What's New at NOS! August 2026

August was another busy and exciting month for Nevada Outdoor School, filled with opportunities to learn, explore, compete, and connect with the outdoors. From stepping back in time along the California Trail and looking to the stars with our community to celebrating outdoor recreation through youth trap shooting and glowball golf, our programs brought people together in unique and memorable ways. Across our Nature in the Park programs, day camps, special events, and fundraising activities, August was a great reminder that there are countless ways to get outside and discover something new in Nevada.

August 7 | CTIC Day Camp 2

On August 7, CTIC Day Camp campers stepped back in time to experience the challenges and adventures of life along the California Trail. Campers took on hands-on activities that brought pioneer life to life, from hauling water and washing laundry by hand to pulling a handcart across challenging terrain. They practiced essential skills by learning intricate knots and creating their own paracord bracelets, then put their navigation skills to the test during a gold rush challenge using compasses to search for hidden gold. The highlight of the day was practicing historical hunting and marksmanship skills through archery and atlatl activities. It was a day filled with hands-on history, teamwork, and unforgettable pioneer adventures.

August 8 | Youth Trap Shoot Tournament

The August 8 Trap Shoot Tournament was a fantastic success, with participation growing significantly from just six participants last year to 29 youth participants this year. The tournament continues to strengthen NOS’s partnerships with the Orovada Trap Club, Chukar Chasers, and Nevada Mulies while introducing more young people and families to the sport. This year, participants traveled from communities as far away as Fallon, demonstrating the growing reach and interest in the event. With clear skies and beautiful weather, participants enjoyed a full day of friendly competition and outdoor recreation. The first-place winner took home a trap-shooting gun, adding an exciting element to the competition, while lunch was provided for participants and their families, creating a welcoming community atmosphere. It was a great day of learning, competition, and spending time outdoors together.

August 8 | S'more than a Meteor Shower Watch Party

The August 8 S’more than a Meteor Shower Watch Party was a wonderful evening of community, learning, and a little bit of sweet fun! While clouds made for a somewhat cloudy night, they did not stop 108 participants from coming out to enjoy the evening. The California Trail Interpretive Center had telescopes set up and spent time helping participants learn more about the night sky, with plenty of opportunities to catch glimpses of the stars when the clouds allowed. Inside the Trail Center, participants could continue exploring through educational activities, coloring, and other hands-on opportunities. Of course, no meteor shower watch party would be complete without s’mores, and NOS was happy to provide this crowd favorite for everyone to enjoy. Despite the clouds, it was a memorable night spent connecting with the community and looking up at the Nevada night sky.

August 22 | Twilight Glowball Charity Golf Scramble

The second annual Twilight Glowball Golf Scramble was a huge success, bringing together a full field of 18 teams and 72 participants for an evening of golf under the stars. This year marked an exciting milestone for the event, as it was the first time NOS had a waitlist due to the high level of interest and participation. Guests enjoyed a taco bar dinner, exciting raffle prizes—including coolers, hammocks, a pizza oven, and more—and a special appearance from a long-drive professional who showed off his skills and gave participants the chance to win a vacation. As the sun went down, golfers took to the course with glowing golf balls, creating a fun and unique experience that had participants sharing how much they enjoyed playing golf in the dark. Overall, the evening was a fantastic celebration of community, outdoor recreation, and support for Nevada Outdoor School’s mission.

August | Elko Office Nature in the Park

August wrapped up another summer of Nature in the Park in Elko! While wildfires in the area and poor air quality led to a few program cancellations, NOS was still able to connect with three communities and explore the colorful science of rainbows. Young participants searched for the colors of the rainbow in nature, learned about different cloud formations, and created their own rainbows to take home. As summer comes to a close, NOS is looking forward to some exciting changes to Nature in the Park next year. Stay tuned for what’s ahead!

August | Winnemucca Office Nature in the Park

August’s Nature in the Park (NITP) programming in Winnemucca was an incredible success for the NOS team, bringing together youth from Pershing, Humboldt, and Lander counties for a summer filled with exploration, learning, and time outdoors. Despite the long, hot, and smoky days, nearly 200 youth participants joined NOS throughout the summer, spending more than 165 hours outside in nature. This summer’s lesson theme, “The Animal Kingdom,” gave participants the opportunity to explore animals of all shapes and sizes, from birds, snakes, and worms to larger-than-life elephants. Through storytelling, fun facts, outdoor games, nature reflection, and themed crafts, participants stayed engaged and excited to learn. NOS was especially grateful to see both familiar faces and many new participants joining the program, as well as the wonderful support from parents and caregivers who participated alongside their children. The strong turnout and positive feedback from families throughout Pershing and Lander counties demonstrated the continued importance of bringing accessible outdoor education opportunities to rural Nevada communities.