Help send kids to camp this summer, get registered now
Registration for Nevada Outdoor School (NOS) summer camps and programs opened on Monday, so get to their website, NevadaOutdoorSchool.org, and get ready for some adventure. There are multiple camp options for kids and teens ages 8 to 17, weekly activities at local parks for kids ages four to seven, and even an adult backpacking trip for those 18 and older.
“Anybody that’s willing to increase their time spent outside [should attend],” said NOS Program Coordinator for Winnemucca Allana Havernick.
The costs for the camps and programs range from $0 to $150 and give youth and adults the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and “unplug” for a while.
According to NOS Communications and Marketing Specialist Jacklyn Orr, campers learn independence, critical thinking, how to clean up after themselves, how to respect and trust other adults and their peers, and many other life skills through summer camp.
“Getting kids to feel comfortable in their environment and outside of their environment—I think that’s huge—and feeling comfortable outside, making that first positive experience within the outdoor realm, it creates a better future for the child and the environment.”
Getting kids to camp gives them a range of opportunities to learn new things, meet new people, and have positive experiences that they will remember forever. NOS offers ways in which the community can can make donations to help get more kids to camp
on their website, where people can donate the costs to attend camp or sponsor an entire camp program.
“We’re learning and striving towards changing and incorporating and helping kids grow lifelong skills,” said Orr.
For those ages eight to 10 years old, otherwise known as “Adventurers”, campers get to explore nature in a local area “and learn skills that are useful in town or in the wilderness”. There is an optional one-night campout and the cost is $75. The dates are June 26-29 in Elko and Winnemucca, July 10-13 and July 24-27 in Elko.
“This camp is just one night because it is a lot of the kids’ first time being away from home,” explained Havernick.
For “Pathfinders”, ages 11-13, campers learn Leave No Trace Principles and can explore at Angel Lake, approximately 12 miles from Wells, NV and I-80, during a two-night excursion July 5-7, or spend three nights adventuring around Wildhorse and Jarbidge, approximately 200 miles from Winnemucca, August 7-10, or adventure in the Santa Rosa’s for three nights, also hitting some of the local Ghost Towns July 17-20. Each camp costs $150.
“Voyagers”, ages 14 to 17, will explore the Ruby Mountains for two nights, learning Leave No Trace Principles and honing backpacking skills and abilities June 27-29, or explore Lake tahoe and tour local colleges “learning more about jobs in the outdoor industry” during a three-night excursion , August 7-10. Each camp costs $150.
“This is something new that one of our outdoor educators has thought of and created to help students that are figuring out what they want to do, because that age group is having to start figuring that out,” said Havernick.
NOS is also offering day camp opportunities for those seven to 17 years old wanting to learn about off-highway vehicles (OHV) for $25 on June 21 in Winnemucca and June 22 in Elko. There is no gear required, as no actual riding will occur.
Their website says “Whether you ride a dirt-bike, a 4-wheeler, or a side-by-side, safety is universal and it is not just the drivers responsibility. We all play a role in OHV safety! Join us for a day full of fun games and activities that will help you ride safe, and ride smart!”
Geared for those ages four to seven years old, NOS also offers the Nature in the Park program for free, where all ages are invited to learn about a new nature-centered topic each week at various locations.
Other camps include the Carlin Day Camp (July 11) and Battle Mountain Day (July 25) Camp, where third through fifth graders “Spend a fun filled day at a local park learning about the Leave No Trace principles through games and activities,” at the Carlin City Park and Borealis Park in Battle Mountain ($50) and the California Trail Center Day Camp where participants ages 11 to 17 can “spend the day learning about those who traveled through the local area on the emigrant trails through fun games and activities” on Aug. 5 for $50.
Check out the NOS website to see the other camp options that are offered this summer.