Nebraska Youth Range Camp Draws 29 Students to Curtis for Hands-On Learning Experience

By Allison Peck

Front Row (kneeling) L-R: Cody Trump (Rancher, Broken Bow), Grace Stahly (Stratton), Marisa Milliken (Rushville), Madden Kleeb (Broken Bow), Madison Burianek (Pleasant Dale), Jailyn Miller (Tryon), Evan Christen (Steinauer), Bennett Kuenning (Imperial), Luke Olsen (Harrisburg), Mason Govier (Broken Bow), Rawlins Kleeb (Broken Bow), Lizzy Skibinski (Ord), Shelly Kelly (Sandhills Task Force, Broken Bow) Middle Row L-R: Matt Zvolanek (NRCS, Grant), Sheridan Wilson (Ag Spire, Arthur), Jadyn Thompson (Ord), Reid Nutt (Farnam), Langley Dredge (Arcadia), Ayla Salistean (Lincoln), Kayden Kvistad (Chadron), Reese Smith (Bartlett), Luke Kuenning (Grant), Gunner Wild (Chadron), Lucy Wacker (Lincoln), Kate Barenberg (McCook), Tevyn Pieper (Sandhills Task Force, Mitchell), Leah Christen (University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Steinauer) Back Row L-R: Scott Stout (Rancher, Curtis), Rachel Otten (Pheasants Forever, Thedford), Tilden Hird (Lincoln), Preston Kelly (Hay Springs), Emily Bashtovoi (Sidney), Kyptan Scheideler (Scotia), Roudy Schommer (Chadron), Justin Guggenmos (Ericson), Nathan Wadas (Ord), Ethan Gillham (Lodgepole), Brandon Jelinek (NRCS, Ogallala), Joe Barenberg (Rancher, McCook)

CURTIS, Neb. — Nearly 30 students from communities across Nebraska gathered in Curtis earlier this month to learn about rangeland management, conservation, and the livestock industry during the 2026 Nebraska Youth Range Camp.

The camp was held June 8-11 at the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture and attracted 29 students interested in natural resources, agriculture and stewardship of Nebraska's rangelands.

The annual camp provides youth with hands-on educational experiences designed to increase their understanding of grazing management, plant identification, ecological principles and ranching practices. Participants also have opportunities to work in teams, develop leadership skills and interact with professionals involved in range science and agriculture.

Several students were recognized for their performances throughout the week.

Top Newcomers L-R: Nathan Wadas (3rd Place), Langley Dredge (4th Place), Madden Kleeb (2nd Place), Kayden Kvistad (1st Place)

Among first-time campers, Kayden Kvistad of Chadron earned first-place honors, followed by Madden Kleeb of Broken Bow in second place, Nathan Wadas of Ord in third place and Langley Dredge of Arcadia in fourth place.

Top Returners L-R: Reese Smith (3rd Place), Emily Bashtovoi (1st Place), Justin Guggenmos (2nd Place), Kate Barenberg (4th Place

Top honors among returning campers went to Emily Bashtovoi of Sidney, who finished first. Justin Guggenmos of Ericson placed second, Reese Smith of Bartlett finished third and Kate Barenberg of McCook earned fourth place.

Top Crew L-R: Langely Dredge, Reese Smith, Matt Zvolanek (Crew Boss), Emily Bashtovoi, Mason Govie

The camp also recognized its top crew, which included Langley Dredge, Reese Smith, Emily Bashtovoi and Mason Govier of Broken Bow. The group was led by Crew Boss Matt Zvolanek of the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Grant.

Organizers said the Nebraska Youth Range Camp is made possible through the Nebraska Section of the Society for Range Management with assistance from Nebraska ranches, the Sandhills Task Force, the Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition, several of the state's Natural Resources Districts, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Service and numerous volunteers.

The camp aims to foster the next generation of land managers and agricultural leaders by providing students with practical experiences and exposure to career opportunities related to Nebraska's rangelands and natural resources.