There are a number of outdoor education programs designed to get your little ones outside. Learn more about each opportunity below:
Outdoor skills after school programs
Outdoor skills after school programs are great ways to introduce youth to diverse outdoor recreational opportunities through interactive, skills-based activities. This programs was developed collaboratively by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and University of Nebraska Extension Program.
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National Archery in the Schools (NASP)
The National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) is a nationally acclaimed program that provides training and certification for teachers to teach target-style basic archery instruction in their school gymnasium using the NASP school archery kit. One-day teacher training workshops and equipment grants are provided by the Nebraska Game and Parks to assist schools in teaching Nebraska students a safe and enjoyable life skill.
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Mentored hunts for youth
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission strives to ensure that recent Hunter Education graduates are able to take the next step and put their new skills to the test, even if they don’t have a friend or relative to be a hunting partner. Mentored youth hunts allow young hunters to do just that. Recent Hunter Education graduates can choose between two options: Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever Mentored Hunts, and the Mentored Youth Archery Program.
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Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) and Beyond BOW
Becoming an Outdoors-Woman, or BOW, offers interactive workshops for adult women with an interest in learning outdoor skills such as hunting, fishing, canoeing and kayaking, among other outdoor endeavors. Workshops are tailored primarily to women who are new or who are beginners eager to improve their skills.
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Becoming an Outdoors-Family
Becoming an Outdoors-Family is a series of workshops designed to teach basic outdoor skills to help families enjoy the outdoors together. Experts provide firsthand instruction in skills related to fishing, camping, kayaking, archery, hunting and more.
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Outdoor Discovery Program
The Outdoor Discovery Program provides interactive programs so all youth, novice or experienced, have the opportunity to explore new outdoor activities and recreational possibilities and learn new outdoor skills. Additionally, the program is designed to enhance students’ knowledge and ethical understanding of wildlife and the outdoors and is designed to correlate with Nebraska state educational standards in the areas of science, math, history, reading and writing.
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Expos
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commissions hosts two expos each year. These expos are intended to introduce Nebraskans and visitors alike to the diverse and numerous outdoor recreation opportunities Nebraska has to offer. The Fort Kearny Outdoor Expo is held at Fort Kearny State Recreation Area each May. The Missouri River Expo is held at Ponca State Park each September. All activities at each expo are offered free of charge, though a park permit is required for each vehicle entering the park.
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Nebraska State Fair
The Nebraska State Fair is a longstanding Nebraska tradition that the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has been a part of for decades. Our home in the Nebraska Building draws crowds each year who come to see our 6,000-gallon aquarium filled with fish found in Nebraska waters, indoor archery and pellet gun ranges, kids’ Nerf gun range and huge diorama of the Niobrara River Valley, as well as information on conservation and research efforts across the state.
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Outdoor Skills Camps
Nebraska Game and Parks outdoor educators along with University of Nebraska Extension staff and volunteers teach life-long outdoor skills during these summer programs. Youth develops friendships and confidence through the fun games, projects and activities.
Learn more via the 4H website
