This month, the Elko Area Chamber proudly shines the spotlight on Nevada Outdoor School (NOS), a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring environmental stewardship through outdoor education. Established in Winnemucca in 2002 and expanding to Elko in 2016, NOS has been a valued Chamber member since 2017.

A Mission to Get Everyone Outdoors

At the heart of NOS is a simple but powerful belief: the more time people spend outdoors, the more they’ll learn to appreciate and care for the natural world. “At NOS, we are committed to increasing everyone’s time spent outdoors,” shares Executive Director Melanie Erquiaga. “The more people experience nature, the more they’ll want to learn about it, love it, and return to it… and the cycle continues!” Their programming emphasizes hands-on learning, outdoor ethics, and access to nature for youth and families across rural northern Nevada.

Partnering with the Chamber & the Community

NOS values its relationship with the Elko Area Chamber as a way to connect with the local community. “The Chamber provides NOS an opportunity to speak with the community,” Erquiaga says. “This last summer, through Business Before Hours meetings, members of the community enrolled their kids in summer camps through our scholarship program—helping increase local youth’s time spent outdoors in Elko County!”

National Recognition for Local Impact

An inspiring highlight in NOS’s journey came in March 2014, when they were recognized in Washington, D.C. as a White House Champion of Change for their work reconnecting young people with nature—an honor that reflects the importance of their mission on both a local and national scale.

Chamber Checks & Community Access

While NOS does not currently accept Chamber Checks as payment for services, they are gladly accepted as donations to support programming needs such as supplies and travel expenses. Most of NOS’s offerings remain free to the public, ensuring that cost is never a barrier to experiencing the outdoors.

Advice for New Business Owners

Erquiaga offers thoughtful advice for those starting out in business: “Building strong community connections is essential for business success. Engage authentically, support local causes, and collaborate with other businesses. By fostering trust and loyalty through active participation and meaningful relationships, you create a network that drives both your brand and the community forward.”

Nevada Outdoor School is more than an educational nonprofit—they are champions of curiosity, adventure, and environmental responsibility. Their impact across rural Nevada continues to grow, one outdoor experience at a time, and the Chamber is proud to support their mission.

For More Information: (775) 777-0814 | nevadaoutdoorschool.org