Chicago & Kenosha at Wilmot Mountain
During the 17-18 season, SOS Outreach launched its Learn to Ride program with 17 participants. With the incredible impact witnessed after a few seasons, there was a clear need for the multi-year Mentor program. Thanks to funding from the Katz Amsterdam Foundation, Jockey and support from Vail Resorts Epic Promise, the mentor program was implemented during the 22-23 season with 136 kids and teens enrolled from the Chicago/Kenosha area.
Participant Spotlight
Last year was fun and I love that I’m getting an opportunity again. This year, I want to go on the big hill by myself because SOS taught me to believe in myself and I don’t have to be scared.”
Youth Engaged Annually
Felt they were an important part of a team
Volunteers
Hours spent on the mountain
Community service hours
Hours spent in off-mountain workshops
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
SOS works with youth who are in 4th grade or higher.
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.
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.
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.
Our Partners
Local Resorts
Thank you to the local businesses and resorts who support SOS programs through financial and in-kind donations.
Local Foundation Partners
We are grateful for the following local foundation partners who support SOS programs through grants.
Youth Agency Partners
We work closely with local schools and youth agency partners to identify youth who will benefit most from our programs.
