Welcome to ICO! We hope you enjoy your
experiences with us. This page should answer some of the questions you
might have regarding ICO and our outings.
Thanks for joining us!
Why go on an outing with
ICO?
You will meet students from other schools and neighborhoods, learn how to
do cool things outdoors, and have a really good time!
What kinds of outings are there?
We go canoeing, hiking, camping, fishing, and do many other types of
activities. Sometimes we do service outings, like volunteering to help
clean up a park. Lengths of outings can range from a few hours to a few
days.
Where do we go on outings?
Places we've already visited include many forest preserves, the Indiana Dunes, Starved Rock
State Park , Palos
Hills and Tippecanoe State Park IN.
Who else goes on outings?
Usually an outing will have students from just one
organization, but sometimes we will have outings together. Students from
previous outings have stated that their favorite part was meeting students
from other schools.
 I've never camped or canoed before. Can I still go
on an outing?
That's why we are here! Many students on ICO outings have limited
experience in the outdoors. We'll teach you the basic skills you'll need
to be safe and have fun.
What do I need to bring?
You need to bring a waiver/permission slip signed by a parent or guardian.
Without this form, you will not be able to participate in the outing. Your
coordinator or group leader will give this to you, along with information
about the trip, about two weeks before the trip begins.
Other items you need to bring will depend on the trip. ICO
provides some basic equipment such as tents, extra water bottles, etc,
but you may need to bring some personal items such as good walking shoes,
a rain coat, or a small backpack. You will be given a list of items
necessary for each outing. If you don't have some of the items, they will
be provided for you if possible.
Don't see the answer to your question here? Feel free to
send us a note on our Contact ICO page.
Thank you!
Rules for ICO Trips
- BE SAFE.
- Always wear your seat belt while riding in the
car or van.
- No alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, or weapons of any
kind are permitted.
- No violence is allowed.
- Always stay with the group.
- Listen to the instructions of the leaders and
volunteers.
- BE RESPECTFUL.
- Help to protect the natural environment.
- Always leave places cleaner than when they were
found.
- Respect others' rights and others' property.
- BE HELPFUL.
- All trips are group activities. Like anything
else, outings have chores.
- TAKE CARE of yourself.
Safety Information
- Leaders have first aid training and will carry a
first aid kit in case of emergencies. The leader will be in front of
the group or will designate someone to lead the group. A second person
will be selected to bring up the rear. The group should stay together
and always stay on the trail.
- There will be a whistle in the first aid kit. When it
is blown, there is an important reason for the group to come together
immediately.
- Do not drink water from creeks, streams or lakes
along the trail. Water that looks clean usually is not and may make a
person very sick. Leaders know how to purify the water if need be.
- Let the leader know if you are not feeling well -
dizzy, nauseated, too hot, very cold, headache, etc. Some illnesses
that may seem trivial in the city may be more serious in the
wilderness.
Hiking Manners
To help protect the environment, our goal is to have
minimum impact with maximum enjoyment. We want to leave no signs that we
were there, even though we may see plenty of signs that others were there.
- No littering: All
of our garbage will be placed in trash bins or packed out of the area
in garbage bags that the leader will provide.
- Keep the noise level down -
people go to the wilderness for peace and quiet. We will respect this.
- Please do not take anything (plants,
fossils, etc) from the visited area. Let others enjoy them in their
natural surroundings.
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