At Nevada Outdoor School, our AmeriCorps volunteers play an important role in helping youth and communities connect with the outdoors. Through hands-on experiences, outdoor education, and a shared commitment to service, our members make a lasting impact throughout rural Nevada. This month, we are excited to spotlight Ashley Berry, an Outdoor Educator serving with Nevada Outdoor School in Elko, Nevada.
A lifelong Elko resident, Ashley was born and raised in the community and grew up with a love for the outdoors. Camping, exploring, and spending time outside have always been an important part of her life. That connection to the outdoors, combined with her goal of becoming a teacher, made AmeriCorps a natural fit.
Ashley first learned about the Nevada Outdoor School AmeriCorps opportunity from another AmeriCorps volunteer who encouraged her to apply. She was drawn to the position because it offered an opportunity to combine two of her passions: the outdoors and education. As someone working toward a degree in Agricultural Education, Ashley saw the position as a chance to gain valuable teaching experience while serving her community.
After three months as an AmeriCorps volunteer, Ashley has already seen the impact of service both personally and throughout the Elko community. She describes AmeriCorps as a program that brings together people with similar interests and a shared desire to make a difference. For Asley, the experience has helped build her confidence while giving her the opportunity to help young people discover the natural world around them.
One of the most meaningful parts of Ashley's service has been giving kids opportunities to spend time outdoors and learn something new about nature. Whether exploring a new environment, learning about the natural world, or simply having fun outside, these experiences help young people build positive connections with the outdoors.
One of Ashley's favorite memories so far came during a Nevada Outdoor School trip to Lake Tahoe. While spending time with campers, Ashley decided to jump into the lake wearing jeans and a T-shirt; giving the kids a good laugh and creating a memorable moment for everyone. It was a perfect example of the fun, spontaneity, and connection that can make outdoor education so meaningful.
Looking ahead, Ashley plans to continue pursuing her passion for education after completing her AmeriCorps service. She hopes to work as a substitute teacher while finishing her teaching degree in Agricultural Education. Her experience with Nevada Outdoor School is helping her build skills and confidence that she can carry with her into the classroom and beyond.
“Being an AmeriCorps member at Nevada Outdoor School has been a great experience,” Ashley shared. “I look forward to seeing where my AmeriCorps journey takes me.”
Nevada Outdoor School is grateful for the energy, enthusiasm, and dedication Ashley brings to our Elko programs. We look forward to seeing all that she accomplishes throughout the rest of her AmeriCorps journey, and the many young people she will continue to inspire along the way.
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