. These small accomplishments build confidence. Every skill learned or challenge overcome becomes a building block in a child’s growing sense of self-reliance and resilience.

Connecting with Nature

In today’s screen-saturated world, many children have limited time in nature. Summer camp offers an essential counterbalance. Time spent outdoors isn’t just healthy, it’s transformative. Campers spend their days exploring trails, observing wildlife, learning Leave No Trace principles, and connecting with the natural world in ways that inspire wonder and respect. These experiences often spark a lifelong love of the outdoors and help foster environmental stewardship.

Developing Social and Emotional Skills

Camp is a unique social environment. Without the pressures of school, kids have the chance to form genuine friendships and practice important social skills like teamwork, communication, and empathy. Group activities, from building shelters to preparing meals to playing games, require cooperation and problem-solving. For many kids, especially those who are shy or struggle socially, camp provides a safe and supportive place to connect with others.

Encouraging Healthy Risk-Taking

Trying something new can be scary, especially for young people. Camp provides a safe space where kids are encouraged to take risks, face their fears, and discover what they’re capable of. Whether it's climbing to the top of a hill, spending a night under the stars, or leading a group activity, these moments of bravery help campers develop courage and adaptability.

Creating Lifelong Memories

Ask most adults who attended camp as kids, and they’ll have a story to share, about a night around the campfire, a trail they conquered, or a friend they still keep in touch with. Camp memories stick with us because they’re tied to growth, discovery, and joy. They become part of who we are.

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Summer camp is more than just a way to keep kids busy. It’s a chance for them to grow, to learn, to explore, and to thrive. It gives them the tools they need to face life’s challenges, and the memories to carry with them along the way. Let this summer be the one where your child discovers just how much they’re capable of.

We’ll see you on the trail! 

Nature in My World: Cultivating Curiosity, Connection, and Critical Thinking Across Rural Nevada

At Nevada Outdoor School, we believe that some of the most meaningful lessons take place outside the walls of a traditional classroom. Our Nature in My World (NIMW) program is proof of just that.

This school-based initiative has been a powerful force for hands-on, standards-aligned outdoor learning across six rural Nevada counties: Pershing, Humboldt, Lander, Elko, Eureka, and White Pine. Serving over 2,000 underserved K–8th grade students annually, NIMW is designed to spark curiosity, deepen environmental understanding, and foster a lifelong connection to nature.

 
A Year of Discovery

Throughout the school year, our AmeriCorps members and education staff brought NIMW to life through quarterly outdoor learning experiences (OLEs) tailored to different age groups. Each lesson focused on nature-based themes that align with academic standards while encouraging critical thinking, creativity, and exploration.

Here are just a few highlights from this year’s programming:


Archaeology Adventures: In Elko and Ruby Valley, 4th grade students became young archaeologists, analyzing artifacts and distinguishing them from everyday objects. Some even wrote creative stories imagining the history of their "dig sites"!


Owl Pellet Investigations: In Battle Mountain and Elko, 3rd graders dissected owl pellets to learn about food chains, habitats, and predator-prey relationships. Students eagerly pieced together bones and marveled at what owls eat—responses ranged from “gross!” to “awesome!”


Water Cycle: Across Lovelock and Winnemucca, 2nd graders took on the roles of water molecules, bouncing between clouds, rivers, and oceans in an engaging game that made the water cycle come alive.


Animal Adaptations: From West Wendover to Winnemucca, students learned how local wildlife survives and thrives. A hands-on favorite involved dressing up a student as a beaver, naming each adaptation along the way.


Worms: In April, Elko Kindergarteners got hands-on with composting and soil health through a classroom worm farm—bringing giggles and “ewws” as they met their new wiggly science buddies.

In total, Nature in My World reached 2,450 students across 132 classes, totaling over 2,445 hours spent outdoors—and that’s just the beginning. Each experience builds not only knowledge, but also confidence, environmental stewardship, and an appreciation for Nevada’s diverse natural landscape.

The Power of Outdoor Learning

Research consistently shows that time spent in nature boosts academic performance, improves mental health, and enhances social-emotional skills. As author Richard Louv and researcher Richard Coyle have both noted, students who engage in outdoor education and play perform measurably better on standardized tests and develop lifelong skills that go far beyond the classroom.

At Nevada Outdoor School, we’ve seen this firsthand—whether it’s a student excitedly sharing a new nature fact with their family, a class erupting with questions after a field activity, or a teacher calling to say how much their students enjoyed the lesson.

A Heartfelt Thank You to NV Energy

None of this would be possible without the generous support of our partners. We extend our sincere thanks to NV Energy for their donation, which helped make this year’s Nature in My World programming a reality. Their investment in outdoor education has helped us reach more students, serve more communities, and continue inspiring the next generation of Nevada’s environmental leaders.

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.