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South Lake Tahoe, CA/NV

Since 1993, SOS Outreach has cultivated a deep sense of belonging in kids and teenagers, helping them discover their future potential and impact on our world.

SOS engages over 300 youth from El Dorado and Douglas counties while operating programs at Heavenly and Kirkwood.

Participant Spotlight

For a long-time, Aeson described himself as an “inside kid”. To Aeson, the outdoors represented an intimidating space that was uncomfortable and unknown. However, over several years with SOS, Aeson has embraced the outdoors as not only a place to recreate but as a space for community, growth, and opportunity. “Aeson is a great young person to have in our South Lake program,” says South Lake Program Manager, Morgan Edwards, “he always comes to program days with a positive attitude and a willingness to try new things. His positivity is infectious and you can really see it uplift the kids in his group.” This winter is Aeson’s first season as a Jr. Mentor and provides the opportunity for him to connect with younger participants who might view the outdoors in the same way that Aeson once did. “I believe Aeson to be a really cool ‘outside kid’, and a funny, brave, compassionate, intelligent young man,” says Edwards, “I am so excited to watch him put his SOS leadership skills to use and continue to grow as he mentors the next generation of SOS youth this season.”

Youth Engaged Annually

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Get Involved

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Volunteer

Join our passionate community of volunteers and help make SOS’s mission a reality. Your contributions create positive change and a lasting impact on those you serve. But you’ll also find that volunteering with SOS will leave a lasting impact on you, too.

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Partner

From brand partners to local businesses, SOS Outreach leverages our partnerships to unite influential voices towards the movement of equity in the outdoor space. Together, we are able to change lives through the transformative power of the outdoors.

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Events

Experience guided excursions, inspiring speakers, and local community events with SOS Outreach. Our organization coordinates and participates in events to foster deep connections within our communities, fundraise, and support our mission.

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Donate

Your support matters, whether it’s through monetary or gear donations. With your help, we’re expanding our efforts to connect over 3,000 youth with an encouraging and supportive community that sets them up for success far beyond the mountains.

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Careers

At SOS Outreach, working for us means more than just a job; it’s an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people. Join our passionate team, dedicated to building a brighter future for our youth through outdoor activities and mentorship.

FAQ

What is the minimum age requirement to participate in SOS Outreach?

SOS works with youth who are in 4th grade or higher.

My child doesn’t have any winter sports or outdoor gear. Can they still participate in SOS programs?

Absolutely! SOS has a vast inventory of jackets, snow pants, goggles, gloves, tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, backpacks, and anything else necessary for hiking and camping. For our introductory program, all equipment and winter clothing is provided if your child needs them. As the youth progress into the mentoring program, we continue to provide all winter clothing, and there are options to purchase ski/snowboard equipment at very discounted rates.

Is there a cost for students to participate in SOS's programs?

Yes, there is a fee for service to participate in SOS’s programs. The fee covers a portion of program expenses, and with support from our corporate sponsors and generous donors, SOS Outreach covers the remainder of the necessary expenses. Contact your local program contact for pricing details.

How do youth qualify for SOS programs?

We work with youth who face disadvantages due to factors such as their address, socioeconomic status, and other similar challenges. Our participants are optimistic, resilient, and motivated to work hard. They may not have the same access to resources and information that many of us had, which prepared us for adult life. We look at risk factors such as poor school attendance, low grades, speaking English as a second language, exposure to drugs and alcohol, involvement with the court system, and low household income. In general, we recruit participants dealing with at least two of our risk factors. Check out our Participant Assessment Form to see if your child is eligible for our programs.