Inside the circle
June 4, 2021
At SOS, we aim to bridge this gap.
Our programs are designed to empower youth, to enable them to discover their unique strengths, to encourage them to confidently express who they are, and to inspire them to become strong leaders in their communities. And, when the terrain gets steep, we’re here to help guide them through it.
April 29, 2021
May is Mental Health Awareness month, and we’re shining a light on how critical our programs are in equipping our youth with the skills, resources, and support they need to thrive.
April 7, 2021
Last fall, we weren’t sure how this winter season would look. Together, we focused on our youth. Our goal was to remain steadfast in supporting each participant every step of the way.
March 10, 2021
In Lake Tahoe, we partner with the Tahoe Fund to help shape the future stewards for tomorrow. The Tahoe Fund’s mission is to improve the Lake Tahoe environment for all to enjoy. They support projects and programs that foster stewardship and improve the land and water we depend on.
March 10, 2021
My Future Pathways provides a helping hand to enhance and enrich the lives of first-generation Eagle County, CO youth. Like SOS, My Future Pathways connects underrepresented youth with opportunities to learn and grow in a safe environment—incorporating social, emotional, and behavioral health to inspire youth to a better future.
March 10, 2021
When we launch our programs in a new community, one of the first things we do is determine key local partners that will help enable us to be successful. In 2015, we expanded our locations to serve youth around Park City, UT—and we immediately began partnering with Bright Futures, a program of the Park City Education Foundation.
February 17, 2021
Since our founding in 1993, our work has been grounded in creating a more diverse, vibrant, and supportive community for marginalized youth. The power of this community has never proved as intensely critical as right now. The inequities exposed for kids struggling with economic, racial, social, and societal barriers have never been more amplified.
February 11, 2021
Thanks to our incredible partnership with U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team and Armada Skis, last weekend Olympic athletes Steven Nyman and Brita Sigourney joined our Utah community to ski alongside 95 of our Mentor program youth at Park City Mountain.
February 11, 2021
Hear from SOS alum, Nima, on how she continues to use the SOS core values and life skills in her everyday life.
February 11, 2021
As the pandemic continues to sweep through our communities, we have doubled down on our efforts to provide consistent support, foster critical life skills, and strengthen our connection to meet the needs of our youth. We remain steadfast in our mission to stand by our participants’ side through an unprecedented season.
January 11, 2021
Our Alumni Relations Liason Cara Sherpa recently caught up with fellow SOS alum, Izzy R. to chat about where she is now and how SOS played a role in her trajectory.
November 11, 2020
We believe that connection, support, and opportunity are the necessary ingredients for youth success. Our programs are designed to create strong leaders across our communities, but that doesn’t stop after youth graduate SOS. We’re excited to share that we’re launching a new SOS Alumni Network, Continuing the Circle! The goal is to create a thriving community for our alumni to connect, collaborate, and engage with our current participants, SOS partners, and each other.
Cara’s story is part 3 in a multi-part series that highlights the long-term success of SOS with first-hand experiences from several alums.
October 8, 2020
We believe that connection, support, and opportunity are the necessary ingredients for youth success. Our programs are designed to create strong leaders across our communities, but that doesn’t stop after youth graduate SOS. We’re excited to share that we’re launching a new SOS Alumni Network, Continuing the Circle! The goal is to create a thriving community for our alumni to connect, collaborate, and engage with our current participants, SOS partners, and each other.
Jessa’s story is part 2 in a multi-part series that highlights the long-term success of SOS with first-hand experiences from several alumni.
September 9, 2020
We believe that connection, support, and opportunity are the necessary ingredients for youth success. Our programs are designed to create strong leaders across our communities, but that doesn’t stop after youth graduate SOS. We’re excited to share that we’re launching a new SOS Alumni Network, Continuing the Circle! The goal is to create a thriving community for our alumni to connect, collaborate, and engage with our current participants, SOS partners, and each other.
Valeria’s story is part 1 in a multi-part series that highlights the long-term success of SOS with first-hand experiences from several alumni.
