What's New at NOS! June 2026

June marked the start of an exciting summer season for Nevada Outdoor School, with youth and families across northern Nevada embracing opportunities to learn, explore, and connect with the outdoors. From day camps and overnight adventures to community events, stewardship projects, and Nature in the Park programs, participants discovered new places, built lasting friendships, and developed a deeper appreciation for the natural world. None of these experiences would be possible without the support of our dedicated staff, volunteers, community partners, sponsors, and the families who continue to make outdoor learning a priority. Here's a look back at the adventures, milestones, and memories that made June such a remarkable month.

June 1-5 | Elko Explorers Day Camp 1

From June 1–5, Nevada Outdoor School hosted the first week of Elko Explorers Camp, providing campers with a fun-filled outdoor experience centered around a different theme each day. The variety of themes kept activities fresh and engaging while encouraging creativity, exploration, and active participation. Throughout the week, NOS staff built meaningful connections with campers by learning about their interests, personalities, and favorite camp activities. Through themed games, crafts, stories, and hands-on experiences, campers stayed engaged while developing new friendships and trying new activities. The camp fostered a welcoming and supportive environment where youth felt comfortable exploring, learning, and creating lasting memories alongside their peers.


June 6 | Fire & Ice Charity Golf Scramble in Spring Creek

On June 6, Nevada Outdoor School hosted a successful SC Golf Tournament, welcoming 21 teams and a fantastic turnout of community members for a day of fun, fundraising, and outdoor recreation. Participants enjoyed beautiful weather, a welcome change from the previous year, and high spirits could be felt throughout the event. A highlight of the tournament was the introduction of a professional long-drive golfer fundraiser, which not only impressed attendees with incredible displays of skill but also proved to be a successful fundraising opportunity. Additional fundraising activities included a silent auction featuring several popular items, as well as raffles for four coolers, two firearms, and a cornhole set. Nevada Outdoor School extends its sincere gratitude to event sponsor Orla Mining for making the tournament possible, along with gun sponsors 5th Gear Powersports and Ramcon Construction; cooler sponsors American Legion, High Mountain Metal, and McEwen Mining; cornhole sponsor Main Electric Supply; and prize sponsors Gold Dust West, Sunridge Golf and Recreation, and Golf Management. Their support helped create a memorable event that brought the community together while supporting outdoor education opportunities across Nevada.

June 8-11 | Winnemucca Adventure Camp

From June 8–11, Nevada Outdoor School hosted Winnemucca Adventure Camp, offering youth a week filled with outdoor exploration, hands-on learning, and personal growth. Campers built new friendships and strengthened connections through shared experiences and team-based activities throughout the week. Partnerships with local organizations, including the museum and the Bureau of Land Management, enriched the camp by providing unique educational opportunities and interactive learning experiences. Participants also took part in a stewardship project, giving back to the local environment while learning more about conservation and responsible recreation. A day spent at the city pool provided a welcome break from the summer heat and quickly became a highlight of the camp. Overall, the week fostered teamwork, stewardship, confidence, and a lasting appreciation for the outdoors, with many campers expressing excitement to return for future Nevada Outdoor School programs.


June 15-18 | Elko Adventure Camp 1

From June 15–18, Nevada Outdoor School hosted Elko Adventure Camp, providing campers with four days of exploration, stewardship, and friendship. Participants ventured into Lamoille Canyon, where they learned about the importance of protecting one of northeastern Nevada's most treasured landscapes. Through hands-on activities and a stewardship project, campers practiced caring for the environment by collecting litter around the Powerhouse and leaving the area better than they found it. The overnight camping experience encouraged teamwork as campers worked together to set up tents, while the evening campfire program fostered confidence, creativity, and lasting friendships. By the end of camp, participants returned home with new outdoor skills, meaningful memories, and excitement for future Nevada Outdoor School adventures.

June 22-25 | Lake Tahoe Pathfinders Camp

From June 22–25, Nevada Outdoor School’s Lake Tahoe Pathfinders Camp brought together seven campers for an unforgettable outdoor adventure filled with new experiences and hands-on learning. Campers traveled with staff member Jessie to Kings Beach, explored Spooner Lake, and challenged themselves at the Tahoe Treetop Adventure Park. After completing the high ropes course, the group celebrated with a well-earned ice cream stop at Susie Scoops in Incline Village, where each camper chose their own treat. Throughout the week, participants learned about the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace and the Ten Essentials before hiking the Spooner Lake Loop Trail, building both skills and confidence in the outdoors. The group stayed at Sunridge Golf and Recreation, where they also gave back through a stewardship project by wiping down tables inside the event pavilion, reinforcing the importance of caring for shared spaces.


June 25 | Summer Camp with the City of Elko

On June 25, Nevada Outdoor School partnered with the City of Elko Summer Camp to provide a hands-on dinosaur-themed learning experience for five campers. Through games, songs, a dinosaur egg hunt, and imaginative play, participants explored the prehistoric world while building creativity and curiosity. Despite the range of ages, each child remained engaged as they roared, stomped, and pretended to be dinosaurs, creating a memorable and energetic learning environment. Campers also spent time outdoors searching for natural items that might have served as food for dinosaurs, encouraging observation, exploration, and a deeper connection to nature. Throughout the program, participants strengthened social connections, expanded their imaginations, and discovered that learning can be both active and fun.

