Our monthly 7% sales donation day goes to SOS Outreach this January.
SOS Outreach is an organization that we’ve been psyched to partner with the last few years. Started here in the Rockies up in Vail, SOS Outreach’s mission is to deliver powerful outdoor experiences to youth with mentorship and guidance. But it doesn’t stop at one experience—this is an intricate mentorship program that supports youth from learning the ropes, to mentoring youth themselves and receiving career education in the outdoor industry. On January 8th, we’re donating 7% of our sales to this rad organization.
Who is SOS Outreach?
No matter what social, societal, or economic barriers exist—SOS Outreach believes every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. It starts with skiing or snowboarding, because it’s on the mountain that kids unearth the courage to step outside of their comfort zones, develop new strengths within themselves and cultivate lifelong skills. Since 1993, we’ve been using mentorship and a proven, multi-year curriculum to foster a sense of belonging in kids and teenagers.
Serving over 3,000 youths annually across 15 locations in 10 communities, we offer year-round programs that combine outdoor exploration, positive adult mentorship, skill development, and community service. These life-changing experiences inspire young individuals to foster belonging, overcome challenges, enhance mental well-being, and become strong leaders.
From SOS Outreach
How Their Program Works
SOS Outreach offers a multi-year curriculum that allows youth to progress through the program as they get older. Each program is tailored to help students develop new skills that apply to their lives as they get older.
Students start in the introductory program with a focus on enjoying the adventure. They’ll get exposed to skiing and snowboarding as beginners, letting them get outside their comfort zone and try something new. After an intro program, participants can join a five-year mentor program. They go from gaining confidence on gentle slopes, to exploring more challenging terrain. As they put it, participants “take risks, assume responsibility for their actions, and let their growing self-confidence influence all aspects of their lives.”
Now that they know the ropes, students can become junior mentors. Helping guide younger members, the can share experiences, give advice, and be a resource. Once they hit 15, they can start to participate in career development programs. This summer program gives them exposure to on-the-job experience, with rad organizations in the outdoor space like Oberalp and the US Ski and Snowboard Team.
So, when you support SOS Outreach, you support giving kids the opportunity to grow, become courageous and confident, and learn life lessons far earlier than most folks get a chance to.
