SOS Outreach Celebrates First Year of Mentor Program Expansion

 

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO- Youth development nonprofit, SOS Outreach, celebrated the success of its first year of a mentor program expansion that served 128 local youth across Routt and Moffat Counties. Building on 16 years of previous programming that introduced participants to skiing and riding, youth began a multi-year curriculum progression focused on teaching core values, community service and leadership development. 

“It has been incredible to watch these kids grow over the past season, both on and off the slopes,” said David Schramm, SOS Program Manager. “After 16 years, this community was ready for more and I’m so happy we were able to provide that. Thank you to all of the volunteers and community partners who helped grow this program and make a difference in the lives of each one of these kids.” 

Each year, with the help of mentors, kids learn new outdoor and life skills based on their age and circumstances. Throughout ride days, workshops, and service projects, participants are taught six core values: courage, discipline, integrity, wisdom, compassion and humility. 

“There are so many opportunities to volunteer in our community and they all have such an impact, but I wanted to find one where I could have a direct impact on kids by interacting with them face to face,” said David Lustig, SOS mentor. “SOS gave me a way to spend a whole day with the kids where I can talk to them about the core values of SOS, teach some life skills and have fun at the same time.”

To celebrate the season, kids had the opportunity to show their families what they learned and even tested their teaching ability when families put on gear at Howelsen Hill. Almost 100 participants, siblings, and parents enjoyed tubing and Ski Free Sunday at Howelsen Hill while building relationships and celebrating their accomplishments from the season. The event was a true demonstration of the partnerships that bridge opportunities for SOS youth and was made possible by Alpine Bank, Integrated Community, Town Hall Co, Steamboat City Teen Programs, Christy Sports, Corner Slice, Winona’s, and Smartwool. Senator Dylan Roberts was also in attendance along with volunteers from Alpine Bank, Town Hall Co., and CIIC.  

This season would not have been possible without support from these partners, as well as the Share Winter Foundation,  Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation, Craig Scheckman Family Foundation, Moniker Foundation, Dirt to Snow- Mark Satkiewicz Legacy Fund, Borden Endowment of the Yampa Valley Community Foundation, Human Resource Coalition of Routt County (including Routt County and the City of Steamboat Springs), Yampa Valley Community Foundation, Rocky Mountain Health Foundation, Big Agnes, NineSevenZero, Steamboat Springs School District, Hayden School District and Hayden Community Center.