Inner City Outings (ICO) is a community outreach program of the Sierra Club that provides low-income, inner city youth with trips to wilderness. Volunteer leaders, certified and specially trained in recreational, outdoor, and safety skills as well as environmental education conduct wilderness adventures for youth of diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds, hearing or visually impaired individuals, and the physically disabled. From backpacking trips to neighborhood cleanups to naturalist-led hikes through local marshes and meadows, ICO volunteers introduce all people to the natural world and teach them how important it is to protect and restore wild places.

ICO volunteers believe that the wilderness exists 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. Young people learn valuable survival skills and strengthen their abilities to face challenges outside urban environments. Interpersonal skills and self esteem develop as a natural result of teamwork and an active relationship with the outdoors.

Want to volunteer to help? Interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities with Austin ICO? Please contact Duberly Mazuelos or visit our Volunteer Resource Page.