Reno Inspiring Connections Outdoors is thriving due to the volunteers that are at our core, The Reno ICO Leadership Team. There is so much to do to keep Reno ICO going and our recognition of the Leadership Team is overdue! Perhaps their achievements will inspire you to join the Leadership Team – See the end of the article to take the next step. We are grateful to the Leadership Team for all they do:
D’Lisa Crain, Social Media Coordinator: D’Lisa doesn’t just keep the Reno ICO Instagram account current with great stories and pictures, but she is a major connector, with a key role in developing partnerships with the Washoe County School District Parent University and the UNR Dean’s Future Scholars Program, along with linking in several of our most active volunteers.
Jeremy Lin, Member at Large: Another connector, Jeremy has built a strong partnership between ICO and Donner Memorial State Park and Sugar Pine Point State Park, where the vast majority of ICO trips have taken place. So far we have had seven supported snowshoe trips at Donner Lake and there are plans forming for hikes and kayak trips at both State Parks. Jeremy trains State Park staff in high altitude diving and has even livestreamed Lake Tahoe dives that are available online for our youth to watch.
John Arsenault, Equipment Coordinator: John has been the driving force in equipping our incredible gear storeroom, helping volunteers access the gear, and keeping our storeroom secure and open. Most recently, he purchased women’s rain/snow pants, ensuring that there is quality gear in the right sizes – these have been a huge hit! John also leads the Hug High Adventure Club and has played a key role in helping others become Trip Leaders.
Rob Schamberg, Reno ICO Chair: Rob sees his role as a connector and guide. He founded Reno ICO with the help of some friends. Rob maintains the ICO website, writes the newsletter, raises money, and is the lead Outdoor Leadership Training instructor. Rob is also an ICO whitewater guide. Along with supporting all members of the ICO Leadership Team and helping ICO Trip Leaders to run their trips, his big joy is being the trip leader for the University of Nevada Reno Dean's Future Scholars Program.
Suzy Bank-Schamberg, Treasurer: This huge and vital job is key to supporting all of our activities. Suzy ensures that all trip leaders have the financial support, quick reimbursements and upfront payments for trip expenses. But behind the scenes, she is doing so much, maintaining the ICO checking account, getting reimbursements from the Sierra Club Foundation, and completing required Sierra Club financial reports. And she applies her outdoor and people skills to volunteer on many ICO trips…
Tracey Pomeroy, Volunteer Coordinator: There is no end to the volunteer work that Tracey completes! She recruits volunteers, supports volunteers and trip leaders in fulfilling requirements, keeps track of data, arranges background checks, & trains volunteers and trip leaders. Tracey is a trip leader who has led hiking trips, a girl’s rock climbing program, and serves as an assistant trip leader on many ICO trips.
Trish Shaffer, Washoe County School District Liaison: Trish is a cofounder of Reno ICO who has connected us throughout the school district, bringing in key volunteers, and building support for ICO within the District.
Troy Wilson: Fund Development, Backpacking, and ICO Youth Leadership Cadre Coordinator: Troy is the newest member of our Leadership Team, and has already had an impact. Troy is developing the Reno ICO Backpacking Manual and is supporting Rob in grant writing, promoting legacy donors and in kicking off the Youth Leadership Cadre. He is planning to lead and support backpacking trips starting this summer.
The Reno ICO Leadership Team needs you!!! In particular, we are looking for a Records Manager, and for co-leaders to support the Equipment Coordinator, Volunteer Coordinator, and Social Media Coordinator. If you think you or a friend may have 3-5 hours per month to help out, please contact Rob, ICO Chair, at RobSchamberg@gmail.com. These positions are great opportunities to support outdoor access and life-altering experiences and to be part of a community of kindred people. “Many hands make little work!” No outdoor expertise is needed for any of these roles, but there is lots of opportunities to build your outdoor experience if you so choose. Please join us!