Introductory
We use the mountains as our classroom to teach SOS Outreach’s core values over the course of five ride days. We start with skiing/snowboarding because it’s on the mountain that kids unearth the courage to step outside of their comfort zones, develop new strengths within themselves, and cultivate lifelong skills. By the end of the season, these young people know that they belong on the mountain and have developed new character traits that will help them overcome challenges they face off the mountain.
I can say with complete confidence that I have learned the core values from SOS and have been able to see myself and others use them in their daily lives. These core values have made me a better person and a better friend in my community.
Program Info
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About the Program
The SOS program begins with our introductory ski or snowboard experience and our core values of courage, discipline, integrity, wisdom, compassion, and humility. Learn to Ride/Ski (LTR) is our most fundamental program for youth in grades 4-12. The program features a five-day curriculum where each day centers around one SOS core value while youth learn a new outdoor adventure activity.
It’s amazing what these kids learn about themselves by strapping on a piece of wood and flying down a snow-covered mountain. They experience a sense of accomplishment that only comes from trying something new—and nailing it!
During this phase of our curriculum, youth gain a positive peer group, are exposed to a variety of challenging activities that provide opportunities for self-reflection, develop a growing sense of accomplishment, and are introduced to our core values that offer a framework for positive decision-making.
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What's Included
- 5-days of lift tickets
- All necessary snowboarding/skiing equipment
- Professional ski/snowboard instructors
- All snowsport clothing including: snow pants, jacket, goggles, gloves, and helmet if needed
- Character development and core-value curriculum
- Positive staff and volunteer support
- Opportunity to enroll in the SOS Mentor Program upon graduating
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Sample Day
8:45 am: Arrive at mountain
9:00 am: Gear up for a day on the slopes – put on rental equipment, divide up into lesson groups, meet your ski/snowboard instructor
9:30 am: Opening Circle of Love – introduction to the core value of the day
9:45 am: Head out on the hill with your instructor
12:00 pm: Break for lunch
12:45 pm: Get back on the hill and continue lessons with instructor
2:45 pm: Closing Circle of Love – reflect on the core value of the day
3:30 pm: Return gear and depart from the mountain
Registration
register
To complete registrations you will need a specific session number for the program. If you do not know your session number, please speak with your local SOS Program Manager or the youth agency that you are participating with.
Want to learn more?
Reach out to your local program manager, youth agency, or feel free to email sos@sosoutreach.org
FAQ
LTR is the starting point for participants’ SOS journey. This program emphasizes mastering the basics of skiing and snowboarding over five on-snow ride days throughout the season.
In each ride, students are introduced to SOS Outreach’s core values (courage, discipline, humility, integrity, wisdom, and compassion); they learn communication and responsibility; and become acquainted with positive adults and a supportive peer group.
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.
