SOS is Awesome

SOS is a great program.

I have been involved for nearly 5 years - first, the Learn To Ride program and now I am in SOS University 4th Year. 2 years ago SOS added skiing to the snowboarding program and now I get to ski on 5 days throughout the winter, plus use my pass at other times, too.

I really enjoy doing the community service - the projects are always fun and it feels good to help out the community. I have done "Make a Difference Day" which is a countywide program where everyone volunteers (not just SOS). This year we helped plant trees with the Forest Service. I also like the Community Dinners that the Elks Lodge hosts each week. I have cooked, washed dishes, served dinners and done a bit of everything.

It has been great to be involved in a program where I make new friends all the time - some people are only around for a year or two, but there are other kids I see again every year and it's great to hang out with them.

This summer I had the chance to go on a week's camp with "Meet the Wilderness" - an SOS summer program. This was really fun hiking, climbing and camping in the back country. The fires and fishing and other kids were fun but the mosquitoes were everywhere. It was a great experience and I really enjoyed and learned from it.

I learn so many new things - including the real meaning of the core values - they are not just words, but real concepts to think about. They help me in everyday life and it is interesting to identify them in situations with other people and events in school and out of school.

SOS is awesome because it has helped me discover leadership skills inside myself; helped me to be successful away from school; allowed me to make friends and to help other people, and I have had a great time while doing all these things.