Reno Inspiring Connections Outdoors

 
Hug High Snowshoe Trip Group Shot

 

Reno’s Inspiring Connections Outdoors (ICO) program brings young people to the mountains they look at every day, but may have never visited! 

ICO promotes individual growth through group activities, environmental and outdoor skills education, and leadership development for youth and young adults. We partner with schools, community groups and mission-driven organizations to provide safe and enjoyable outdoor adventures and experiences and to create a local youth-centered outdoor and environmental community. We are focusing on providing targeted equitable access to the natural world so that all young people in our community appreciate and care about our natural environment.

We provide the equipment, leaders and fun! 

ICO Reno leads snowshoeing, hiking, backpacking, whitewater rafting, camping, and rock climbing trips for youth and families from Northern Nevada. 

You are encouraged to join us at the fifth annual:

Reno Inspiring Connections Outdoors 
5th Annual 
Retreat and Outdoor Leadership Training
November 13th to 15th, 2026
at the
Historic Clair Tappaan Lodge
Soda Springs (Donner Summit), California

Come join other kindred spirits as we engage in the Sierra Club’s Outdoor Leadership Training with a focus on getting youth and adults outside. Learn how to facilitate safe and engaging hiking, backpacking & snowshoeing trips as we hang out, eat, play, hike, & sing around the fire! You will build strong relationships and friendships through this outdoor work together.

Food, lodging, training and fun are free! (Donations are encouraged.)

  • Interest, commitment & great attitude required. No experience needed.
  • We encourage folks with little outdoor experience to come and learn, as well as experienced backpackers, hikers, and climbers. 
  • Participants are requested to volunteer on two trips in 2027.

Click here for more details about the Reno ICO Outdoor Leadership Training Retreat.

For further information about the Retreat, to volunteer, or to register, please contact Reno ICO Outings Specialist Joyce Huang at RenoICOinfo@gmail.com 

Become a Reno ICO Volunteer!

A guide and two youth about to jump off of a rock into the river
ICO is primarily a Volunteer Organization. Whether you are an adult volunteer or a youth participant, be prepared for FUN, DIVERSITY, and ENGAGEMENT with a goal of improving lives, feeding our passions and saving the world. 
 
Please visit our Volunteers and Trip Leaders page to learn more about our volunteer roles and how you can make a difference for young people and our environment.
 
For further information about volunteering for ICO, please contact Reno ICO Volunteer Coordinator Jean Lau at renoicovc@gmail.com  
 

Partner with Reno ICO - Outdoors for All!

Inspiring Connections Outdoors is all about breaking down barriers to get youth and adults out into the wilderness. Going snowshoeing and backpacking requires specialized clothing and equipment - we provide everything: From snowshoes and backpacks to raingear, boots, and even socks. Our clothing and equipment storeroom has over 1,300 items and we can support up to 35 participants at any one time!  
 
Group shot
Now that we have completely filled our storeroom, the only costs that ICO has are for outdoor leadership training and supporting our trips. On average, Reno ICO spends about $750 per day for backpacking, snowshoeing, hiking, and rafting trips for 10-25 participants. These trip expenses primarily include transportation and food. Participants attend trips for no cost, or minimal expenses.
 
We are seeking donors to help with these costs. To make a donation, simply click here or on the red Donate Here button to the right to make a tax deductible donation. If you are interested in joining our Outdoors for All Legacy Donors, making tax deductible annual donations of cash or appreciated stock, please contact Reno ICO Chair, Rob Schamberg at 202-412-0698 or robschamberg@gmail.com.
 
We are also seeking corporate partners to provide monetary grants, donations of new clothing and equipment, and sponsorships. Join Sierra Nevada Journeys as a Reno ICO Sponsor! To discuss these opportunities for your company, please contact Reno ICO Chair, Rob Schamberg, at robschamberg@gmail.com
 
Read the Reno ICO 2024 Annual Report!
 

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