About

About Atlanta ICO

Established in 1988, the Atlanta chapter seeks to serve youth in the greater Atlanta area by partnering with youth groups located in Atlanta and nearby cities.  It is our goal to help these young people discover the beauty of wild places, to foster an appreciation for nature, and to help them acquire the necessary skills to enjoy these places safely. Through active involvement with nature, the program increases participant's environmental awareness, interpersonal skills and self-esteem.
 
Our past trips have included backpacking on Cumberland Island, snorkeling with the manatee in Crystal River Florida, working with local Atlanta groups on community service projects, kayaking on Georgia rivers, camping and hiking in Georgia State Parks, and attending educational programs offered by our volunteers and the Park Service.  Atlanta ICO furnishes the equipment to run the trips and covers all trip expenses, including transportation and food. We are an all-volunteer organization.

Our Current Agencies

Simply put, our ICO outings would not be possible without the wonderful support of all of our local agencies.  Are you involved in a youth group that would be interested in exploring the wonders of the great outdoors, though do not have resources or time? If so, just shoot us a note (atlantaico@gmail.com) and we will see how we might be able to help!
 
Warren Boys & Girls Club (http://www.bgcma.org/club/warren)
790 Berne Street  Atlanta, GA 30316
Agency Leader: Al Merril (amerril@mindspring.com)
 
A Worley Brown Boys & Girls Club (http://www.bgcma.org/club/aworley)
5360 Old Norcross Road  Norcross, GA 30071
Agency Leader: Terri Lyde (lydeterri@bellsouth.net)
 
International Rescue Committee  (http://www.rescue.org/us-program/us-atlanta-ga)
2305 Parklake Drive, Suite 100  Atlanta, GA 30345
Agency Leader: Terri Lyde (lydeterri@bellsouth.net)
 
Interested groups - please complete form

Atlanta ICO Steering Committee

Contact us at atlantaico@gmail.com
 
Group Chair - Terri Lyde – lydeterri@bellsouth.net
Terri is a native Atlanta who discovered the joys of playing outdoors as an adult. There is anything that she won’t try at least once but her favorite outdoor activities are cycling, kayaking, and camping.
ICO Member Since: 2010
Favorite ICO Trip: Swim With The Manatee
 
Treasurer - Al Merrill - amerril@mindspring.com
 
Marketing & PR  - Position Vacant
 
Fundraising Coordinator - Position Vacant 
 
Equipment Coordinator - Al Merrill – amerril@mindspring.com
Al teaches biology at Georgia Tech; former Boy Scout leader; enjoys the outdoors and agrees with John Muir that "In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks."
ICO Member Since: 2009
Favorite ICO Trip: Providence Canyon with the Warren Boys & Girls Club group