Madison Inner City Outings Sierra Club
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Welcome to ICO! We hope you enjoy your experiences with us. This page should answer some of the questions you might have regarding ICO and our outings. 

Thanks for joining us!

learning to build bowdrills with ICOWhy go on an outing with ICO?
You will meet students from other schools and neighborhoods, learn how to do cool things outdoors, and have a really good time!

What kinds of outings are there?
We go canoeing, hiking, camping, fishing, and do many other types of activities. Sometimes we do service outings, like volunteering to help clean up a park. Lengths of outings can range from a few hours to a few days. 

Where do we go on outings?
Places we've already visited include Wingra Park, Lake Farm Park, the UW Arboretum, and Picnic Point in Madison, and Devils Lake State Park near Baraboo.

Who else goes on outings?
Our partner organizations are Centro Hispano, the Boys and Girls Club, Vera Court Neighborhood Center, Bridge Lake Point Waunona Neighborhood Center, and the Dane County Shelter Home.. Usually an outing will have students from just one of those organizations, but sometimes we will have outings together. Students from previous outings have stated that their favorite part was meeting students from other schools.

Making toast for breakfast with ICOI've never camped or canoed before. Can I still go on an outing?
That's why we are here! Many students on ICO outings have limited experience in the outdoors. We'll teach you the basic skills you'll need to be safe and have fun.

What do I need to bring?
You need to bring a waiver/permission slip signed by a parent or guardian. Without this form, you will not be able to participate in the outing. Your coordinator or group leader will give this to you, along with information about the trip, about two weeks before the trip begins.

Other items you need to bring will depend on the trip. ICO provides some basic equipment such as tents, extra water bottles, etc, but you may need to bring some personal items such as good walking shoes, a rain coat, or a small backpack. You will be given a list of items necessary for each outing. If you don't have some of the items, they will be provided for you if possible.

Don't see the answer to your question here? Feel free to send us a note on our Contact ICO page. Thank you!

Rules for ICO Trips

bulletBE SAFE.
bulletAlways wear your seat belt while riding in the car or van.
bulletNo alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, or weapons of any kind are permitted.
bulletNo violence is allowed.
bulletAlways stay with the group.
bulletListen to the instructions of the leaders and volunteers.
bulletBE RESPECTFUL.
bulletHelp to protect the natural environment.
bulletAlways leave places cleaner than when they were found.
bulletRespect others' rights and others' property.
bulletBE HELPFUL.
bulletAll trips are group activities. Like anything else, outings have chores.
bulletTAKE CARE of yourself.

Safety Information

bulletLeaders have first aid training and will carry a first aid kit in case of emergencies. The leader will be in front of the group or will designate someone to lead the group. A second person will be selected to bring up the rear. The group should stay together and always stay on the trail.
bulletThere will be a whistle in the first aid kit. When it is blown, there is an important reason for the group to come together immediately.
bulletDo not drink water from creeks, streams or lakes along the trail. Water that looks clean usually is not and may make a person very sick. Leaders know how to purify the water if need be.
bulletLet the leader know if you are not feeling well - dizzy, nauseated, too hot, very cold, headache, etc. Some illnesses that may seem trivial in the city may be more serious in the wilderness.

Hiking Manners

To help protect the environment, our goal is to have minimum impact with maximum enjoyment. We want to leave no signs that we were there, even though we may see plenty of signs that others were there.

bulletNo littering: All of our garbage will be placed in trash bins or packed out of the area in garbage bags that the leader will provide.
bulletKeep the noise level down - people go to the wilderness for peace and quiet. We will respect this.
bulletPlease do not take anything (plants, fossils, etc) from the visited area. Let others enjoy them in their natural surroundings.
 

Copyright 2008  Sierra Club Inner City Outings - Madison, Wisconsin
Questions or comments, please contact ICO

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