August 4, 2020
Our year three Mentor program participants embark on a leadership-driven service project completely designed by them. With their Mentor groups comprising 4-6 kids, they examine needs in their communities, explore prominent issues they want to address, and develop and outline tangible solutions. These kids are making a very direct difference right where they live.
August 3, 2020
“SOS has been my support system,” shares SOS alum, Jessica. “My junior year was really stressful. I was overwhelmed with applying for college, with school work, all the aspects of your education that start to mean a lot more as you get closer to graduation. Going to SOS was really beneficial for my mental health. Spending those 8 hours with friends on the mountain actually helped me center myself and go home with a better attitude and a more productive work ethic.”
June 18, 2020
At SOS, we often highlight how the skills our kids learn on the mountain translate to overcoming obstacles in their own lives: getting up after you fall, encouraging and cheering on peers, trying something challenging and new. Dr. Casey Wolfington, a licensed clinical psychologist at Eagle Valley Behavioral Health in Colorado, reaffirms why these skills and attitudes help guide our youth during difficult situations like this.
June 1, 2020
Community and human connection are at the core of our mission at SOS. When we teach kids to ski, snowboard, backpack, and climb in a safe and encouraging environment—we also introduce them to new positive and supportive relationships.
Our mentor/mentee relationships are a crucial component of our kids’ success. Many of our kids lack consistent, positive adult role models, and it can be tough to know who to turn to when the terrain gets steep. Now more than ever, these bonds are key in helping our youth persevere.
May 27, 2020
For the last decade, we’ve been honored to partner with The North Face to significantly expand our impact through their Explore Fund. Like us, The North Face believes that exploration isn’t limited to the highest peaks in the farthest reaches of the world. Exploration is a mindset that helps us make meaningful connections to ourselves, with each other, and our communities.
In celebration of our decade-long partnership with The North Face, we’ve highlighted Peer Mentor Andrew Reynolds’ story to demonstrate what’s possible when a purpose-led brand helps empower youth to discover their full potential. And, while Andrew’s experience is a profound one, he is one of thousands of lives that The North Face has helped us change over the last 10 years.
May 8, 2020
Last month, we began a series of season reflections to highlight the voices of kids, volunteers, and partners that make up the SOS family. In this month’s installment, we travel to programs across Colorado, Lake Tahoe, and the Midwest as our program managers share a few insights into the incredible youth and mentors that helped make this season so special.
April 28, 2020
As our program coordinators wrap up their seasons, we asked them to reflect on the year and share their favorite parts of the season. Below, we share their answers and their insights into the impact of their work.
April 2, 2020
April marks the close of our winter programs and although we are unable to celebrate in-person, we are proud to start a series of season reflections to highlight the voices of kids, volunteers, and partners that make up the SOS family. In this month’s installment, program team members across Lake Tahoe, Utah, and Colorado share a few insights into the incredible youth and mentors that helped make this season so special.
March 30, 2020
When kids are asked who their role models are, many point to professional athletes as figures they admire. Athletes embody strength, courage, determination, and discipline—and motivate us to set goals and dream big.
Kids at our Seattle program excitedly welcomed two such inspiring role models, former Seahawks and Super Bowl champions, Cooper Helfet and DeShawn Shead, at our recent program day hosted at The Summit at Snoqualmie.
