New Chicago ICO partners, Logan Square Neighborhood Association & Family Focus Nuestra Familia, took their first outing to Starved Rock Illinois State Park on Feburary 3rd, 2018. 

It was a cold and cloudy day but once we got moving it was a perfect day for hiking.  We were treated to interesting rock features and frozen waterfalls during the morning and afternoon hikes, with a mid-day lunch break by the fire in the lodge. 

 "Life is like a box of rocks every single moment is different"   -   Raven Torres, 8th grader

 "It was adventurous, I felt like Indiana Jones."   -   Edwin Lopez, 6th grader

The work of outings as a platform to assist youth in exploring their relationship to the outdoors can be achieved by being inclusive of the role of family - involving their parents. To accomplish our long-term vision of the outdoors as accessible and welcoming to All people, we want to be intentional in how we extend the invitation for parents (when appropriate). Parents who attended this first outing commented how being on these trails felt reminiscent of scenic areas in their native homelands they'd visit. The sentiment of now 'knowing about this place' outside of our busy urban living was expressed with gratitude. Stories exchanged intermingled with excitement for returning with their families.

Our leader Paul Micheli, who was leading his first outing, shared:  "It was great...I wasn't sure about parents coming along, but one of the mothers was saying she wanted to bring her kids back. I think the idea of inviting parents along on future trips is worth considering. They're the ones with the means of transportation."