The Hug High Adventure Club is student led – The students decide democratically what they are going to do, where they are going to do it, and when. This year, they decided they wanted to go rock climbing, so the students along with the Adventure Club Advisor and ICO Trip Leader John Arsenault made it happen!
Nine students came to the Mesa Rim climbing gym to learn how to climb on March 23, 2026. Also present were Hug High staff Margaret Walsh and Jan Kelley, along with ICO volunteers Steve Hedrick, Bo Meng, Alberto Rodriguez Garcia, Kendragrace Reyes, and Rob Schamberg. Students were supported by several Mesa Rim Instructors as well as the ICO volunteers.
Student Eileen Martinez Costa reflected on the day:
"I really enjoyed the opportunity to experience rock climbing. I never imagined myself climbing up rocks. I am scared of heights so this really got me out of my comfort zone. The instructors were amazing. They were really supportive and helpful. Throughout this experience I faced the challenge of being afraid of heights. Due to this challenge it was hard for me to be open minded. I would definitely do it again just so I can slowly but surely get over my fear. It was so fun and a real good workout! Thank you so much for the experience and opportunity."
Click here to read more student reflections about their day at Mesa Rim.
So what does an ICO volunteer do to support these trips? Volunteers helped students with their gear and harnesses, supported their climbs and knot tying skills, and provided encouragement. A couple of ICO volunteers took off for Costco to buy snacks and energy bars and to provide sustenance for the climbers. One aspect of being an ICO volunteer is to be part of a community – Not only were the volunteers helping the students, but they were networking and supporting each other in their growth. Trip leaders were welcoming new volunteers and talking with volunteers who are working on becoming trip leaders.
A big cheer goes out to Hug High Adventure Club Advisor John Arsenault and the Reno ICO Equipment Coordinator. John is the recipient of the 2024 Sierra Club Madelyn Pyeatt Outdoors For All Award. John has been an instructor at every Reno ICO Outdoor Leadership Training Retreat since 2022 and has supported every Reno ICO Trip Leader!
