Do you enjoy being outdoors and working with youth? Join us by becoming a Chicago ICO volunteer!

Volunteers are the backbone of our organization. They plan and lead ICO outings, manage equipment, help with fundraising, and most of all, work with youth and our partner agencies to provide safe, fun, and educational trips. Volunteers are also necessary to run the organization outside of working with kids. If you have a special talent for organizing, fundraising, writing publicity information, etc, we can use your skills.  

Training And Support

We provide training and support to ensure that all of our volunteers feel comfortable in their role of assisting on outings and with other functions of the ICO program. Previous experience working with youth is not required, just a desire to help with our mission and a willingness to learn.  

Apply To Volunteer

All potential volunteers must fill out an application form which includes information about experience with children and the outdoors, general health questions, references, and agreement for ICO to complete a criminal background check, which is required because ICO volunteers work in direct contact with children. To be covered by the Sierra Club's liability insurance, all volunteers must also be Sierra Club members. 

If you're looking to join us, download and complete the Volunteer Application and email it to ChicagoICO@gmail.com. 

Become a Certified Outings Leader

Some volunteers with ICO choose to become Certified Leaders. Certified Leaders are the primary people responsible for each trip. Most outings will have one or two Certified Leaders in charge. To become a Certified Leader, a volunteer must meet all of the requirements above, as well as be certified in CPR and Basic First Aid. They must also complete a one-day training workshop through ICO. Other training opportunities are available through regional and national Sierra Club Inspiring Connections Outdoors groups.

Interested in partnering with us? 

For anyone interested in partnering with us, please inquire by emailing Chicago ICO: chicagoico@gmail.com. Get to know who we are as part of Sierra Club's Outings network and how we work with youth partners.