South Lake Tahoe, CA/NV
South Lake Tahoe, CA/NV
Since 1993, SOS Outreach has cultivated a deep sense of belonging in kids and teenagers, helping them discover their future potential and impact on our world.
SOS engages over 300 youth from El Dorado and Douglas counties while operating programs at Heavenly and Kirkwood.
OUR IMPACT IN 2023
310
local kids & teenagers
+91%
of youth report, “SOS mentor(s) and participants helped me feel proud of myself.”
330
hours of community service
Participant Spotlight
AESON WALTON
5-YEAR SOUTH LAKE TAHOE PARTICIPANT
For a long-time, Aeson described himself as an “inside kid”. To Aeson, the outdoors represented an intimidating space that was uncomfortable and unknown. However, over several years with SOS, Aeson has embraced the outdoors as not only a place to recreate but as a space for community, growth, and opportunity. “Aeson is a great young person to have in our South Lake program,” says South Lake Program Manager, Morgan Edwards, “he always comes to program days with a positive attitude and a willingness to try new things. His positivity is infectious and you can really see it uplift the kids in his group.” This winter is Aeson’s first season as a Jr. Mentor and provides the opportunity for him to connect with younger participants who might view the outdoors in the same way that Aeson once did. “I believe Aeson to be a really cool ‘outside kid’, and a funny, brave, compassionate, intelligent young man,” says Edwards, “I am so excited to watch him put his SOS leadership skills to use and continue to grow as he mentors the next generation of SOS youth this season.”
LEARN TO RIDE
Kids learn a new outdoor activity and the importance of our six core values: courage, discipline, integrity, wisdom, humility, and compassion.
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.
- SOS Outreach paving way for Lake Tahoe youth to turn passion into careers
- SOS participants clean up over 510 pounds of trash at Tahoe
- Barton Health Foundation to award $100k to those engaged in health and well-being of Lake Tahoe community
- Since 2016, Tahoe Women’s Community Fund donates $537,018 to local nonprofits
- SOS Participants Learn About Ski Industry Careers at Heavenly Industry Day
EVENTS
- All Year – Azul Latin Kitchen Nonprofit Partner
- November 10 | PT Revolution Movie | Buy Tickets
- November 18 | Pray for Snow Party | South Lake Brewing Co.
- November 29 | Azul Restaurant Takeover
- April – South Lake Tahoe End of Season Celebration
- May 3 – Big Day of Giving
YOUTH AGENCY PARTNERS
South Lake Tahoe High School
Bijou Elementary
Zephyr Cove High School
Pioneer Elementary School
George Whittell Middle School
Lake Tahoe Environmental Science Magnet School
Sierra House Elementary
Tahoe Valley Elementary
Alpine County Behavioral Health, Foster/Homeless Youth Program
Pau Wa Lu Middle School
Summit Middle School
Elevated Academy LTUSD
Boys and Girls Club of Lake Tahoe
Douglas County Wilderness
Probation Program
South Lake Tahoe Middle School,
For any questions related to South Lake programs, please reach out to Morgan Edwards at medwards@sosoutreach.org.