Reno ICO Mission

Reno Inspiring Connections Outdoors (ICO) promotes individual growth through group activities, environmental and outdoor skills education, and leadership development for youth and young adults.   We partner with schools, community groups and mission-driven organizations to provide safe and enjoyable outdoor adventures and experiences and to create a local youth-centered outdoor and environmental community. We are focusing on providing targeted equitable access to the natural world so that all young people in our community appreciate and care about our natural environment. 

To get a sense of what this mission looks like in action, read Mari's Snowshoe Trip, a fictional story about Maricella, a student from Proctor Hug High School in Sparks, Nevada. While Mari is not a real person, Hug High School is a real school in the Washoe County School District that has an Adventure Club which partners with ICO. Students of color make up 87% of Hug High School, and 100% of students come from families that are economically disadvantaged.  Hug High School seniors' College Readiness Ranking is in the top 25% in Nevada and the US, according to US News and World Report. 

We are currently forming partnerships with other high schools in the Washoe County School District and in Northern Nevada. High schools and youth serving programs in northern Nevada interested in partnering with Reno ICO to get youth outside, can contact Reno ICO Chair, Rob Schamberg, at robschamberg@gmail.com.

Partners

Inspiring Connections Outdoors is all about breaking down barriers to get youth and adults out into the wilderness.  Going snowshoeing and backpacking requires specialized clothing and equipment - we provide everything: From backpacks, stoves and tents, to raingear, boots, and even socks.  Our storeroom contains over 1.000 pieces of clothing and equipment, enabling us to have up to 35 participants out on trips at any one time.

We are grateful to the schools, agencies, and community groups that partner with Reno ICO to get people outdoors

• Washoe County School District (WCSD), Reno, NV
• WCSD Parent University  Reno, NV
• Proctor Hug High School Adventure Club, Sparks, NV
• Innovations High School, Reno, NV
• University of Nevada Deans Future Scholars Program, Reno, NV

We are grateful to our current funding partners for their grants, donations and sponsorships:

• Sierra Nevada Journeys which delivers innovative outdoor, science-based education programs for youth to develop critical thinking skills and to inspire natural resource stewardship.
• Sierra Club Toiyabe Chapter which leads and supports the environment in the state of Nevada along with Mono and Inyo Counties in California
• Sierra Club Inspiring Connections Outdoors (ICO Capacity Building Grant)
• Sierra Club Grassroots Network
• Sierra Club Our Wild America Campaign 
• Numerous Individuals and family foundations who have made tax-deductible donations to Reno ICO through the Sierra Club Foundation.

We are seeking corporate partners to provide monetary grants, donations of new clothing and equipment, and sponsorships. Join Sierra Nevada Journeys as a Reno ICO Sponsor! To discuss these opportunities for your company, please contact Reno ICO Chair, Rob Schamberg, at robschamberg@gmail.com.

You can help through providing a tax deductible donation to Reno ICO. 100% of your donation will be used to support ICO trips and provide training for Trip Leaders and Volunteers.