RENO — The Youth Wildlife Conservation Experience (YWCE), as part of the Sheep Show Convention and Sporting Expo, is free for families Jan. 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center. Many volunteers and several organizations from around the U.S. designed the event to inspire kids from elementary through high school to learn more about what the outdoors has to offer.
Students will be transported by bus from local schools Jan. 18-19 for a private, in-depth learning experience, followed by the public event on Jan. 20.
The free Jan. 20 event is designed for hands-on learning experiences for families, including target and trap archery, casting challenges, rock climbing wall, pellet gun ranges, duck calling, kayak pool, mini-hunter safety with a Laser Shot range, tracking using Repli-Scat and Repli-Skulls, fly tying, touring the exhibit hall, Northern Nevada SCI’s Sensory Safari Trailer, bird identification, Galena High School Rifle Team, Nevada Department of Wildlife’s Operation Game Thief trailer, conservation stations, free youth raffles and more. Live raptors and snakes will be on display for educational purposes as well.
The free Youth Raffle includes prizes to encourage kids to get off the couch and go outdoors. Prizes will be given away throughout the day, including sleeping bags, tents, camp games, binoculars, BB guns, archery sets and more. The event will be in Hall 4 and the F Meeting Rooms.
A free pass into the Wild Sheep Show exhibit hall will be given to each adult who brings a child to the YWCE on Saturday. Youth get into both the Youth Wildlife Conservation Experience and the exhibit hall for free. Special Tracks Program fare available for youth 12-17 years old.