Editor's Note: 

There are about 30 active Sierra Club Inspiring Connections Outdoors (ICO) groups throughout the country, but only one that takes underserved youth and adults whitewater rafting. SF Bay ICO Rafting takes people on whitewater rafting trips who would never have gotten the opportunity otherwise.  ICO groups in Sacramento, Reno, San Jose and the San Francisco Bay Region have the opportunity to bring youth and adult participants from their partner schools and community agencies on two-day rafting adventures on the South Fork of the American River through the ICO Rafting program.

These river trips change the live of those who participate. Since it's inception in the early 1980s, thousands of people have gone down the river with ICO Rafting. In addition, hundreds of ICO Rafting volunteers have been trained as river guides and lead these trips, ensuring safety and fun. Many high school students who were trained as river guides in the 1980s and 1990s, are still guiding boats down the river, and their lives and lifestyles have been enriched through these experiences.

To get more information about how your school or community group could go down the river, or to inquire about volunteering and training as a guide, please contact Melanie Lau at melina@icorafting.org

Now, on to Alberto Garcia's article about the Dean's Future Scholars Rafting Adventure...

- Rob Schamberg
   Chair, Reno ICO
   ICO Raft Guide 

On the weekend of August 3-4, 2024, 18 high school students, along with mentors from the Dean's Future Scholars (DFS) program embarked on an unforgettable adventure to the South Fork of the American River. This whitewater rafting trip, organized by Reno ICO and San Francisco ICO, offered these young participants a chance to experience the thrill of the rapids—an exhilarating first-time adventure for many.

The group settled at Camp Lotus, a picturesque site nestled along the banks of the American River. The setting was ideal for immersing in nature and provided the perfect backdrop for a weekend of outdoor exploration and personal growth. The students, guided by experienced ICO San Francisco whitewater rafting guides, navigated the river’s challenging rapids with a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation.

For most, this was their first encounter with whitewater rafting, pushing them out of their comfort zones and into an exhilarating new experience.

One mentor, Monse Ramirez, reflected on the trip, saying, "I had a lot of fun and was definitely out of my comfort zone. What I appreciated most was that almost everyone had to leave their phones behind, which made us interact more and fully embrace nature. I loved the big rapids and getting splashed with water."

Beyond the adventure, this trip provided a valuable opportunity for the students to connect more deeply with nature and with each other. The bonds formed during this shared experience are sure to last a lifetime, as the students returned home not only with lasting memories but also with a newfound appreciation for the outdoors.

Many expressed interest in returning next year and even considering becoming whitewater rafting guides themselves.

Another Editor's Note: The University of Reno Dean’s Future Scholars (DFS) serves approximately 500 grade 6-12 students in Reno families where they will be the first in their family to go to college. The trip was a deep collaboration between DFS, Reno ICO, and San Francisco ICO Rafting. 

Alberto Garcia, DFS Graduate Assistant, did an amazing job securing funding for transportation and food, marketed the trip to high school students and their mentors, prepared them for the trip, and provided all of the food for the weekend.

Reno ICO, provided funding for camping and rafting fees ($800) and provided tents, sleeping bags, and other camping equipment. ICO Rafting organized nine whitewater guides and apprentice guides, and provide the boats and all safety equipment, including life jackets and helmets, safely leading us down 16 miles of river, and ensuring so much fun along the way.

Special Appreciation to Shane Doong and Mel Lau who skillfully led the whitewater portion of the trip, and even travelled from the Bay Area to Reno to provide an in-person pre-trip meeting in Reno a couple of weeks before the trip. Also thanks to the volunteer whitewater raft guides, Steve, Ben, Bart, Charles, and Humberto who ensured everyone was safe and had so much fun!

One other exciting piece to the trip was that Reno ICO Volunteer Humberto Hernandez guided one of the rafts after just being trained as a guide this past spring. Thanks Humberto!