Who We Are

ICO Tampa Bay Group is an outreach arm of the Sierra Club whose mission is to expose youth from inner city and underserved populations in and around Tampa Bay to the wonders of the natural environment. It is one of more than 50 such programs nationwide.

The core concept of ICO is to show our children another aspect of the world we all share. We run 20-25 trips a year which are fully staffed and organized by dedicated volunteers, including volunteer "certified leaders" who are certified in basic First Aid and CPR.

Our destinations are usually within an hour from the host location. Most of these are day trips that include hiking, cycling, canoeing, kayaking, and service projects. We also conduct overnight camping trips on weekends during the year.

ICO works to promote awareness of and interest in conservation and preservation efforts in the Tampa Bay Area.

Our Agencies

Academy Prep Center of Tampa is a private, fifth through eighth grade middle school educational program designed specifically to give children of low-income families an outstanding educational opportunity and the greatest chance for success.

Academy Prep Center of St. Petersburg is affiliated with the Tampa center with the same mission.

Boys & Girls Club of Tampa and Plant City have programs and services geared to children and teens with little or no adult supervision. They promote and enhance the development of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence.

University Area Community Development Corporation (UACDC) provides an environment for young girls to experience fun and togetherness by giving them a chance to interact with other girls their age and the opportunity to become a mentor to those who are younger.