Outdoor-based Mentorship Changes Young Lives
I struggled my way through school (dyslexia and ADHD did not make things easy) and eventually found myself attending college in Alabama where I would graduate with a degree in Wildlife Biology. Go figure, right? Eventually, I made the decision to move to Colorado where my eyes were opened to the world of outdoor recreation.
My introduction to mountain sports was, perhaps, not the most graceful. As a novice skier I somehow found myself on a backcountry hut trip, my first outdoor rock climb was a several hundred-foot multi-pitch, and my first mountain biking venture led to me accidentally riding (falling) down a black diamond downhill trail. This is not the approach I would want for any newcomers, but over time I built the skills and confidence to become proficient in the sports that I now love today. My drive to share the right way to approach the outdoors has fueled my passion to get involved.
I share this story because, while it’s uniquely my own, I learned that so many young people share a story similar to mine and I want to make sure future generations have access to things I didn’t have as a young person.
About 10 years ago, I started looking for outdoor-based youth organizations to volunteer for. One quick internet search brought me to SOS Outreach – a youth development nonprofit that uses a combination of mentoring and sports, like skiing and snowboarding, to engage over 3,000 young people across 10 states and 15 communities. I reached out and became a volunteer mentor that year. It would turn out to be one of the most rewarding opportunities in my life.
SOS works with kids and teens, from 4th-12th grade, who face challenges in their lives, ranging from coming from low-income households, to struggling academically, to mental health needs, and so much more.
Through the program, participants learn to ski/ride and are paired with a volunteer adult mentor (like myself). In addition to going riding throughout the winter, they participate in classroom-based workshops focused on developing life skills, as well as volunteering for service projects in their community, all with a mentor supporting them along the way. It’s being on the mountain together, sharing an activity together, that really helps build a strong bond between mentor/mentee that further evolves off the mountain.
In becoming a mentor, I was connected to kids who reminded me so much of my younger self. For the first time in my life, I had the opportunity to be the role model I had always yearned for as both a young person and a novice in the outdoors. Being half-Colombian, I always wanted to see more people who looked like me in the outdoor space, and once again, mentorship allowed me the opportunity to be that person for so many kids. I truly believe that time in nature makes you stronger, more independent, and builds confidence. I’ve seen it in myself, and I see it in the kids I’ve mentored for the past 10 years. Their personal growth and belief in themselves are evident; it makes me so happy to know that I get to play a small part in that.
Prospective volunteers have approached me before, expressing their interest in mentoring but saying they don’t know how to work with kids. The secret is actually pretty simple: show up consistently, be authentic, make an effort to connect, and trust will come. It all just takes time.
As good as it feels to give, I’m continually amazed by the reciprocity that mentorship brings. I learn so much from the kids I work with and always find myself filled with joy leaving the mountain after a ride day.
Not everyone has the privilege to donate their time, but for those who do, I encourage you to consider being a mentor, whether through SOS or elsewhere. The work SOS is doing is life-changing and I’m grateful to be a part of it.
Mentorship can seem daunting. But without question, the benefits outweigh the commitment and our youth need positive role models more than ever. I know I sure did when I was young. The work SOS is doing is life-changing and I’m grateful to be a part of it.
We are recruiting volunteer mentors for the 24/25 winter season. To learn more and apply, please visit: https://sosoutreach.org/mentor/
