Tuesday, January 7, 2025

Wild Sheep Foundation offers free Youth Wildlife Conservation Experience

 

Youth event part of Wild Sheep Show Expo Jan. 16-18, 2025

Reno, Nevada – Jan 7, 2025 The Youth Wildlife Conservation Experience (YWCE), as part of the Sheep Show Convention and Sporting Expo, is free for families Jan. 18 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. 16-17 for a private, in-depth learning experience, followed by the public event on Jan. 20.

The morning programs for schools will focus on learning about the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, sheep conservation efforts and outdoor career seminars. A keynote speaker will address the groups during lunch, followed by the ultimate hands-on experience where students and teachers rotate through over 40 stations designed to excite and inspire the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts and wildlife conservationists.

The free Jan. 18th 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, Hall 5, 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 available in addition for youth 12-17 years old.

“This truly is a great way to spend the day with the family,” said Ryan Brock, the Wild Sheep Foundation’s youth education coordinator. “Families can stay an hour or the entire day.” For online information and to preregister visit https://www.wildsheepfoundation.org/youth-programs/ywce .

For more information, contact Ryan Brock, at Rbrock@wildsheepfoundation.org or (775) 846-8309.