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Eagle County, CO

In 1993, SOS Outreach was founded in partnership with Vail Resorts at Vail Mountain. Today, it engages 500+ Eagle County youth with winter programs at both Vail and Beaver Creek. Our proven, multi-year curriculum keeps participants engaged in mentorship, outdoor adventure, community service, skill building workshops and career development all year long.

When Alan moved from New Mexico to Avon, Colorado in 3rd grade, the mountain town culture of the Vail Valley was a whole new world to him. After previously attending a Spanish-speaking school, he was enrolled at Homestake Peak School where he quickly learned English to keep up with his school work. Within a year, Alan joined SOS Outreach and was introduced to snowboarding (now one of his greatest passions) and found a sense of belonging in this new community he called home. Fast forward to today, Alan is all-in on SOS and the opportunities that come with it. This past summer, Alan began his first job at Vail Mountain through SOS’ Career Development Program, which teaches job skills and connects participants to paid jobs in the outdoor industry. Starting in the Lionshead Ticket Office, Alan learned the ins and outs of customer service and working for a mountain resort. When asked how this experience was for his first job he shared, “I couldn’t ask for anything better”. Alan is excited to see where new career experience and love for snowboarding will take him next.

Youth Engaged Annually

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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

What is the minimum age requirement to participate in SOS Outreach?

SOS works with youth who are in 4th grade or higher.

My child doesn’t have any winter sports or outdoor gear. Can they still participate in SOS programs?

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.

Is there a cost for students to participate in SOS's programs?

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.

How do youth qualify for SOS programs?

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.