By Tevyn Pieper
Twenty-two high school students from across the state traveled to Chadron State College for the 61st Annual Nebraska Youth Range Camp. Range Camp provided the students with an intensive, hands-on learning experience, focusing on a diverse array of topics essential for sustainable rangeland stewardship. Over the course of the camp, participants engaged in educational sessions and practical applications designed to deepen their understanding
of ecological principles and management techniques.
The camp kicked off with foundational introductions and networking. Presentations on critical aspects of plant physiology, soil health, and ecological sites provided a biological basis for understanding rangeland ecosystems. Participants also gained knowledge for hands-on plant identification of at least 40 local plants. Speakers also addressed contemporary challenges with a presentation on cedar encroachment and prescribed burning. Practical management strategies were covered with discussions on grazing systems, stocking rates, and ranch economics. To highlight the biodiversity and ecological balance of these areas, students also learned about rangeland insects, wildlife, and birds.
Recreational events throughout the week, including games and a Range Camp rodeo, fostered teamwork and camaraderie, and added a level of competition. Campers along with their teammates competed against other “crews” to gain points for the overall top crew. Range Camp culminated with a comprehensive exam, covering speaker presentation topics, and a final Range Judging contest allowed the students to demonstrate their acquired knowledge of plant ID and ecological sites.
The Nebraska Youth Range Camp is dedicated to fostering the next generation of rangeland conservationists, equipping them with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to manage and protect these invaluable natural resources for the future.
CUTLINE: 2025 Range Campers: Kaylyn Holmes, Ord (Arcadia Public School), Makenzie Shreve, Saint Paul (Saint Paul Public Schools), Odessa Zadina, Enders (Chase County High Schools), Emily Bashtovoi, Sidney (Sidney High School), Ayla Salistean, Lincoln (Milford Public Schools), Elizabeth Skibinski, Ord (Ord High School), Lynn Miner, Emmet (O’Neill High School), Ahris McClaren, Hemingford (Hemingford High School), Kate Barenberg, McCook (McCook Senior High School), Elizabeth Olson, Atkinson (West Holt Public Schools), Aidan Choat, St. Edward (Riverside High School), Thomas Nance, Paxton (Paxton Consolidated School), Jacob Andrews, Arcadia (Arcadia Public Schools), Preston Kelly, Hay Springs (Hay Springs Public Schools), Ben Wilson, Ericson (Wheeler Public Schools), Kyptan Scheideler, Scotia (Ord Senior High School), Justin Guggenmos, Ericson (Wheeler Central Public Schools), Cooper Swendener, Beatrice (Lewiston Consolidated School), Evan Christen, Steinauer (Lewiston Consolidated School), Luke Olsen, Harrisburg (Banner County High School), Axel Seeman, Liberty (Lewiston Consolidated School), Bennett Kuenning, Imperial (Chase County High School), Luke Kuenning, Grant (Chase County High School). Photo by Tevyn Pieper.