Summer may be right around the corner, but we still can’t get over how incredible this winter was. This season alone we had over 3,100 young people engage in SOS for a total of 79,657 hours of programs both on and off the mountain.
This engagement matters. Through every day and every hour spent in SOS, our participants are gaining skills, building relationships, and developing confidence that will last a lifetime.
These 79,000+ hours are not just a testament to our participants’ growth this year, it highlights their personal courage and discipline to grow as individuals. Among the many responsibilities of these young people – school, family, friends, sports, etc. – they choose show up to SOS (sometimes even during snowstorms!) because of their SOS community and the opportunity to grow.
We are so proud of all that our youth accomplished this season and are excited to see may of them continue their growth this summer through our Career Development and summer programs.
In the meantime, don’t forget to…
Spread the Love!
Many of our participants’ parents have never had the opportunity to experience what it’s like to be on the mountain, slide on snow, and be a part of SOS programs like their kids have.
This season, that changed. Thanks to Beaver Creek and Epic Promise, we were honored to invite youth AND their parents/guardians up to the mountain for an introductory learn-to-ski/ride weekend.
It was amazing seeing kids and parents connect in a new way and especially seeing kids take the lead to teach their parents.
Thank you Jockey for supporting another amazing season of SOS Outreach at Wilmot Mountain!
A portion of each sale will go directly to supporting youth in SOS.
The Open Hearts Movement stands as a collaborative effort with celebrated artist @Pat Milbery to create products with purpose that reshape our perceptions and conversations around mental health. Fueled and inspired by the uplifting energy of nature, we are unwaveringly committed to preserving the natural world that nurtures and sustains us.
“I have been thinking about this program and how much it has impacted Kollin. He could NOT have had a better mentor this year! Paul helped him build his confidence in himself and his skills and always made him feel like he was part of a team! I don’t know if I can describe how amazing each of you are and I can not explain the difference you have all made in Kollin’s attitude, perception, and life!
This program is more than I could ever have imagined, and I appreciate all your love, hard work, and dedication to these kids! You are truly making a difference in their lives! Kollin has a more standoffish personality and has NEVER won anything; the pure happiness and joy he had in his heart on the last day and winning mentee of the year will never be forgotten.” – Parent of an SOS participant
Denver, CO | June 1-2: Join us for an awesome weekend of music, food, gear demos, giveaways and more at the Outside Festival!
Come find SOS at The Open Hearts Collection activation with Pat Milbery, Zeal, Yo Colorado, Lyft and others.
See you there!
Summit County, CO | All Summer Long:
Some folks in Summit County have been brewing up something special!
In partnership with the Peak 10 Classic and local Summit County Breweries – Angry James, Syndicate, Breckenridge Brewery, and Broken Compass – two locally crafted beers (NZ Pils and Hoppy Lager) can be purchased this summer to support SOS!
Be sure to stop by any of the above breweries and pick up a case while supplies last!
Meet Denzel!
Denzel graduated from SOS this year and capped off his senior season by being awarded Junior Mentor of the Year.
Denzel has been in the program since 4th grade and shares how SOS helped him get out of his “comfort zone and meet new people”.
“It just gives you a lot of opportunity,” shares Denzel as he reflects back on his time in SOS.
We are so proud of Denzel and all of our graduating seniors as they transition to alumni. We hope to see them back next year as volunteer mentors!
How SOS Outreach brought families into the fold with a Beaver Creek ride day (Vail Daily) – “In its 30th season, SOS Outreach introduced hundreds of Eagle County students to skiing and snowboarding. However, during one of the last weekends of the season, the nonprofit did things a little differently and extended the opportunity to families and guardians instead“…read more.
SOS Outreach and Keystone Resort teach local youth about career paths (Summit Daily) – “Keystone Resort has partnered with a local youth development nonprofit, SOS Outreach, to connect teens and young adults to jobs in the ski industry.“…read more.
Appreciating our valley’s volunteers: Yasmin Guerrero with SOS Outreach (Vail Daily) – “The reason I decided to volunteer for SOS Outreach is because my mom put my siblings and I in the program as kids. I was in third grade when I started the program, and since I had such a great experience in the program as a kid I thought it would be nice if I could try and give that experience to other kids in my community, too.”…read more.
