Sequoia High School students from a low-income community in Redwood City recently embarked on their first wilderness adventures, with several unforgettable trips made possible by Sierra Club ICO (Inspiring Connections Outdoors) volunteers. For many students, it was their first time camping, visiting the beach, or experiencing the thrill of white-water rafting. The students, some of whom have immigrated from Central America in the past year, worked seamlessly together, setting up tents, washing dishes, and showed respect for one another and their natural surroundings. They embraced the quiet moments of nature, marveling at tide pools and sitting by serene lakes, while also loving the adrenaline of rafting. Sierra Club’s well-stocked and well-maintained gear storage unit provided the gear students needed for a Fitzgerald Marine Preserve trip in March, an overnight at Joseph Grant County Park in April and an American River Rafting trip in September. Inspired, several students now dream of becoming river guides themselves.
It’s a big beautiful world out there, but for a lot of urban youth, they lack the opportunity to experience it. Volunteers are the backbone to offer these outdoor opportunities. We are always seeking more volunteers to accommodate more students on adventures. We rely on donations to fund our trips. Any little bit helps us take youth outdoors. Please donate at https://www.sierraclub.org/california/san-jose-ico.