SOS Outreach

Such an incredible experience for our Denver participants! Thank you Share Winter Foundation and SNÖBAHN for making this possible.

Did you know that it costs $1,800 to provide just 1 participant with the full experience of our Mentor Program every single season? However, our families only pay $150 for their child to join. And for those who cannot afford our registration fee, we offer additional scholarships ensuring that no child is turned away due to cost. We're able to provide free & low-cost programming, but only with your support! Please spread the love this winter and sponsor a youth during one of our upcoming give days (early giving is open!) Become a sponsor today: https://lnkd.in/gbt5mH9F #livepcgivepc #coloradogives #givebacktahoe #givingtuesday

There's incredible power in creating opportunities for kids to step forward as leaders. Last night we hosted our Junior Mentor workshop in Summit County, Colorado! 16 graduates from our mentor program are returning as Junior Mentors while they are in high school to support the next generation of SOS Outreach participants coming through the program. It was powerful to see familiar faces and play some games. This crew is stoked for the season ahead and shared what they love most about being involved. Two of them who have been with us for over 8 years said, "I think it is really cool to see the progression of the mentees at the end of the year," and "I just love working with kids. They are awkward and weird and soo funny, it makes it so fun." Mae Street Tarah Waters (She / Her)

This is what the expansion of our mentor program looks like. SOS Outreach's first registration night for Detroit participants was a 10 out of 10! 3 alumni, 4 mountain staff, 1 mentor, 3 teachers, several student volunteers, and 2 team members all came together to make this night happen. I’m especially stoked on the alumni involvement. They are the ones stepping forward to be mentors and are excited for the opportunity to stay involved and support the upcoming class of participants. The power of a community to create change is unstoppable. Let's go for 2024.2025!

⚡Giveaway Alert!⚡ We've got a giveaway happening on our Instagram! Go check it out for a chance to win a K2 Snowboarding Party Platter (138): https://lnkd.in/gYEQSmUs

I’m going into this weekend feeling so inspired and humbled by the wonderful minds at the Ethical Leadership Forum in Vail. Starting the day discussing with educators from all over the world about how we can change the school system in the future to make it a kinder, more open space gives me hope that there can be change to support different types of learners. I’m excited for kids to have the opportunity to thrive in a school system tailored to them, instead of forcing them to fit into the school system. I look forward to a future that reduces rigidity and conformity while still presenting challenges to create resilient kids ready to face life. Secondly, I’m so grateful to Students Shoulder to Shoulder and all the sponsors of the afternoon keynote event as well. Coming together with stakeholders from multiple sectors to visualize a more desirable future fueled by ethical leadership practices sets the tone for the way we approach societal challenges in the valley and in the world. During her keynote speech, Karambu Ringera (PhD) stressed the importance of proper language and the distinction between people and their circumstances. I’m stoked that SOS Outreach has such amazing partners like SStS to help us work with kids to find their voice and their power. We were especially lucky to have youth voices from high schools across the county (including some SOS alumni!) participate in the Forum’s Q&A session. I’m constantly blown away by the insights of youth when they are given the opportunity to be curious!!!

It is training season at SOS Outreach. This week I was in Park City to join just one of our awesome group of adults who step forward for kids in their community. Across all locations, we are engaging over 260 mentors in best practices on connection to support skill development through our curriculum. Seeing kids for who they are and connecting with them effectively is a critical part of our work to foster belonging. The power of the outdoors is leveraged across our training and work. Mentoring is hard. What do you talk about when there is an age and life experience difference? Through our programs, the opportunity of a shared activity fosters a trust that accelerates the relationship massively. It is the power of doing something together. This season is on! It will be our largest class of mentor participants ever with 1,200 kids across 10 communities. MENTOR Colorado MENTOR Erin Reynolds Palmer Daniels Elizabeth Williams Marybell Sanchez

Our Detroit team just returned from the Michigan Outdoor Summit this past weekend! Representing SOS, they had the opportunity to network with other great nonprofits like Chill Foundation and #DetroitOutdoors, all while having conversations around #sustainability, #diversity, and #inclusion in the outdoors. They wrapped up the weekend with some glorious fall riding at Crystal Mountain with Crystal Community Ski Club. As the winter season approaches, these #opportunities to connect with changemakers in the community are pivotal to SOS' impact and the youth we serve.

Meet Keegan, a fifth year SOS Outreach participant! This summer, Keegan spent his time working at Epic Mountain Gear as part of SOS's Career Development Program. We're proud to partner with SOS on initiatives like the Career Development Program, offering youth the chance to build professional skills and gain real-world experience, providing them with the opportunity to open the door to a career in the outdoor industry.

“It is central to the mission of SOS Outreach that no family is denied participation based on financial limitations,” said Elizabeth Williams, Chief Operating Officer of SOS Outreach. “We provide all programs at a significantly discounted rate to ensure affordability and accessibility.” The outdoors are for everyone. Through significantly reduced fees for service and additional #scholarships, we are ensuring that no youth is denied access to outdoor-based #mentorship. Read the full TownLift article here: https://lnkd.in/duqrYh_g