Nevada's Outdoor Education Credit Program

Welcome to Nevada’s Outdoor Education Credit program! This exciting initiative allows students to explore Nevada’s remarkable outdoor spaces while earning elective high school credit. Created to build confidence, teach new skills, and foster a deep appreciation for our natural environment, this program recognizes that meaningful learning happens well beyond the classroom walls.

Click Here to Download the Outdoor Recreation Information Packet

Program Overview & Credit Rules

• Eligibility: Available to all students in grades 7 through 12.

• Credit Value: Students earn 0.5 elective credits for every 60 hours completed.

  • A full credit requires 120 hours.

  • Students can earn up to 2.0 total credits.

  • No partial credit is awarded.

• Grading: This credit is graded Pass/Fail and does not impact a student's GPA.

• Timeframe: All qualifying hours must be completed outside of the typical school day.

• Exclusions: Not all activities qualify. For example, organized team sports do not count toward hours. Final approval of all activities is determined by the school administrator.

The 5-Step Process for Students

1. Create a Learning Plan

Before starting, students must fill out an official Learning Plan. You will choose your activities, set personal goals, outline a safety plan, and get formal approval from your school administrator and a supervising teacher/mentor.

2. Complete Outdoor Activities

Participate in your approved activities safely and responsibly. Examples of qualifying activities include:

• Hiking and fishing

• Wildlife observation

• Developing outdoor skills

• Volunteer work (such as state park volunteer opportunities)

• Participating in local clubs (scouting, archery, fishing clubs, etc.)

3. Track Your Activity (Log Your Hours)

Students must maintain an accurate and honest activity log. For every entry, you need to record:

• Date, location, and time spent

• Type of activity and a brief description of what you did

• Supervisor/mentor sign-off

4. Show Evidence of Learning

Upon completing your hours, you must complete a final project or presentation that demonstrates your growth and answers what you did, what you learned, and how you grew. Formats can include:

• Written reflections or photo journals

• Videos, slideshows, or oral presentations

• Live skill demonstrations

5. Submit Your Work for Final Approval

Turn in your complete packet to your advisor and administrator for final credit tracking. Your final submission checklist must include:

• Approved Learning Plan

• Completed and verified Activity Log

• Evidence of Learning final project

• Signed Final Approval Sheet (with student, parent, teacher, and administrator signatures)

Roles & Responsibilities

• Parents/Guardians: Assume responsibility for student safety, liability, fees, and transportation to off-campus sites. Parents are asked to monitor progress and periodically review logs.

• Teachers/Mentors: Review and approve the initial learning plan contract and evaluate the final "Evidence of Learning" project.

• School Administrators: Review and approve outdoor programs/sites to ensure they meet district criteria, provide necessary log paperwork, audit final hours, and ensure credit is officially applied to the student's transcript.

Tips for Success

• Start Early: Stay consistent and keep your log updated after every activity.

• Take Media: Snap photos or videos and take notes as you go—this makes your final project much easier to build.

• Ask for Help: If you are ever unsure if an activity qualifies, check with your school administrator before logging hours.