Welcome

Share the experience of nature and environmental education with those who would otherwise not have the opportunity! Through Inner City Outings, urban youth, adults, and others are provided the opportunity to discover the beauty of wild places, develop an appreciation for nature, and acquire skills to enjoy these places safely.

Our Mission

Sierra Club Inner City Outings is a community outreach program that provides opportunities for urban youth and adults to explore, enjoy and protect the natural world.

What is San Francisco Bay Chapter ICO?

SF Bay Chapter Inner City Outings (ICO) is dedicated to providing positive experiences in the great outdoors to those who otherwise would not have the opportunity. We serve people of many diverse cultural backgrounds. Our goal is to help these people appreciate natural places and develop a desire to protect them.

San Francisco Bay Chapter's ICO program is the place where ICO began, way back in 1971! A small group of Sierra Club outings leaders decided to take urban youth into the great outdoors. Since its founding, ICO has spread to about 50 cities across the nation, involving hundreds of dedicated volunteers serving thousands of participants every year.

All SF Bay Chapter ICO trips are provided at little or no cost to our participants. We furnish the leadership, volunteers, experience, funding, and equipment needed to conduct safe outings.

We lead dayhikes, car camping trips, snow camping excursions, or overnight backpacking adventures.

Who Are We?

Volunteers - We are a 100% volunteer organization. Volunteer leaders are trained and certified in recreational, outdoor, first aid, and safety skills, as well as environmental education.

We have over 70 volunteers who do so many things to make our organization click: they lead trips, assist on outings, welcome new volunteers, update our website, maintain our equipment sites, replenish our first aid kits, keep track of our funds, and have fun getting together monthly.

In 2004, 15 different ICO Certified Leaders led 45 trips, bringing over 490 youth and 129 adult participants to the great outdoors.

Youth - ICO participants are mainly urban youth of diverse cultural, economic, and ethnic backgrounds. However, we work with a number of agencies who serve people with disabilities, young adults, or adults.

We are looking to expand our program to include a youth leader training component for our teenage participants to become leaders. Trainees will work with certified adult ICO leaders and learn how to plan a trip, use maps and compasses, and determine necessary food, transportation, and equipment to pull off a successful trip. But, to make this additional program possible, we need dedicated volunteers and additional funding.

Why San Francisco ICO?

ICO volunteers believe that the wilderness and our natural places exist as a resource for everyone and that all people should have access to it. With the guidance of ICO volunteers, participants discover the beauty of wild lands and how to enjoy these areas without harming them.

We know we're making a difference when we see the same youth return each month. We've watched them:

• grow more confident with each new exploration
• become more aware of the importance of conserving our environment
• learn valuable outdoor skills
• strengthen their ability to face challenges, both inside and outside of their urban environments
• develop interpersonal skills and self-esteem as a natural result of teamwork and cooperation. We look forward to watching these youth grow for many more years to come.

What kind of outings are ICO trips, and Where do we go?

Our outings consist of day hikes, car camping trips, snow camping and backpacking outings throughout Northern California - from Big Sur to the Lost Coast, from Point Reyes to the High Sierra! Activities are tailored to the interests of each group.

When do ICO Trips Usually Happen?

Outings - Because we serve a number of schools and agencies, We often lead several trips per month. Some agencies we work with have outings as often as once per month!

How to get involved with SF Bay Chapter ICO?

Becoming a Volunteer - To become an ICO Volunteer, check out our volunteering page for information about our requirements. You can attend an outing (see our calendar) as a guest to determine if ICO is a mutual fit. Email Craig Gordon or call 415-819-7543 for more information.

Supporting ICO - The Inner City Outings program is made possible by its volunteers who give generously of their time and skills, and by donations of money and equipment from friends and supporters. Financial support from foundations, corporations, and individuals are always needed and appreciated.

Outing costs typically include transportation, park entry fees, food, and supplies. Costs for day hikes can reach $250. For overnight backpacking and car camping trips, the costs can reach $1,000 or more. For this calendar year, we estimate 4 day hikes per month and 20-30 overnight trips for the year. All cash donations are tax deductible through the Sierra Club Foundation under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Check our donating page for details on how you can help and to find out who has helped us.

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