Detroit

At SOS Outreach, our mission is to change young lives, building character and developing leadership through mentoring outdoors. Through skiing or snowboarding, participants form a strong relationship with an adult mentor that evolves into off-hill experiences which foster a sense of belonging, skill development, and character building for long-term impact.

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LOVE TO SKI OR SNOWBOARD & WANT TO SUPPORT DETROIT YOUTH?

GET INVOLVED AS A PROGRAM ASSISTANT OR MENTOR!

Program Assistant – The program assistant will support the introductory Learn to Ride/Ski programs, part-time, seasonal (15-20 hours/week October-March).

Volunteer Mentor – Each volunteer mentor works closely with a group of 4-5 youth and commits to a schedule of ride days on mountain and off-hill leadership & skill development training, around 14 days per season.

OUR IMPACT

240

local kids and teenagers

94%

of youth felt like they were an important part of a team

102

hours of community service

Our Curriculum

LEARN TO RIDE

Kids learn a new outdoor activity and the importance of our six core values: courage, discipline, integrity, wisdom, humility, and compassion.

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MENTOR PROGRAM

With the support of a dedicated mentor, participants continue outdoor activities, grow tangible life skills, perform community service, and put the core values to practice with peer groups.

HIGH SCHOOL & BEYOND

As youth graduate after five years in the Mentor Program, they have opportunities to apply the skills they’ve developed by engaging as Junior Mentors, with the Career Development Program and with the organization’s Alumni Network.

Volunteer Spotlight

“The expansion of the mentor program included more thorough training for SOS volunteers & more support for participants to develop character building skills. As one of our students said, ‘we are like a second family.’ Students approach me nearly on a daily basis either wishing it were winter again or asking me to save them a spot for next year. The impact of this program is immense in terms of student engagement, as well as creating excitement & opportunities that would be next to impossible for most of our students.”

-Jessica Madden, Mentor & Hamtramck Teacher