March 23, 2020
How To Get Outdoors During the COVID-19 Pandemic **Local advisories are changing by the hour, please check your local regulations…
March 16, 2020
SOS OUTREACH’S RESPONSE TO COVID-19 The situation is changing day-to-day, so we will continue to update this blog with new…
March 9, 2020
Inside the Circle: March Edition Check out our March newsletter: Reflecting on the largest week of programs, Smartwool support, SOS…
February 3, 2020
history in the making -2,005 SOS Kids On the slopes with SOS this week There is a simple joy…
January 15, 2020
The Power of Mentorship January is National Mentoring Month and we’re sharing stories that highlight how our mentors make a…
September 24, 2019
New Faces! Please join us in welcoming a few new faces to our incredible staff team! Elizabeth Williams has joined…
September 24, 2019
Alumni Spotlight: Meet Jaqueline Earlier this year, we put out an Alumni Survey to reconnect with some of our past…
September 13, 2019
Inside the Circle: September Edition Check out our September newsletter: 25th Year In Review, Mentor Opportunities, Reflections From The Field,…
September 11, 2019
Reflections from the field. Backpacking in yosemite By Amina Hughes, North Lake Tahoe Program Manager “Between every two pine trees…
August 21, 2019
Reflections From The Field: Building Relationships In The Outdoors By Brooke Carlsen, Eagle County Program Manager This past summer at…
August 19, 2019
SOS Outreach Partners With Eagle Valley Outdoor Movement (EVOM) As students across our community head back to school, it creates…
August 8, 2019
Take The Magic Step Inspires SOS Outreach Youth With $15,000 Matching Gift As SOS Outreach wraps up its 25th year…
August 7, 2019
SOS Outreach Chosen as 2019 The North Face Explore Fund Grant Recipient The Explore Fund Empowers Future Explorers by Removing…
June 19, 2019
Alumni Spotlight: Meet Austin Earlier this year, we put out an Alumni Survey to reconnect with some of our past…
June 17, 2019
Inside The Circle: June Edition Check out our June newsletter – New Website, Summer Fun, Alumni Spotlight, Upcoming Events &…
May 5, 2019
Earlier this year, we put out an Alumni Survey to reconnect with some of our past participants. Let’s just say, we have…
May 1, 2019
This winter, SOS partnered with Vail Resorts mountains Heavenly, Northstar, Park City, Beaver Creek, and other corporate partners Loveland, Copper, and…
May 1, 2019
Check out our May newsletter – Graduations, Industry Days, Alumni Spotlight, Upcoming Events & More!
April 10, 2019
As we wrap up our 25th season, we celebrate the culmination of our mentoring programs with graduation ceremonies across our…
April 2, 2019
Check out our April newsletter: Program Graduations, Alumni Spotlight, Leadership Panels, Events & More!
April 1, 2019
Last month, we put out an Alumni Survey to reconnect with some of our past participants. Let’s just say, we have been overwhelmed…
March 28, 2019
This winter, over 150 SOS participants across locations invited a broad spectrum of community leaders to participate in Leadership Panels and share their insights on the…
March 15, 2019
Meet North Lake Tahoe Junior Mentor, Isabella! Now in ninth grade, Isabella has been in SOS for seven years and…
March 1, 2019
Check out our March newsletter: Participant Spotlight, Alumni Circle, 5Logistics, Upcoming Events & More!
February 26, 2019
This year’s Talons Challenge was a success! We came together with our dedicated partnersBeaver Creek and the Peter Grant Johnson Foundation and with…
February 20, 2019
Ever wondered what it takes to keep 15 SOS locations up and running with all the winter gear necessary to…
February 1, 2019
Check out our February newsletter: 1500+ SOS kids on snow, events, and celebrations across locations!
January 31, 2019
As our participants gear up for the largest week of winter programs, we are humbled and inspired by the unbelievable…
January 25, 2019
Despite the high winds that sent us over to Telluride a day early, the MLK Powder Challenge was a huge…
January 2, 2019
Check out our January newsletter: Programs In Action, Talons Challenge & More!
November 10, 2018
This month kicks off winter program registration across SOS locations! This winter, over 3,500 youth across the country will experience…
October 2, 2018
Check out our October newsletter: Gearing Up For Winter, SOS Kids Around The World, Team Retreat and More!
September 4, 2018
As we enter our 25th year of changing the lives of youth, we take this moment to look back, celebrate,…
September 4, 2018
Check out our September newsletter: 25th Anniversary Kicks Off, Welcoming New Board Members, Goodbye Interns & More!
