Ways to get involved
As a TRIP VOLUNTEER. Join one of the outings planned by ICO leaders. Most often this involves driving participants in your car (or a rental car) and hiking or camping with the group for the entire trip. Other ways to help can include scouting a location, picking up and returning gear, or shopping for food.
As a STAFF VOLUNTEER. In addition to trips, volunteers are needed to help out with the many administrative tasks that keep the organization running. Our needs for help in these areas vary, but can include volunteer recruiting, planning volunteer events, maintaining gear, updating our website or helping with the newsletter.
As a certified OUTINGS LEADER. Our leaders plan, organize and lead day hikes, car camping trips, or backpacking trips with the help of other ICO volunteers and in partnership with one of our partner agencies.
First steps
Review the online New Volunteer Orientation overview, as well as pages linked from the "Volunteer" drop-down menu in the top right of the website and the trip calendar.
Make sure you have a current Sierra Club membership. Current membership is an insurance requirement for all volunteers who go on our outings.
Complete and submit the SFBay ICO Volunteer Application.
Complete a background check. After you've submitted your application, you’ll receive an invitation to submit the background check.
Next steps
Stay connected through our online community and join ICO's online group. Emails posted to the group are the primary way we communicate. You will receive messages about upcoming trips and other ICO events.
Participate in a trip! Check out our calendar and contact the outing leader directly if you'd like to volunteer on a particular outing. If you sign up for a trip, be committed and remember that the leader will be counting on you.
