International Rescue Committee Hiking at Brasstown Bald

Atlanta ICO and IRC went hiking at Brasstown Bald on Saturday May 24th.  It was a gorgeous day as the group got to experience some hills in the back country.

May 16 Warren B&G Club Outing to Island Ford Park

Eleven youth from the Warren/Holyfield Boys and Girls Club participated in an ICO trip led by three volunteers on May 16th. The group traveled to Island Ford Park, a tract of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, and began the outing with fishing "old time" style using bamboo poles and bait provided by John, a Park Ranger. The youth caught three fish in a matter of 45 minutes and followed John's instructions on how to release them back into the pond. After lunch, the kids were tugged out of the air-conditioned Welcome Center (it was a hot, humid day) for a hike. Once outside, the group had fun observing more wildlife--even snakes!, exploring an overhung rock face, and running to the top of the hill. We found ourselves off the trail sometimes, but had a lot of fun, despite the heat and a few scrapes. The participants learned how to move in the woods and catch fish – and built some lasting memories.

April 25th April Outing to Fernbank Science Museum IMAX - Mysteries of the Unseen Worldl.

On April 25th, four stalwart youth from the Warren-Holyfield Boys and Girls Club braved heavy rain to join the outing lead by two volunteers from Atlanta ICO.  The original plan was to hike to the top of Mount Yonah (a trip to take the place of one cancelled last Fall when the mountain was too icy), but heavy thundershowers and a forecast of rain and lightning all day necessitated a change of plan, again.  The trip was changed to the Fernbank Science Museum to see the IMAX film on “Mysteries of the Unseen World” and an exhibit on “Poisons” that featured poisonous plants, snakes and other animals.  Afterwards, the rain had abated and the youth voted for a hike at East Palisades Park among the nearby options.  Everyone had lunch en route to the park, and hiked the rest of the afternoon.  It was interesting to see how high the river was (covering all the rocks near “Devil’s race” where the youth explored on a previous outing), and they found a huge centipede and several small snakes along the trail—making it an exciting day overal

 On Saturday, some volunteers from Atlanta ICO took 9 kids and 4 agency reps from Worley Brown Boys and Girls Club to Cloudland Canyon State Park.

We started the afternoon with a round of team frisbee golf.  With 6 teams comprised of kids and a few adults, the kids managed to win easily.  We were over par on most holes but this was our first time.  To the left is a picture of a few kids practicing their technique.  

 After golf, we headed over to the trail head for an exciting view of the canyon.  We hiked down to the 2 waterfalls and enjoyed dipping our feet in the water.  On our way to the 2nd waterfall, we discovered some of the local wildlife.  It's always fun to see wildlife.

International Rescue Committee (IRC) on the Waterfalls Hike

13 kids, 2 IRC workers and 4 volunteers from ICO all headed out to do waterfall hikes on Saturday April 4th.  First there was Anna Ruby Falls at Unicoi State Park which is where this picture was taken.  Then there was Desoto Falls Recreation Area a few miles away.  Most of  the kids are from Iraq and Burma and have only been in the US a short time.  Everyone had a fun time.

Warren B&G Club at McIntosh Reserve Park

Nine youth and an adult leader from Warren/Holyfield Boys & Girls Club joined three ICO volunteers for a day trip to McIntosh Reserve Park on March 28, 2015.  We parked the bus at the Council Bluff Pavilion and hiked to see an old log cabin (built ca 1839) and the grave of Chief William McIntosh.  Along the trail, the youth noted the interesting terrain, plants, lichens and other things of interest.  Upon returning to Council Bluff, we had lunch overlooking the Chattahoochee River and prepared hot water for tea using camping cook stoves.  The youth sampled different teas (traditional and fruit varieties), and one ICO volunteer even tried a tea made from Yaupon Holly leaves, the ceremonial “black tea” used by Native Americans of the Southeastern U.S.  The main event of the day was kite flying in the large open field beside Council Bluff.  Some of the youth were so excited that they ran nearly a half mile—about halfway down the field--with their kites flying high.   After a brief visit to see the cabin again, it was time to head back to the Club.

On January 31, a dozen youth, the Club driver and four Atlanta ICO volunteers visited Ocmulgee Visitor Center to learn how humans have lived for thousands of years on the Macon plateau.  After watching an introductory video about the Ocmulgee mounds and Native American life, a quick look at museum displays, and a trip to the first mound, the outdoor temperature had warmed enough to enjoy lunch at the picnic tables.  The second half of the outing was at nearby Brown’s Mount.  The youth were given maps and compasses and shown how to use them to follow the hiking trails.  From the Brown’s Mount overlook, they could easily see Macon and the surrounding area.  Much of the trail follows a ridge overlooking Bonds swamp, and it became evident why this area had served as a natural fortress when the Indians lived there.  The youth learned about its more recent inhabitants, too, and searched for—and found—the ruins of Harry Stillwell Edwards’ cabin, who wrote the poem “On the mount” a century ago.  Near this lonely chimney was a pretty stand of daffodils in bloom.  After hiking back to the bus and a quick snack, it was time to head back to the Club.