January 24, 2009 -- ICO students and volunteers met at P.S. 174 at 8:45. We arrived at Bear Mountain earlier than usual so the boys enjoyed a quick game of two-hand touch football. Some girls played tag in the snow while the others sat and relaxed on the rocking chairs. 

The day was full of firsts.

For some students this was their first time visiting upstate New York as well as ice-skating. We rented our skates and then onto the ice. Many students stayed next to the fence until they got used to standing on the blades. A few of our older kids tried to teach the first timers how to skate. They helped them let go of the fence and get into the middle of the rink.  They finally got over their fears with help from their classmates and skated. A few of our younger kids made friends with some of the other children at the rink. They tried to show each other tricks they learned or were trying to learn.

After ice-skating, the kids ate their lunch in the carousel building. They enjoyed hot chocolate. We also took the opportunity to take a spin around on the horses. Then it was off to the zoo.

We were tired, but refreshed, when we got back on the bus to return to Brooklyn. 

Submitted by ICO Certfied Leader Rebeka Schubert