SOS Outreach Summit County

SOS Outreach was founded in 1993 in Colorado's Vail Valley. As a nonprofit organization, SOS programs build character and self-esteem in youth through outdoor activities and the SOS curriculum. SOS served 4,888 youth in 15 states and New Zealand during the 2010-2011 fiscal year and offered 18,917 total program days.

SOS began as the Snowboard Outreach Society, with a group of snowboarders who wanted to expose underprivileged youth to the mountains, as well as to the sport of snowboarding. Since its founding, SOS has expanded across individual winter sports to include skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing while incorporating a youth development curriculum.

In 2009, SOS merged with Meet the Wilderness, an organization based in summer adventure programs.The merger ensured that 2,000 additional youth are served through predominately summer outdoor adventure education programs. As a combined organization, SOS is positioned to efficiently provide year-round programming to underserved youth.

Program Curriculum

Each of the SOS programs offers a value-based leadership curriculum that enhances the experiences for students by promoting self-respect, positive relationships, social skills, and positive values all while participating in an outdoor sport. During program days students discuss and discover the meaning of the SOS Five Core Values; courage, discipline, integrity, wisdom, and compassion.

While participating in programs youth are paired with an adult mentor, or Sherpa, that provides each participant with a positive role model and the necessary additional support. Sherpas help students to understand and implement the SOS core vlaues, discover their self worth and become better functioning members of the community.