NYC Inspiring Connections Outdoors works with public schools and community agencies across New York City to help young people build a lasting relationship with the outdoors.

What NYC ICO provides

• One or two certified adult trip leaders, assistant leaders, and youth leaders when available
• Trip planning, permits, safety planning, and first-aid coverage
• Funding assistance for transportation, food, and outdoor equipment
• Insurance coverage through the Sierra Club for eligible trips and volunteers
• Training for staff members who want to become certified leaders

What your school or agency provides

• A staff contact who helps coordinate each trip; attending is optional unless your organization requires it
• Dates that work with your calendar and timely communication with families
• Your own permission process alongside NYC ICO requirements
• School or agency transportation when available
• A signed Letter of Agreement and application, provided directly after an introductory conversation

Questions schools ask

What does it cost?

NYC ICO fundraises to provide funding assistance for trip costs such as transportation, food, and outdoor equipment. Specific arrangements are confirmed with each partner.

Who supervises the students?

Adult certified leaders supervise every trip, with youth leaders joining when available. Certified leaders hold current Basic First Aid and CPR certifications, or Wilderness First Aid for trips where emergency medical services would take more than one to two hours to reach the group. They also complete Outdoor Leadership Training and required screening. A school staff member may attend if the school wants or requires it.

What about insurance and permission forms?

Eligible trips operate under Sierra Club insurance requirements. NYC ICO sends the current permission materials directly to partner contacts; completed forms are not collected through the public website.

Three steps to a first trip

1. Reach out. Email sierraclub.nycico@gmail.com with the grade level, approximate group size, and what you hope students will experience.
2. Review the partnership materials. After an introductory conversation, NYC ICO sends the application and Letter of Agreement directly to your contact.
3. Meet your leader. Together, you will discuss staffing, transportation, timing, and a realistic first outing.

Partner schools and organizations

• AmPark Neighborhood School
• Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School
• CatRock Youth Leadership Academy
• Claremont International High School
• Flushing International High School
• Humanities Preparatory Academy
• James Baldwin Outdoor Learning Center
• Keaton’s Kids
• Kinship Climbing Collective
• Manhattan Academy of Technology
• MS 167 — The Robert F. Wagner School
• MS 297 at 75 Morton
• MS 302 Luisa Dessus Cruz
• PAIHS Monroe
• PS 10
• PS 100 Isaac Clason
• PS 159
• PS 241
• PS/MS 57 James Weldon Johnson
• PS/MS 140
• Samara Community School
• The Door
• The Heights Urban Empowerment
• The Young Women’s Leadership School of the Bronx
• TRUE Mentors

Interested in becoming a partner? Email sierraclub.nycico@gmail.com.