It may seem strange that no outdoor experience is required to be an ICO volunteer. However, Reno ICO's mission to take our target population on safe and fun outdoor adventures extends to our volunteers as well!

There are two parts of developing your outdoor leadership:

• Building your own outdoor skills, and ensuring that you can be safe and have fun in the wilderness.
• Learning how to teach and lead individuals and groups to be safe and have fun outdoors.

The Reno ICO Leadership Development Series is designed to increase both sets of skills which are necessary for every one of our Reno ICO Outings. Knowing that the outdoor experience of participants may be minimal, we teach and guide in a gentle, non-threatening, supportive manner to ensure that you learn and grow... oh, and have fun! 

Each year Reno ICO provides a Retreat and Outdoor Leadership Training for new volunteers and for those interested in becoming a Trip Leader. These weekend retreats at the Clair Tappaan Lodge are offered at cost or sometimes at no cost, if it is sponsored by a grant or a donor.  Two full days of learning and playing are complimented by evenings with films and music.  All meals are family style and deep connections get made. 

In addition to the Retreat, volunteers can increase their own outdoor skills and can be of value to Reno ICO by simply joining one of our trips and helping the trip leader to ensure safety and a great experience for all.

The Reno ICO Leadership Development Series, consists of trainings, activities and events specifically for volunteers. Some of these take place during the Reno ICO Community Zoom Meetings (Fourth Thursday, 5:30-7pm) and others are outdoor trips or individual trainings. Many will be in person and will be learning by doing!  Excellent teaching strategies, gentle guidance, supportive learning, and answering your questions is what we do!  (And nearly everything is free!)

At the January 23rd, 2024, Reno ICO Community Meeting attendees developed this list of trainings to be included in the 2024 and 2025 Reno ICO Leadership Development Series.

•    Wilderness First Aid/Wilderness First Responder 
•    Igloo and Snowcave Building
•    Orientation to the Reno ICO Gear Storeroom and How to Use It
•    Dressing for the Outdoors - Layering, What to Wear, What to Carry
•    The Assistant/Probationary Trip Leader Role
•    Intro to Backpacking (Including Pooping in the Woods!)
•    Introduction to Snowshoeing, the Reno ICO Way
•    Sierra Club Child Abuse Prevention and Reporting Course (An Annual Trip Leader Requirement)
•    Reno ICO Computer Orientation: Google Drive, Campfire & MeetUp
•    Location Orientations: Easy Backpack Trips, Good Hikes for Families, Local Fall Trips, Etc.
•    Kayaking at Sugar Pine Point State Park
•    Orienteering - Learning How to Use a Map and Compass
•    Orienteering – Using GAIA GPS
•    Improving Safety with InReach 
•    Naturalist Training – Trees, Animals, Plants, and Insects

To take part in the Reno ICO Outdoor Leadership Development Series, make sure that you have applied as a Reno ICO Volunteer and completed all the requirements. Then, join the Reno ICO Meetup Group and sign up for each class or event.  It is also a great idea to attend Reno ICO Monthly Community meetings, which often include mini-courses which will improve your skills.