We are so excited for the NYC Inspiring Connections Outdoors 5 Pt Adventure Film Festival on June 18th! ICO is a branch of the Sierra Club that connects youth to the outdoors. It is a 100% volunteer-led organization that’s entirely funded by this film festival.
The evening will be filled with a silent auction, giveaways, and, of course, amazing short adventure films.
We sat down with Sally Bojorquez, the Chair of NYC ICO, to learn more about the festival and the incredible work it funds.
How did you get involved with NYC ICO?
Sally Bojorquez: I first got involved in NYCICO as a teacher at a school in the Bronx. When I began teaching 15 years ago, the school did not have a PE teacher, and it was uncommon for students to go outside for recess. Also, students shared the playground and park with the public, so they did not always have access to their own outside space. Due to the lack of physical outside activity students received on a daily basis, I saw a need and started to look up programs online. I found Sierra Club Inspiring Connections Outdoors and thought it would be the perfect fit. Since the school became an agency more than 10 years ago, it has served as a great opportunity for students to have exposure to different outdoor activities.
What storytelling has been showcased at previous ICO Film Festivals?
Sally: There is always a great variety of short films at the festival — from the high adrenaline, heart-pumping stories of bike riders or skydivers to inspirational and thought-provoking films of Erik Weinheimer, for example — the first person to climb Everest blind. NYCICO seeks a more just, equitable, and inclusive movement that demands access to the outdoors for all. This mission connects beautifully to the mission of 5Point, which believes that communities are made better when people pursue adventure and intentionally live their best story. Thus, the films showcased always represent a diverse group of people, many of whom are still underrepresented in adventure stories.
Have any of the films touched you in some way?
Sally: Last year, there was a film titled Strong Grandma. It was about a 95-year-old Grandma who was also a deadlifter! Her whole message throughout was to never stop moving! That message has stayed with me since watching that film! Another film titled Canyon Chorus was directed by an LGBTQ+ advocate who shared the story of building community and friendship within the queer community through adventure.
What feedback have you gotten from guests about the different films?
Sally: Guests always leave the festival with a renewed sense of excitement to come up with new ways to either help their communities connect with nature or how they want to connect more with nature. There is always a sense of confidence to go out and try something new!
Can you describe what experiences the students get and what age groups participate?
Sally: We have agencies that serve students from 3rd grade to 12th grade. For our 3rd to 5th graders as well as our middle school students, trips include hiking, visiting nature centers, maple sugaring, skiing, snowboarding, ice skating and camping.
Our high school students have the opportunity to experience week-long programs. There is a group of students that goes to Montana each year. They camp, conduct trail maintenance, and experience Glacier National Park while they are there. Another group spends a week at Jay Peak in Vermont, where students learn to ski/snowboard, rock climb, and do a service project. While engaging in these experiences, students build community with each other and gain essential leadership skills.
How can these outings change these students’ lives?
Sally: I think in order for people to see the immediate need to really care for our environment, we need to help redevelop an appreciation and love of nature. NYCICO is part of the Outdoors for All campaign, which works to expand universal access to nature for youth. We know having access to nature is a human right. When students have experiences in nature, they can better enjoy nature, both in and out of the city.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
