A successful year for the after-school Outings Program and Ithaca Bike Rental

Just over 230 youth participated in Outings after school, this includes Explorers, Outdoor Adventure Programs, and Pathfinders at the IYB this year. In addition, more than 1,300 people rented bikes from the Ithaca Bike Rental in 2021. The IYB is proud of its efforts to get people of all ages outside and enjoying nature!
Outings hosted seven Adventure Programs this year. Participants learned outdoor survival basics, the art of meditation, and various climbing techniques. Also, participants in the Explorers program visited the Finger Lakes National Forest for a 5-day camping trip this past summer.
The Pathfinders program brought together 150 fourth and fifth graders from the Ithaca City School District into small groups to focus on personal and emotional growth, building self-esteem, and enriching friendships.  Students participated in team and leadership activities, games, discussions and walking and biking experiences. 
Finally, Ithaca Bike Rental (IBR) welcomed 1325 riders this season; 859 were visitors to Ithaca, 269 were residents of Ithaca and 197 were youth and adults involved in IYB programs.  IBR collaborated with eight community organizations to bring biking to young people, seniors, and all ages in between. Our partner organizations include GIAC, Lifelong, Bike Walk Tompkins, Finger Lakes Touring, Recreation Support Services, the College Discovery Program, the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program and the Paul Schreurs Memorial Program.
We were grateful to spend time outside with so many youth and community members, and we look forward to an equally successful 2022!