Building Confidence, Belonging, and Life Skills Through Skiing and Mentorship with Seth Ehrlich

Building confidence and meaningful relationships with children doesn't require expensive activities or elaborate adventures. In this episode of Parent Confidence Lab, Hans and Cristina sit down with Seth Ehrlich, Chief Executive Officer of SOS Outreach, to explore how shared experiences, mentorship, outdoor activities, and a strong sense of belonging can help children develop confidence, resilience, leadership skills, and a belief in their own potential.

Drawing from his own lifelong connection to skiing and his work with SOS Outreach, Seth explains how shared activities create opportunities for genuine connection. SOS Outreach works with young people from fourth grade through high school graduation, using skiing and snowboarding as a foundation for mentoring, service learning, leadership development, and personal growth. The program also creates access to outdoor experiences for children who may not otherwise have the opportunity to participate.

The conversation explores SOS Outreach's long-term mentorship model, including its Circle of Love, core values, service projects, and junior mentor program. Seth shares how giving young people opportunities to lead, serve their communities, and mentor others can strengthen confidence and help them recognize that they belong and are capable of pursuing opportunities they may have never imagined.

Seth also offers practical advice for parents, emphasizing that meaningful connection can happen anywhere. Whether it's skiing, biking, walking, playing on the playground, or simply joining children in activities they enjoy, shared experiences can create lasting memories and strengthen family relationships. He also reflects on his own fatherhood journey and the importance of intentionally making time to connect with children while they are young.

• Why shared experiences can create stronger parent-child connections
• How outdoor activities can help children build confidence and belonging
• Why talent and potential may be universal while opportunity is not
• How SOS Outreach gives young people access to skiing and snowboarding
• How mentorship helps children develop confidence, leadership, and agency
• Why a sense of belonging is an important part of personal growth
• How the Circle of Love creates connection and inclusion
• Why long-term mentorship benefits both mentors and mentees
• How older students can become mentors and leaders for younger children
• How service learning helps young people make an impact in their communities
• Why spending time outdoors can provide connection and a break from screens
• How parents can connect with children through the activities they already enjoy
• Why shared experiences don't have to be expensive or complicated
• How intentionally scheduled family time can create lasting memories
• Why being present and participating with your children can matter more than simply watching them

Seth Ehrlich is the Chief Executive Officer of SOS Outreach, a youth development organization that uses skiing, snowboarding, mentorship, service learning, and leadership development to help young people reach their full potential.

Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Seth developed a passion for skiing at an early age. After earning a graduate degree in nonprofit management, he and his wife moved to Colorado for hospitality work. Through a volunteer program at his hotel, Seth connected with SOS Outreach and went on to grow through multiple roles within the organization.

Today, Seth focuses on building connections that enhance SOS Outreach's impact. He is also a father of two, and his own experiences skiing with his father and children have shaped his belief in the power of shared experiences, relationships, and connection.

• Website: https://sosoutreach.org/
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sethehrlich

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