Nevada – March 17, 2026

Statewide, NV – High school aged students across Nevada are invited to participate in the 2026 Nevada Youth Range Camp essay competition, sponsored by the Nevada Division of Forestry and the Nevada Section of the Society for Range Management. Selected essays will receive up to $250 to register for this year’s Youth Range Camp.

The Nevada Youth Range Camp is a yearly educational opportunity that has been held each summer in central Nevada since 1961. Last year, eight students were awarded scholarships and received a certificate of achievement.

“Range Camp has served Nevada’s youth for 65 years. It is a great opportunity for anyone interested in natural resources to learn basic rangeland and resource management skills,” said Kelcey Hein, Conservation Education lead at the Nevada Division of Forestry.

To be eligible, applicants must be between the ages of 14-18. Parental consent is required as well. Applications that use AI or are flagged for plagiarism will be disqualified.

Essay instructions and submission forms are available through the Nevada Division of Forestry website at https://bit.ly/RangeCamp2026. Contest closes on April 30, 2026.

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About the Nevada Division of Forestry: The mission of the Nevada Division of Forestry is to protect and enhance Nevada’s ecosystems and communities through natural resource stewardship and wildfire management.

About The Nevada Youth Range Camp: Nevada Youth Range Camp focuses on relationships between people and rangeland. Campers learn about plants, wildlife, water, and soil in order to make good decisions about rangeland management and use. They learn skills and explore careers in rangeland and related resource management. The camp challenges youth to explore resource problems and to create logical solutions.

Nevada Youth Range Camp

Since 1961, the Nevada Youth Range Camp has offered educational opportunities for young people to learn about land management practices in a safe and fun learning environment. Range Camp is held every summer in Berry Creek, northeast of McGill, NV. The purpose of the camp is to learn about the relationships between people and rangeland.

What to Expect:

• A one week immersive experience, learning about plants, wildlife, water, and soil, as well as land management practices and careers in natural resource and rangeland management.
• Primitive camping at Berry Creek, so camping gear is required.
• Experienced instructors and counselors, who are trained specialists from the University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada State Parks, Nevada Division of Forestry, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Bureau of Land Management, US Forest Service, and other agencies and organizations.
• Evening programs, geared towards enjoyment and personal interest, including map and compass orientation, conservation skill workshops, and wildlife presentations.
• Outdoor activities, including swimming, fishing, hiking, volleyball, and campfires, among others. Campers must bring along their own tackle and valid Nevada fishing license if they plan to fish.
• An enjoyable experience, shared with youth from around Nevada.