Mentorship Program
A six-month, semi-structured initiative
About the Program
The SORP Mentorship Program is a six-month, semi-structured initiative designed to foster professional development, leadership growth, and meaningful connections among outdoor recreation professionals. This program connects early- and mid-career professionals (mentees) with experienced leaders in the field (mentors) to cultivate inclusive, cross-generational relationships and strengthen the broader outdoor recreation community.
The program does not require participants to complete a specific project or deliverable. Instead, mentor-mentee pairs are encouraged to collaboratively set personal and professional goals at the beginning of their journey and meet regularly to support one another’s growth.
SORP emphasizes shared learning, leadership development, and network-building through consistent, intentional engagement and the exchange of diverse experiences and perspectives.
Mentors and mentees will be supported throughout the program with clear guidance, tools, and templates provided by SORP. You’re not expected to have all the answers from the start - we’ll equip you with everything you need to build a meaningful and successful mentoring relationship.
October 2025:
Our first run of the mentorship program is currently in progress. Please stay tuned for our next round to apply.
Set personal and professional goals
Exchange diverse experiences and perspectives
Become a Mentor
Why Become a Mentor?
- Give back to the profession by sharing your knowledge and insights with emerging leaders who are shaping the future of outdoor recreation.
- Refine your communication and leadership skills as you practice active listening, empathy, and guidance in a supportive environment.
- Expand your network while helping your mentee grow theirs, creating meaningful, lasting connections across the field.
- Gain new perspectives by engaging with professionals from different regions, sectors, or backgrounds, enriching your own understanding of the industry.
- Reflect on your journey-mentorship offers space to revisit your own successes and challenges, while re-energizing your sense of purpose and commitment to the profession.
Who Should Apply?
Experienced outdoor recreation professionals with 5+ years of experience who are committed to supporting others in their career journeys. Mentors are volunteers who value relationship-building, inclusive leadership, and continuous learning.
Requirements for Mentors
- Be a current SORP member
- At least 5 years of professional experience in outdoor recreation or a related field
- A time commitment of approximately one to two virtual one-on-one meetings per month with their mentee, along with three group meetings between August 2025 and February 2026.
- Reliable internet connection and comfort with virtual communication platforms
- Commitment to fostering an open, inclusive, and supportive mentoring relationship
Become a Mentee
Interested in being a Mentee?
If you're an outdoor recreation professional looking to grow, you're in the right place. This mentorship program is designed for early-career (0–5 years) and mid-career (6–15 years) professionals who want to build skills, explore new career pathways, and expand their network within the industry. To participate, you must be a current SORP member.
Information Call Recording
We hosted a Mentorship Program information call on June 10, 2025. You can access the recording below.
Contact
Please reach out to Angie Braley if you have any questions about our mentorship program.
