SOS Outreach

To change young lives, building character and developing leadership through mentoring outdoors.

SOS Outreach gets local MI youth skiing and snowboarding in a meaningful way! SOS Outreach is a youth-development nonprofit that uses mentoring and outdoor experiences to engage young people in a multi-year curriculum. Through skiing or snowboarding, participants form a strong relationship with an adult mentor that evolves into off-hill experiences which foster a sense of belonging, skill development, and character building for long-term impact.

Volunteers are integral to the success and impact of SOS programs. Mentors are matched with a small group of 3-5 youth whom they will work with for the entirety of the season. Mentors engage with their mentees at 4-5 ride days per season, monthly evening workshops, and service activities throughout the season. Mentors also work closely with their respective program manager to deliver a curriculum to youth aimed at three primary outcomes: 1) to develop positive relationships and a sense of belonging, 2) to enhance self-regulation through social-emotional learning (SEL) skills, and 3) to promote strong character by applying core values and through community service.

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 empower kids and teenagers to discover their true potential.