Inner City Outings: A New Generation of Experiences

Inner City Outings doesn't just provide incredible outdoor experiences for kids. It also allows adults to pass on their own childhood experiences to a new generation.

That's one reason why Raleigh, North Carolina, ICO leaders Sarah Johnston and Sara Felsen got involved. Johnston, who grew up in the West Virginia Appalachians, remembers bird-spotting with her family:  "I hated it then because I wanted to be at the mall," she recalls. "But after a while, I grew to love it and now I spend all my vacations in tents."

Felsen, who's originally from western New York State, remembers camping with the Girl Scouts: "This is a way to pass it along to the next generation, especially to kids who might not otherwise have these experiences," she says. "But we volunteers learn as much as the kids, both on educational outings and just by learning what's going on in these kids' lives. We watch them grow and broaden their perspective on life with each outing."

Inner City Outings: Where Are We Going Next?

Of all the lessons Inner City Outings teaches to kids, one that stands out is that there are always special natural places nearby to explore. And in Atlanta, outings leaders have a lot to choose from: Fort Yargo State Park, Blood Mountain, Kennesaw Mountain…the list goes on.

"This weekend we're going caving in Raccoon Mountain Caverns in Chattanooga," ICO leader Susie Scarr says. "We ask the kids whether they've been camping, and most of them have not. Usually these trips are a first time for them. We went to hike at Kennesaw Mountain, and half of them had never even been on a hike or a trail. It opens their eyes to what's available to them and what they are able to enjoy."

ICO's Atlanta group is one of 50 groups across the country that connects city kids with nature. ICO leads 800 outings a year and serves about 14,000 kids, providing memorable, educational outdoor experiences they would not otherwise have. 

Susie is a retired school teacher who got involved with ICO two years ago thanks to a friend.

She was already part of the Women’s Outdoor Network, so, as she puts it, "ICO seemed like a natural fit. Just to see how these kids blossom and interact with each other and with the adults, it makes it so rewarding."

Susie says that budget cuts in Georgia—as in so many other places—have forced park administrators to turn to volunteers to help maintain parks. This push to encourage volunteering resonates with kids.

"The kids absolutely want to pitch in," she says. “They’re in a world of iPods and phones and they're not even aware that they can do these things. Parents are too busy to take them out. ICO just does a world of good for everyone involved. The kids love it, they talk about it, and they can't wait to find out where we’re going next."

Want to get involved? Find out more info at Inner City Outings. www.sierraclub.org/ico

Inspiration Through Inner City Outings

That's ICO leader Chris Grenier, in the upper left, having fun.

Years ago, while doing trail maintenance in the White Mountains, Chris Grenier listened to one of the leaders describe hiking the Appalachian Trail.

"He had story after story," Chris recalls.

Chris had limited hiking and camping experience up to that point. But, inspired by what he had heard, Chris hiked the Appalacian Trail two years later.

"And now, thanks to Inner City Outings, I have story after story when kids ask me about the various places I've been. It's a great topic around the campfire."

Chris is a leader with ICO's Chicago group, which helps kids who would otherwise not get the chance to experience the outdoors connect with nature. Inner City Outings is made up of 50 groups across the country, leading more than 800 outings each year and serving more than 14,000 kids.