Nashville ICO

Inspiring Connections Outdoors is an outings program where volunteer leaders collaborate with community partners to get people outdoors, especially youth, who may not have access on their own to safely discover the wonders of the natural world. Through outdoor experiences, we promote appreciation and protection of the natural environment, provide opportunities for personal growth, and foster respect of self, others, and the environment.

In response to COVID-19, we are suspending all planned ICO until Summer 2022. We will contact our volunteers when we once again able to share outdoor experiences with young people.

Our goals:

• Introduction to nature
• Education about nature
• Imagination and creativity
• Health
• Self-esteem
• Fun!

We plan many events in and around Nashville. See the ICO Activities Nashville page for upcoming activities. On that page you will find links to stories of young people learning, enjoying the outdoors and having fun at our recent events.

Inspiring Connections Outdoors (ICO), is a community outreach program of the Sierra Club. This program seeks to provide urban youth and adults with positive outdoor experiences. Our goal is to allow participants to discover the beauty of wild places and learn how to enjoy and protect our wild environments. By bringing people of diverse backgrounds into the environmental community, we hope to strengthen the ranks of the environmental movement at large.

The Nashville ICO Group works with several local agencies and community centers to lead hikes and other outings. The program is made possible by volunteers who give generously of their time and skills to participate in training, receive first aid education, and lead outings. Financial support from foundations and individuals is always needed and appreciated.

The first Inner City Outings took place in 1971 in San Francisco. Since then, this Sierra Club program has spread all across the country, helping youth, who normally wouldn't have the chance, explore and love the great outdoors. However, we can not do it without people who love to share their enthusiasm for kids, teaching, and having fun. 
Now while outdoor gatherings are restricted because of COVID, we are not able to accept new volunteers. We hope you are interested in being a volunteer so come back to this page later this summer when we hope to tell you we are back to hosting the events for young people. 

 Co-Chairs :

• Jo Ann Tumey, (615) 944-6119, jtumey@gmail.com
• Charlie High,  (615) 500 5499, cahigh1722@aol.com

Treasurer - Jo Ann Tumey

Leader Training Coordinator - Caroline Drury

Leaders are: Craig Jervis, Caroline Drury, Jo Ann Tumey, David Kuhn and Charlie High.

We can see our photos from past outings at:  https://www.facebook.com/NashvilleInnerCityOutings/.

For leaders, Sierra Club posts a full range of ICO support documents, guidelines and forms on Campfire Community Outings - Inspiring Connections Outdoors. Access is restricted to leaders but if you are in training or about to become a leader you can be given access by Charlie High if you contact him by email at cahigh1722@aol.com.