[Jessica Trumble]
Students at Pioneer Union School District in 5th, 6th, and 7th grades that were directly affected by the Caldor Fire have recently begun the SOS Outreach Program at Kirkwood Ski Resort under the guidance of teacher, Adam King. Students wake before dawn on crisp Sunday mornings, bundle in their warmest layers, and make their way to the snowy mountaintops of Tahoe. Once at Kirkwood Ski Resort, students are able to gather as a united group to explore a core value for the day in guided facilitation before heading to the slopes to not only practice ski and board techniques, but positive youth development.
Deborah Atkins, Pioneer Elementary Principal, expressed, “We are taking a trauma-responsive approach to building and rebuilding community by helping children share challenging experiences and stories. While students are learning a new skill on the slopes, we are also giving them the opportunity to gain self-awareness, self-control and the interpersonal skills that are vital for school and beyond.”
The SOS Outreach Program is a national youth development non-profit designed to build character and leadership for youth through mentoring opportunities and outdoor education. SOS Outreach allows students to learn to ski and snowboard, but with the added opportunities to foster youth engagement, create a sense of purpose, teach key life skills by learning about core values: courage, discipline, integrity, wisdom, compassion, and humility. SOS Outreach not only teaches a sport, but also creates youth that can make a difference in their communities.
PUSD is excited to offer the SOS program for their students that have been directly impacted by Caldor Fire or meet other criteria for disadvantaged youth. SOS Outreach’s focus is that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive regardless of social, societal, and economic barriers. Students that are participating have never skied or had the opportunity to spend much time in the outdoors in the Tahoe area. PUSD is committed to supporting students, families, and communities, especially those affected by the Caldor Fire. The future is bright with opportunity for aiding students through academics, learning a new sport, and experiencing the local outdoors.
For more information about PUSD please visit pioneer.k12.ca.us.
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What a great opportunity! Couldn’t find a better mentor than Mr. King.
Wonderful story, keep up the good work Adam.
THIS is how to make ” changes”… lucky to have Adam King!🌹
Great!