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.

Pinellas Park High School offers the opportunity to participate with ICO to their developmentally handicapped kids.

Positive Spin is a family development program of the University Area Community Development Corporation, Inc. The project's goal is to strengthen the natural support systems of a family unit in an effort to enhance family safety. The vision of the project is that all children will have continuous positive relationships with consistently attentive and caring adults who value them as special. This group is typically comprised of African American children ranging from elementary through middle school.

Brooks DeBartolo Collegiate High School is a charter school founded to provide high quality, challenging education. Their rigorous and relevant curricula prepare students for successful post secondary educations. They believe that every child has the potential to realize his or her dream if provided with the necessary resources and opportunities.

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.