Inside the circle
November 7, 2022
Spreading Gratitude November is finally here! With snow falling across much of the west and SOS registration nights well underway,…
October 7, 2022
Coming Full Circle: SOS Hires Three Program Alumni to Inspire the Next Generation of Youth Fall is finally here! While…
September 21, 2022
Major Grant Allows SOS Outreach to Expand Midwest Mentor Program for Underserved Youth FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 21, 2022 The…
September 16, 2022
SOS Wins 2022 Utah Outdoor Summit Every Kid Outdoors Award We are thrilled to announce that we have received the…
September 1, 2022
New Horizons: SOs Grads Head to College It’s the time of year that parents love and kids dread… back to…
August 30, 2022
Bridging Opportunity in the Outdoor Industry: Career Development recap For nearly 30 years, SOS Outreach has been committed to bridging…
May 20, 2022
Why Mentorship Matters- From Building Confidence in SOS to Starting a Business SOS Outreach is dedicated to supporting young people…
April 20, 2022
The Magic of the Midwest Mountains A quick note: We at SOS, are thrilled to introduce our very own Program…
March 29, 2022
From the Slopes to Harvard – Meet Delaney At SOS, we firmly believe in the inherent power of the outdoors….
January 31, 2022
The Power of Mentorship At SOS, there’s a lot that goes into ensuring that our programs are as impactful as…
December 9, 2021
Discovering Parallels: The Journey of a pro Snowboarder & the Core Values of SOs As a competitive halfpipe rider for…
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
Alumni Spotlight: Meet Amelia Earlier this year, we put out an Alumni Survey to reconnect with some of our past participants. Let’s…
May 1, 2019
Industry Days Inspire Youth This winter, SOS partnered with Vail Resorts mountains Heavenly, Northstar, Park City, Beaver Creek, and other corporate…
May 1, 2019
Inside the Circle: May Edition Check out our May newsletter – Graduations, Industry Days, Alumni Spotlight, Upcoming Events & More!
April 10, 2019
Graduation Celebrations! As we wrap up our 25th season, we celebrate the culmination of our mentoring programs with graduation ceremonies…
April 2, 2019
Inside The Circle: April Edition Check out our April newsletter: Program Graduations, Alumni Spotlight, Leadership Panels, Events & More!
April 1, 2019
Alumni Spotlight: Meet Jessa Last month, we put out an Alumni Survey to reconnect with some of our past participants. Let’s just say,…
March 28, 2019
Leaders Inspiring Youth This winter, over 150 SOS participants across locations invited a broad spectrum of community leaders to participate in Leadership Panels and share…
March 15, 2019
Participant Spotlight: Meet Isabella Meet North Lake Tahoe Junior Mentor, Isabella! Now in ninth grade, Isabella has been in SOS…
March 1, 2019
Inside The Circle: March Edition Check out our March newsletter: Participant Spotlight, Alumni Circle, 5Logistics, Upcoming Events & More!
February 26, 2019
Talons Challenge: Completed! This year’s Talons Challenge was a success! We came together with our dedicated partnersBeaver Creek and the Peter Grant…
February 20, 2019
Core Partner Celebration: 5Logistics Ever wondered what it takes to keep 15 SOS locations up and running with all the…
February 1, 2019
Inside The Circle: February Edition Check out our February newsletter: 1500+ SOS kids on snow, events, and celebrations across locations!
January 31, 2019
1,524 Kids On Snow At 19 Resorts As our participants gear up for the largest week of winter programs, we…
January 25, 2019
Powder Challenge, Accepted Despite the high winds that sent us over to Telluride a day early, the MLK Powder Challenge…
January 2, 2019
Inside The Circle: January Edition Check out our January newsletter: Programs In Action, Talons Challenge & More!
November 10, 2018
25th Winter Season Underway This month kicks off winter program registration across SOS locations! This winter, over 3,500 youth across…
October 2, 2018
Inside The Circle: October Edition Check out our October newsletter: Gearing Up For Winter, SOS Kids Around The World, Team…
September 4, 2018
SOS Kicks Off its 25th Year! As we enter our 25th year of changing the lives of youth, we take…
September 4, 2018
Inside The Circle: September Edition Check out our September newsletter: 25th Anniversary Kicks Off, Welcoming New Board Members, Goodbye Interns…
July 26, 2018
Staff Reflections: Summer Backpacking Excursions Staff Contributor, Scott Partan The success and impacts of our backpacking trips has been absolutely…
June 5, 2018
Staff Reflections: Learn to Mountain Bike SOS Staff Contributor, Joan Dieter Learn to Mountain Bike (LTMB) at Keystone was an…
June 5, 2018
Gear Up For Summer Adventures It was all smiles from the kids on the Colorado National Monument trips this May….