July 26, 2018
Staff Contributor, Scott Partan The success and impacts of our backpacking trips has been absolutely amazing this summer season. During…
June 5, 2018
SOS Staff Contributor, Joan Dieter Learn to Mountain Bike (LTMB) at Keystone was an amazing experience for both me and…
June 5, 2018
It was all smiles from the kids on the Colorado National Monument trips this May. Throughout the month, 6 elementary…
May 8, 2018
This month, we celebrate SOS University participant Jorge, a ninth-grade student in Park City, who was selected as Utah Student of…
May 1, 2018
Staff Contributor, Gillian Lane “Ok, where do I do go next?” asked 9-year-old Eduardo as he clung 15 feet up…
April 4, 2018
As the largest winter season in SOS Outreach’s 24-year history comes to a close, there is a lot to celebrate…
February 4, 2018
In the past month, SOS Outreach joined forces with Beaver Creek Resort and Copper Mountain to bring the first annual…
January 12, 2018
We caught up with SOS Outreach graduate, Travis to ask him about his experiences in SOS and the lessons he…
August 20, 2017
It’s not often that the opportunity to unplug from the hustle and bustle of life and connect with nature presents…
June 1, 2017
EDWARDS, CO – SOS Outreach is excited to announce that world-renowned marathon runner Uta Pippig will be joining SOS and…
May 26, 2017
EAGLE AND SUMMIT COUNTIES, CO The mountains may be closing in Colorado, but for Colorado Masters students the season is far…
May 19, 2017
EDWARDS, CO – Back for the 16th year, the Colorado-Eagle River Ride and Roadhouse Mountain Bike Ride presented by Roadhouse…
May 8, 2017
With a brief window between winter and summer programming, the SOS team is hard at work making final preparations for…
April 20, 2017
Throughout the year, SOS University Year 4 participants explore leadership through experiential exercises aimed at defining and understanding their own…
April 12, 2017
As the largest winter season in SOS Outreach’s history comes to a close, the organization is excited to announce that…
February 7, 2017
For 20 years, Optic Nerve has been a core partner of SOS Outreach and its transformational outdoor programs benefiting underserved…
SOS Partners with Mt. Brighton to introduce the sports of skiing & snowboarding to Detroit area kids
February 2, 2017
MT. BRIGHTON, MI — Mt. Brighton announced today it will partner with the nationally acclaimed SOS Outreach organization for five…
February 1, 2017
DENVER, CO – The annual SnowSports Industries America (SIA) tradeshow is an opportunity for snowsports companies to showcase the styles,…
January 22, 2017
VAIL, CO – Winter brings along with it another season of SOS Outreach outdoor adventure-based leadership programming, providing at-risk youth in…
January 1, 2017
Gear up for a great cause! Join C4 Belts in celebrating youth development by supporting access to outdoor sports with…
November 1, 2016
SOS Outreach is proud to be one of the 14 national sports charities competing to receive a $50,000 donation from…
March 2, 2016
BEAVER CREEK, CO – This past weekend, six members of the SmartWool Advocacy Team joined SOS Outreach youth on the…
February 24, 2016
BEAVER CREEK, CO – This past Saturday, over 1,200 skiers and snowboarders descended upon Beaver Creek for the 13th annual…
December 3, 2015
Vail Daily – December 3, 2015 VAIL – U.S. Ski Team downhiller Steven Nyman is No. 1 in your national…
August 15, 2015
On Wednesday, August 12th, SOS Outreach held its inaugural Industry Day in Boulder, Colorado. A select group of 22 high…
July 20, 2015
Sara Henley is an AmeriCorps VISTA member with SOS. She recently joined our Masters students on their summer backpacking trip,…
June 5, 2015
Ever wonder what an SOS summer program looks like? Join us as we take a sneak peek into a Backyard…
June 1, 2015
Since its inception in 1993, SOS Outreach has expanded upwards and outwards to provide long-term programming for underserved youth. After…
May 5, 2015
Here at SOS, we value getting outside, and think it is especially important for kids. That’s why we kick off…
April 20, 2015
May 5 is Seattle Foundation’s Give Big event. SOS will receive incentive funding from Seattle Foundation for every dollar donated…