Dresden Tutoring Group at Panola Mountain

We took kids from the Dresden Tutoring Group to Panola Mountain in March to get an archery lesson from Brian Lanier.

He was great with the kids.  They were hitting the bullseye after a couple of rounds.

We worked on form and aiming at the target.

The kids really enjoyed the lesson and were eager to practice.

After the archery lesson, the kids played on the playground and then we hiked along some of the trails at the park.

It was a beautiful hike - the flowers were just starting to bloom.  There was a small creek that ran underneath some of the bridges on the hike and the kids stopped to play in the water.

It was a perfect day ! ! !

First Outing with Families from the Nicholas House - Sweetwater Creek State Park

Atlanta ICO, partnering with the Nicholas House, joined in with some family members to take on some hiking at Sweetwater Creek State Park.  Everyone had a fun time hiking along the creek and playing on the rocks.

Dresden Tutoring Group Visits Ruby Falls and the Inclined Railway

Atlanta ICO and Dresden Tutoring Group crossed the border into Tennessee last weekend with an intrepid journey to Ruby Falls and Lookout Mtn.
The group set a record for youngness (6-9 years) and these tenderfoots were up to the challenge of navigating caves and water falls. They really loved the music and lighting.
Concluding the adventure was the inclined railway from the Lookout Mountain to the Ruby Falls. As usual, introducing youngsters to the beauty and mystique of the outdoors was well worth the queues and I-75. Thanks to all who volunteered!!!

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.