September 19th - Southeastern Military and Veterans hosted the IRC at Stone Mountain

The Southeastern Military and Veterans Coordinator with the Sierra Club hosted the International Rescue Center youth group at the Hike for Peace and Potluck at Stone Mountain, GA.

We are glad they are bringing veterans, community members, immigrants, and refugees together for a day hike, potluck picnic, and community building. It was an amazing, lovely day of outdoors activities and cultural exchange.

Thanks to the volunteers assisting with the festivities and hike. Team RWB, Hope for Warriors, and the Sierra Club worked out logistics for transportation and really made this outing a success.

                                      

August 8th - Trek to Mount Arabia with the Dresden Tutorial Group

Atlanta ICO took nine kids from the Dresden tutoring group to Arabia Mountain!

Ranger Robby lead a hike over the mountain and to the lake. He pointed out plants and taught the kids about the mountain. These youngsters climbed rocks and skipped rocks in the lake!

Later, they went to AWARE center and had a tour. The guide brought out a snake, possum and a turtle!

What a day for those kids!!!  They are so young and happy.  This experience builds a foundation of appreciation for the outdoors and the simple pleasures of climbing on a big rock with your friends!

July 24-25 Trip to Len Foote Hike Inn by Amicalola Falls with the IRC

Atlanta ICO took 14 students from the IRC to Len Foote Hike Inn. The students and chaperones hiked 5 miles to the lodge and re-united with a fellow chaperone and student in a wheelchair.

The students toured the Inn's facilities. They learned about compost and eco-friendly living. Later, students expressed their creative side with art activities in the game room, capped off with a family style dinner!

On day two, the team hiked back, and Atlanta ICO volunteers transported everyone from Amicalola State Park back to Clarkston.  Meals were provided by the Atlanta ICO while in-transit.

From the pictures, the weather looked terrific and everyone is all smiles!!!

               

May 13th - IRC visits Mercer Orchard/Amicalola Falls

Six student participated in the May 13th Atlanta ICO event. The day started with strawberry picking at Mercer Orchard. Each student was provided with a bucket for strawberries.

Later, students enjoyed lunch at Joe's BBQ. The trip concluded with a hike to Amicalola Falls. One student was disabled, so half of the students went on a hike and half drove up to the fall.

Transportation, breakfast, and snacks were also provided to students. A great outing and nice to see that accommodations were made for the disabled IRC student.

Atlanta ICO 10 years later

Ani Yahzid lives is in Boulder, CO surrounded by majestic mountains.  He is from Atlanta, GA and he doesn't forget it.

When he was in Boys and Girls Club, he was involved in the Atlanta ICO trips, which influenced him.

He directs films about outdoor experiences from an urban perspective and what it means for kids who don't have access to those experiences.

Ani is not only grateful for his Atlanta ICO experiences, but he is motivated to carry on the Atlanta ICO mission with media and entertainment.  He is trying to motivate kids to get on out into the wild!

Please visit Ani's page and like his Youtube video's and if you remember him, please reach out to him!!  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxqa4xTN1RSHS_ODhYZJ5fQ

Kids from the Dresden Tutoring Group Visit Tellus Science Museum

On Saturday, ICO took kids from the Dresden Tutoring Group to the Tellus Science Museum.  Here is a picture of us checking out the Foucault pendulum.  We also toured the Fossil Gallery and the Science in Motion gallery.  After having lunch, we drove over to Chattahoochee River Park to play on the playground and walk along the river.  A great day with great weather.

Kids from the International Rescue Committee Hiking at Lulwater Park

This great group of kids from IRC spent this past Saturday visiting the Fernbank Museum of Natural History.  They checked out the planetarium learning about the planets and constellations and watched a holiday musical.