Volunteer

There are many volunteer opportunities on and off the mountain with SOS. In fact, over 1000 adult volunteers give their time to SOS each year! We have opportunities for volunteers in outdoor youth programs, special events, as well as volunteer positions in youth mentoring and administrative support. If you're interested, please read on or send an email  with your name, location and program of interest to volunteer@sosoutreach.org.

For a visual of what to expect in volunteering on the hill with SOS Outreach youth programs, check out this video, created by SOS Durango. It is a great highlight of SOS programs, participants and mentors.

Volunteer roles at SOS:

Administrative/Office Volunteer

No minimum commitment. Volunteers that assistance with in office work may include sorting inventory, gear distribution, and data entry. Specific roles are based on the needs of each office.

Winter Program Volunteer

Two to five-day commitments for on-hill program days. Volunteers work with participants, assist throughout the skiing or snowboarding lessons, and support the SOS Core Values.  

Sherpa/Youth Mentor

Being a Sherpa is among the most intensive but rewarding volunteer opportunity with SOS. This is a minimum ten-day, winter-long commitment that includes five days on-hill and at least five days off-hill throughout the season.  Sherpas serve as positive mentors by working with youth through the SOS core values, progressing the youth's skiing or snowboarding skills, leadership and career development training, and community service projects. Sherpas are placed with a group of participants with which they complete all on-hill and off-hill days, and they are expected to be in phone contact with their group between activity days. 

Summer Program Volunteer

One to seven-day commitments are needed for variety of summer activities that support SOS' goal of introducing youth to outdoor activities. These activities vary by location but may including rock climbing, monument trips, and wilderness trips.

Special Events

Throughout the year SOS hosts or is involved in a variety of events that require volunteer assistance, including movie premieres, the River Ride, and other fundraising events. Please contact the office nearest you for more information on special event volunteer needs. 

Climbing Wall Volunteer

At the Gypsum Recreation Center in Gypsum, CO, climbing wall volunteers volunteer 4 hours a month to help belay youth and adults who attend drop-in climbing hours. The program operates Tuesdays and Thursday from 6-8pm.  Volunteers select one of these nights and volunteer every other week throughout the year.  Please contact Mikayla Curtis if you are interested mcurtis@sosoutreach.org.

Please contact us at volunteer@sosoutreach.org or the office nearest you to apply for volunteer opportunities!

Denver/Front Range, Colorado

Eagle County and Rural Areas of Colorado

Summit County, Colorado

Pacific Northwest, Oregon and Washington

Lake Tahoe Region, California and Nevada

All other states and regions