Minnesota
Inner City Outings ( MN ICO ) of the North Star Chapter
of the Sierra Club enables predominantly low-income urban
youth the opportunity to benefit from exposure to the natural
environment. In conjunction with community agencies, MN
ICO leads small groups of youth on, what is for many, their
first wilderness experience. Using outdoor recreation as
its primary vehicle, MN ICO relies on a close-knit, dedicated,
and well-trained group of volunteers to create an unforgettable
experience for its participants.
Currently
working in collaboration with four community-based agencies,
MN ICO runs day trips to protected natural areas throughout
the metro area. Each agency is responsible for recruiting
participants, while MN ICO supplies outing leadership, equipment,
transportation, and food. Previous MN ICO activities have
included hiking, biking, camping, backpacking, canoeing,
skiing, and dog sledding.
