What's New at NOS! November 2025

November was a bustling and rewarding month for Nevada Outdoor School, filled with community connection, hands-on learning, and meaningful outdoor education across Northern Nevada. From festive outreach events and school-based programs to creative workshops and family-friendly activities, NOS engaged with participants of all ages, inspiring curiosity about nature and fostering a sense of stewardship throughout the region. Whether meeting hundreds of families at community celebrations, introducing high school students to nature journaling, supporting youth career exploration, or guiding children through interactive lessons and outdoor-themed crafts, the NOS team worked hard to bring its mission to life. November’s programs highlighted the power of shared experiences, education, and community collaboration in helping people deepen their connection to the natural world.

November 2 | Capital Christmas Tree Event

On November 2, Nevada Outdoor School participated in the Capital Christmas Tree Event, connecting with around 300 community members over the course of three hours. The event provided a wonderful opportunity to share who NOS is, what the organization does, and the many upcoming programs and events offered. Staff handed out glow stick bracelets to kids and parents, hosted a fun winter dice game for young participants, and gathered several new sign-ups for the monthly newsletter. It was a joyful evening filled with community engagement, as NOS team members spoke with families of children ranging from kindergarten through high school, highlighting that NOS programs are designed for all ages. Overall, the event was a great success in spreading awareness about NOS’s mission and encouraging families to get involved in outdoor education and community activities.

November 3 | NYTC NIMW

On November 3, Nevada Outdoor School spent four hours at the NYTC for Nature in My World, engaging with a group of eight high school students, marking the first time NOS has been able to bring programming into a high school setting. During one-hour sessions, students were introduced to the business side of NOS, including its mission and the wide range of programs offered. The group also explored nature journaling, a new experience for all participants, learning about its benefits and the value of spending time outdoors. NOS staff brought along a deer skull to teach about wildlife, and during the journaling activity on the football field, students discovered and learned about seed pods, an unexpected but exciting hands-on learning opportunity. The connection with the students was incredible, and NOS looks forward to collaborating with NYTC in the future on more engaging and educational outdoor experiences.

November 4 | Elko Career Fair

On November 4, Nevada Outdoor School participated in the Elko Career Fair, engaging with more than 500 students throughout the day. NOS staff spoke with attendees about the organization’s mission, programs, and the importance of outdoor education in the community. Sixth-grade students had the opportunity to practice interview skills, providing a valuable hands-on learning experience. NOS also shared information about its AmeriCorps program—highlighting the vital work AmeriCorps members do, their roles within the organization, and how they contribute to serving communities across Nevada. It was a full and rewarding day of inspiring youth and showcasing the many ways NOS and AmeriCorps make a positive impact.

November 8 | Junior Ranger Day

On November 8, Nevada Outdoor School participated in Junior Ranger Day at the California Trail Interpretive Center, an event that drew around 50 attendees. The event featured seven stations offering crafts and educational activities for all ages, with NOS hosting the sixth station. At their station, NOS provided activities including animal track and leaf rubbings, as well as informational quiz cards. Kids were excited to learn and explore, especially enjoying the surprise of discovering how rubbings worked, while parents actively engaged by quizzing their children with the cards. A few parents also signed up for NOS’s monthly newsletter, making the event a fun and successful opportunity to educate families about nature and NOS programming.

November 14 | November Adventure Buddies

On November 14, Nevada Outdoor School hosted an Adventure Buddies session focused on learning about the sun,its benefits, its dangers, and how it impacts our daily lives. Thirteen new participants joined the program, making for an exciting and energetic group. The children especially enjoyed the hands-on sun-themed crafts, using sunlight to color UV-sensitive beads and create bright, sun-inspired artwork. They were also highly engaged during the reading of Sunshine, eagerly participating and asking questions. Parents were equally involved throughout the session, and several even attended the following event at the California Trail Interpretive Center after learning about it through Adventure Buddies.

November 15 | Birdfeeder Workshop

On November 15, Nevada Outdoor School hosted a Birdfeeder Workshop that welcomed families for a fun and educational hands-on experience. Participants learned how to create simple, kid-friendly birdfeeders while discovering more about local bird species and the kinds of foods that attract them. Children especially enjoyed decorating their feeders with natural materials, adding personal creativity while gaining a deeper appreciation for backyard wildlife. Families worked closely together throughout the workshop, making the activity both meaningful and enjoyable. Everyone left with a finished birdfeeder and helpful tips on how to hang, fill, and maintain it to encourage birds to visit their homes year-round.

November NIMW

In November, Nevada Outdoor School’s Nature in My World program explored the five senses and their role in regulating the nervous system. Students learned how both people and animals adapt to their environments, including how individuals can thrive without one of the senses. Lessons highlighted inspiring figures like Helen Keller and Beethoven, demonstrating how adaptation allows us to fully experience the world. Hands-on activities included smell jars and balloons filled with different materials, giving students a glimpse of what it might be like to lose their sense of sight. Participants then nature journaled about what they heard, smelled, saw, and touched during the lessons. Across the Elko and Winnemucca offices, NOS visited more than 50 classrooms, engaging nearly 1,000 students in meaningful outdoor learning experiences.

November Young Naturalist Club

Nevada Outdoor School wrapped up a fun and engaging fall session of Young Naturalist Club with five hands-on lessons exploring beavers, owls, astronomy, and nocturnal wildlife in Nevada. Students investigated a variety of animal skins and skulls to understand how teeth play a vital role in survival, dissected owl pellets, and even sculpted their own clay teeth. Macy from CTIC joined the group to lead an exciting astronomy lesson, where participants previewed what the night sky will look like on their birthdays. Youth also learned about beaver adaptations inside a Native American wikiup and discovered why nocturnal animals thrive at night rather than during the day. Through these activities, NOS increased its Total Service Output by 66 hours.