SOS Outreach Park City

ALL DONATIONS MATCHED BY  UP TO $50,000 

That means for every $1 you give, SOS Outreach gets $2!

SOS Outreach changes young lives, builds character and leadership in youth through mentoring outdoors.

ABOUT SOS OUTREACH

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. 

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, SOS Outreach has been using mentorship and a multi-year curriculum to empower kids and teenagers to discover their true potential.  We've engage over 3,000 youth nationally per year.  

Our Mission:  To change young lives, building character and leadership in youth through mentoring outdoors.

Our Vision: To make sure every kid we meet gets stronger. 

OUR PROGRAMS & COSTS

1. Introductory Learn to Ride/Ski ($500 per youth):  An introduction to skiing/snowboarding and reflections on SOS’ core values
2. Mentor Program ($1,650 per youth):  Skiing/snowboarding, community service and leadership workshops with small peer groups led by a dedicated mentor
3. Junior Mentor Program ($1,650 per youth): Coming full circle, SOS Alumni give back to their younger peers, serving as role models for youth in the early years of our Mentor program
4. Career Development Program ($10,000 per youth):  Offered to participants ages 15+ to help prepare youth for a career and place them in an apprenticeship with industry partners

WHO WE SERVE - OUR YOUTH

• 2,000+ youth from Summit, Wasatch, and Salt Lake Counties since 2015 (500+ youth per year) 
• 42% female, 57% male 
• 69% identify as an ethnic minority
• 40% are Spanish speaking in a sport that prioritizes English speaker
• 58% annual household income is under $40,000

WHERE WE OFFER OUR PARK CITY PROGRAMS

• Park City Mountain
  • Mentor Program
  • Junior Mentor Program
  • Introductory Learn to Ride/Ski Program
• Deer Valley Ski Resort
  • Introductory Learn to Ride/Ski Program
• Career Development Program
  • Vail Resorts
  • evo
  • Armada
  • US Ski & Snowboard
  • And more…

OUR IMPACT

Participant Quotes

“SOS has taught me how to be a good person on and off the mountain. And I get to do all of this with kids that are some of my best friends and a mentor who is there for me through thick and thin.” – Ashley, SOS participant

"After going through the SOS program, I now feel more confident in my abilities in the outdoors and with trying new things. I have learned that everyone starts somewhere and that it is about taking the risk of putting yourself out there to try something new.” -Isa, Junior Mentor

Program Goals

Through a robust curriculum and intentional progressive program model, SOS strives to meet three overarching goals.  In the 22/23 season youth reported the following in relation to our program goals:

Goal 1: Develop positive relationships and a sense of belonging

• 94% of youth felt they were an important part of a team
• 91% of youth report that SOS has helped them "get along with people who are different than me"

Goal 2: Enhance self-regulation through SEL skills

• 93% of youth felt they had freedom to develop and use their own ideas
• 93% of youth felt they had a voice in their SOS experience
• 91% of youth report that through SOS they have had opportunities to be a leader

Goals 3: Develop strong character by applying core values and through community service

• 95% of youth report having meaningful experiences with SOS
• 95% of youth reported that they "did interesting activities at SOS"
• 91% of youth felt they made a contribution to others
• 83% of youth felt they did things at SOS that made a difference