It's fun to be an ICO Certified Leader!

Once a Basic Volunteer has attended a minimum of two ICO outings, they may begin working on certification requirements to become an ICO Certified Leader! The first step is to become a Certified Leader In Training.

Certified Leader In Training Requirements
(a.k.a. ICO Assistant Leader)

• Complete all "BASIC VOLUNTEER" requirements
• Complete Basic OLT-101 online training
• Commit to regular attendance on outings for 1 year
• Get a criminal background check through the NYC ICO Chair
• Take the Child Abuse Recognition and Prevention (CARP) training on the Sierra Club Website
• Become linked with a mentor hiking leader
• Assist on at least two ICO outings (including pre-trip meetings)
• Receive favorable evaluations from the mentor hiking leader
• Receive official invite to be an Assistant Leader of ICO by ICO Chair!!
  
  

Certified Leader Requirements
For any volunteer who would like to become a Certified Leader for a specific agency.

• Complete all "BASIC VOLUNTEER" and "ASSISTANT LEADER" requirements
• Gain WILDERNESS FIRST AID certification
• Participate in advanced OLT-101 training weekend
• Participate in NYC ICO CARP training
• Provisionally lead at least one ICO outing and receive positive evaluation from the mentor Certified Leader
• Be familiar with the ICO Leader Training Manual (Purple Book)
• Have a thorough understanding of the responsibilities of ICO volunteers, agency personnel and the participants
• Have outing participant skills appropriate for the activities of the trips being lead
• Have CPR certification (for water trips only)
• Receive official invite to lead outings from ICO Chair!!

See the following section for detailed Certification Requirements.