May 8, 2018
SOS Youth Shine on Mountain & In Classroom This month, we celebrate SOS University participant Jorge, a ninth-grade student in Park…
May 1, 2018
Staff Reflections: Special Times at the Colorado National Monument Staff Contributor, Gillian Lane “Ok, where do I do go next?”…
April 4, 2018
End of Season Celebrations As the largest winter season in SOS Outreach’s 24-year history comes to a close, there is…
February 4, 2018
SOS Inspires Youth Off-Hill at Leadership Days In the past month, SOS Outreach joined forces with Beaver Creek Resort and…
January 12, 2018
SOS Graduate Spotlight: Travis Tafoya We caught up with SOS Outreach graduate, Travis to ask him about his experiences in…
August 20, 2017
SOS Taps Into the Transformative Power of the River with O.A.R.S. It’s not often that the opportunity to unplug from…
June 1, 2017
UTA PIPPIG JOINS TYLER HAMILTON IN 16th ANNUAL COLORADO-EAGLE RIVER RIDE AND ROADHOUSE MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE EDWARDS, CO – SOS…
May 26, 2017
Guest Blog by Scott Partan: COLORADO MASTERS PARTICIPANTS BACKCOUNTRY EXCURSION EAGLE AND SUMMIT COUNTIES, CO The mountains may be closing in…
May 19, 2017
16th ANNUAL COLORADO-EAGLE RIVER RIDE AND ROADHOUSE MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE FEATURING TYLER HAMILTON EDWARDS, CO – Back for the 16th…
May 8, 2017
Summer Adventures Abound for SOS Youth With a brief window between winter and summer programming, the SOS team is hard…
April 20, 2017
SOS Outreach Inspires the Next Generation of Community Leaders Throughout the year, SOS University Year 4 participants explore leadership through…
April 12, 2017
SOS Outreach Celebrates Another Banner Winter Season As the largest winter season in SOS Outreach’s history comes to a close,…
February 7, 2017
SOS Outreach + #TeamNerve Creating Brighter Futures For Youth Through Snowsports For 20 years, Optic Nerve has been a core…
SOS Partners with Mt. Brighton to introduce the sports of skiing & snowboarding to Detroit area kids
February 2, 2017
SOS Partners with Mt. Brighton to introduce the sports of skiing & snowboarding to Detroit area kids MT. BRIGHTON, MI…
February 1, 2017
Insider Access at SIA Tradeshow Engages SOS Youth in Snow Culture & Opportunties DENVER, CO – The annual SnowSports Industries…
January 22, 2017
50,000+ Youth In SOS Programs Since 1993 – Embarks on LARGEST Week of Programs Ever VAIL, CO – Winter brings along…
January 1, 2017
C4 Belts Highlighting SOS Outreach through the Month of January Gear up for a great cause! Join C4 Belts in…
November 1, 2016
Vote for SOS in Gatorade’s For the Love of Sports Campaign™ SOS Outreach is proud to be one of the…
March 2, 2016
SmartWool Advocacy Team Spends Weekend with SOS Outreach BEAVER CREEK, CO – This past weekend, six members of the SmartWool…
February 24, 2016
1200+ skiers and riders compete to raise support for SOS BEAVER CREEK, CO – This past Saturday, over 1,200 skiers…
December 3, 2015
Inspiring the next generation Vail Daily – December 3, 2015 VAIL – U.S. Ski Team downhiller Steven Nyman is No….
August 15, 2015
Inaugural Industry Day On Wednesday, August 12th, SOS Outreach held its inaugural Industry Day in Boulder, Colorado. A select group…
July 20, 2015
Backpacking with SOS Outreach Sara Henley is an AmeriCorps VISTA member with SOS. She recently joined our Masters students on…
June 5, 2015
A Week in the Life of Backyard Adventures Ever wonder what an SOS summer program looks like? Join us as…
June 1, 2015
Local Partnerships Are The Key To Making Summer Programs A Success! Since its inception in 1993, SOS Outreach has expanded…
May 5, 2015
Summer Kick-Off: Colorado National Monument Here at SOS, we value getting outside, and think it is especially important for kids….
April 20, 2015
Give BIG 2015 May 5 is Seattle Foundation’s Give Big event. SOS will receive incentive funding from Seattle Foundation for…