Reno Inspiring Connections Outdoors (Reno ICO), a branch of the Toiyabe Chapter of the Sierra Club works with groups in Northern Nevada to provide outdoor trips to youth and adults who otherwise would not have access to nature and and outdoor adventure. Think about who got you into hiking or backpacking - So many in greater Reno don't have family or friends with the skills, experience, gear, or transportation to safely take an adventure.
Reno ICO has partnered with the ICO Rafting Program, to make whitewater rafting accessible to these same groups. In 2024, the University of Nevada Reno Dean’s Future Scholars Program was the first Reno ICO Group to go whitewater rafting and all who went loved it! Perhaps you know of a group that would benefit from taking a whitewater rafting trip.
In addition to group trips, ICO Rafting is seeking candidates for their annual guide school (which has been going strong since 1983! The spring training will take place over four weekends in April, along with classroom and Zoom events. New in 2025, is a nine-day training camp which begins just before the fourth of July, specifically oriented to youth, ages 14 or over, who want to become river guides.
These Reno ICO whitewater rafting opportunities are truly remarkable! Read on...
Reno ICO Groups Are Invited On A Two-Day Whitewater Rafting Adventure! Group Applications for 2025 Trips Are Due March 1.
Through a collaboration with ICO Rafting, Reno ICO groups can bring up to 25 participants, group leaders, and ICO volunteers on two-day guided whitewater trips on the premier class III river in the Western US! These trips are completely free for all participants. Transportation and food costs can be shared by Reno ICO, and all camping gear is provided (tents, sleeping bags, warm clothing for nights, etc.)
ICO Rafting provides certified guides, all of the equipment, as well as specialized gear for everyone, including life jackets, booties, and wet suits, if needed.
You can learn more about these rafting trips here. If you have a group of young people or adults that are aligned with the Reno ICO vision that may want to participate in rafting or other outdoor adventures, contact Reno ICO Chair, Rob Schamberg to discuss and begin planning outdoor adventures.
Toiyabe Chapter Members Invited to Raft Guide Training! Applications Due February 1st
“Life Altering” and “The River Changed Me” are two typical quotes from those who have become ICO rafting guides. It’ll change your life forever!
Each Year, ICO Rafting takes on 12 guide trainees who are committed to learning how to read the river, guide a raft, and lead people safely through class III whitewater. Once you are trained, you will volunteer to guide participants on two-day trips down the river. The training has a minimal cost and scholarships are available.
The spring training is intensive: Five Zoom Classes, One 4-hour class in the Bay Area, plus four weekends on the South Fork of the American River. Or, alternatively, a nine-day river camp will take place on June 28 – July 6, if you want to take time off of work! As a trained ICO River Guide, you will learn how to safely take youth and adult participants down the river, all the while enjoying the nature, challenge, the beauty, and of course learning more about yourself!
To learn more about the training and the role of an ICO River Guide, click here.
The ICO River Guide Training Application due date is February 1st but there may be some flexibility. If you are interested, contact Shane Doong, ICO Rafting Training Coordinator ASAP at volunteer@icorafting.org.
NEW! ICO Youth River Rafting Camp, June 28 – July 6. Applications Due February 1st for Reno ICO Youth (14 and up.)
A recently obtained grant has enabled the offering of a nine-day river camp for youth and college students to get trained as whitewater river guides.
For over 40 years, ICO has provided guide training which has included youth over four spring weekends – Now, this nine day summer camp is a reality! Youth will stay at Camp Lotus on the South Fork of the American River with daily rafting instruction on the river. The summer camp is free, including food and instruction. Participants will need to find their own transportation to Camp Lotus and back. Perhaps there can be a carpool of youth from the Reno area…
Reno ICO volunteers and group leaders are encouraged to make this opportunity available to youth that have been on an ICO trip of any kind (snowshoeing, rafting, hiking, etc.) No rafting experience is necessary, but youth participants who are 14 and above should be able to swim, demonstrate responsible behavior, and show some promise as a leader.
This is a collaborative camp, so all youth will be expected to be working with everyone else on cooking, doing dishes, other camp chores and all rafting-related tasks (except driving!)
Most of Rob’s high school students who were trained as river guides in the 1980s still engage in whitewater rafting and kayaking. Simply, this is a great way to help young people create a rich, healthy, outdoor lifestyle!
The ICO Youth River Guide Training Application is due February 1st but there may be some flexibility. If you are interested, contact Shane Doong, ICO Rafting Training Coordinator ASAP at volunteer@icorafting.org.