June 26 | NGM Bike Rodeo in Elko

On June 26, Nevada Outdoor School participated in the Nevada Gold Mines Bike Rodeo in Elko, where NOS connected with 122 community members to share information about upcoming programming and the importance of wearing helmets while biking and operating OHVs. The event had a strong turnout, and it was especially fun to see each child’s personality shine through the helmets they selected. Weather conditions were ideal, making for a comfortable and enjoyable day compared to previous years. Children received helmets provided by Nevada Gold Mines and then had the opportunity to take part in a skills course, putting both their abilities and new safety gear to the test. The event served as a meaningful opportunity to support local youth with essential safety equipment while encouraging safe and responsible outdoor recreation.


June 29 | Elko Ruby Marshes Day Camp

On June 29, Nevada Outdoor School hosted the Elko Ruby Marshes Day Camp, providing campers with a full day of outdoor exploration and learning at Ruby Marshes. Participants toured the local fish hatchery, where they learned how fish are raised and stocked to support healthy aquatic ecosystems. The group also met with a wildlife biologist who shared insight into the marsh habitat and the diverse wildlife that depends on it. Campers spent time hiking a nature trail, observing plants, animals, and signs of wildlife along the way. Throughout the day, the experience encouraged curiosity, stewardship, and a deeper respect for the natural world through hands-on, place-based learning.

June | Nature in the Park | Elko Office

Throughout June, Nature in the Park welcomed nearly 150 participants across the Elko, Spring Creek, Carlin, and Wells communities. Young explorers discovered the wonders of the natural world through hands-on lessons about the water cycle, worms, flowers, and dinosaurs. A highlight of the month was seeing children return week after week and continue their outdoor journey by enrolling in Nevada Outdoor School's summer camps. The Elko region accounted for nearly half of all Nature in the Park participants this summer, demonstrating strong community support for outdoor education. This enthusiastic participation reflects the value families place on opportunities for children to get outside, connect with nature, and build lasting relationships with the outdoors.

June | Nature in the Park | Winnemucca Office

Since June 2026, Nevada Outdoor School's Winnemucca office has welcomed 89 children through its Nature in the Park (NITP) program, resulting in 89 hours of Time Spent Outdoors (TSO). Programming has been offered at three community locations—WMCA, Lovelock, and Battle Mountain (BMT)—providing young participants with engaging opportunities to learn and play outside. This season's lessons have explored the fascinating world of animals, featuring topics such as elephants, worms, spiders, and other wildlife. Children have responded enthusiastically to the hands-on crafts, interactive games, and outdoor activities incorporated into each lesson. Overall participation has continued to grow across program locations, with the exception of WMCA, demonstrating strong community interest in early childhood outdoor education throughout the region.

Destination Recreation: Family-Friendly Trails with Shade and Water Access in Northern Nevada

Northern Nevada is full of wide-open spaces, mountain views, and endless opportunities to explore outdoors, but when hiking with kids, choosing the right trail can make all the difference. Families often need more than just a scenic route. Access to shade, nearby water, manageable distances, and engaging surroundings can turn an ordinary outing into a successful adventure for all ages.

At Nevada Outdoor School, we encourage families to spend more time outdoors by making recreation approachable, fun, and accessible. Whether introducing young children to hiking for the first time or searching for a new weekend adventure, Northern Nevada offers several family-friendly trails with a mix of shade, water features, and easy-to-moderate terrain.

One popular option is Hunter Creek Trail, located just outside of Reno. This well-loved trail offers families a rewarding destination with a scenic waterfall that creates a memorable turnaround point for hikers. While the full trail can be more challenging, many families with older children choose to hike only a portion of the route, allowing kids to enjoy creek access, wildflowers, and beautiful mountain views without overextending themselves. Starting early in the day is recommended, as some sections have limited shade and temperatures can rise quickly.

For younger hikers or families looking for a shorter and more shaded experience, the trails near Galena Creek Regional Park are an excellent choice. The area features forested paths, creek access, and cooler temperatures thanks to abundant tree cover. Families can enjoy a slower pace while children explore nearby water, observe wildlife, and learn about the natural environment. The nearby visitor center and picnic areas also make this location convenient for families with small children or first-time hikers.

Another great option is Thomas Creek Trailhead, which offers a quieter setting with flexible hiking distances. Families can customize their outing by choosing shorter out-and-back routes depending on their children’s age and energy levels. The nearby creek adds an extra element of exploration and helps keep children engaged throughout the hike.

Not every family outing needs to involve steep climbs or rugged trails. The walking paths along the Truckee River Walk near Idlewild Park provide a more relaxed outdoor experience with paved pathways, river access, and plenty of shaded areas. This destination is especially well-suited for families with toddlers, strollers, or those looking for a lower-commitment adventure while still spending meaningful time outdoors. Playground access and picnic spaces make it easy to turn a short walk into a full afternoon outing.

When hiking with children, preparation can make the experience more enjoyable for everyone. Starting with shorter distances and building endurance over time helps children develop confidence on the trail. Packing extra snacks, water, layers, and sun protection is essential, especially in Nevada’s high desert climate. Families should also plan for plenty of breaks and allow time for exploration, as children are often more interested in discovering tracks, plants, birds, and rocks than reaching a specific destination quickly.

Family hikes also create opportunities to teach outdoor stewardship. Practicing Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics principles helps ensure these spaces remain healthy and accessible for future visitors. Teaching children to stay on designated trails, pack out trash, respect wildlife, and leave natural objects where they are found can help foster lifelong habits of environmental responsibility.

Northern Nevada offers countless opportunities for family recreation, and finding the right trail can help create positive outdoor experiences for hikers of all ages. Trails with shade and water access make adventures more comfortable, engaging, and accessible, especially for younger explorers. At Nevada Outdoor School, we believe time spent outdoors builds confidence, curiosity, and connection to the natural world. Grab a daypack, lace up hiking shoes, and explore one of Northern Nevada’s family-friendly trails this season. Your next adventure may be closer than you think.