Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cranbrook

Considering Volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters?

Consider the benefits children in our programs gain:

91% feel better about themselves.
65% have improved self-confidence.
67% have a better sense of right and wrong.
76% show improved school grades.
80% have a better school attendance record.
82% develop better relationships with their teacher.
90% get along better with other kids.

What are the steps to becoming a Big?

1. Check out an orientation to mentoring at Big Brothers Big Sisters

2. Read and fill out the application form

3. Email telus.net , fax (250) 489-4216 or drop off (930 Baker Street)your application form

4. Expect a call to arrange an interview

5. Once you successfully complete the entire enrollment procedure, our staff will take care to match you with a Little who shares your interests.

6. You’ll be on your way to a rewarding and fun friendship!

Is there an age limit for Volunteers?

The minimum age for our volunteers in the Big Brother Big Sister Programs and In School Mentor programs is 19 years old. To become a Teen In-School Mentor you must be in Grades 10, 11 or 12. For our Go Girls! Program you should be between the ages of 17 – 30.

Do you need to own a car?

No, some of our Bigs and Littles rely on public transit. We’ll try to match a particular Big to a child on an easy bus route.

Are Volunteers expected to help with family issues?

A Volunteer's primary responsibility is to spend time with his Little, and is discouraged from getting involved in family dynamics. Agency support ensures that clear boundaries are maintained.

Is there a cost involved in being a Volunteer?

Some incidental costs may be incurred while on outings with your "Little"; however, we encourage all participants to be creative about finding low or no cost activities to do together. We plan some special events for our volunteers and Littles that everyone is encouraged to attend at little or no cost to them. These events may include holiday parties, picnics, sporting events, water parks, etc. Additionally, we have made special arrangements with many local businesses and recreational organizations for cost-saving deals when matched Bigs and Littles are on outings together.

What do the kids like to do?

While interests vary, most kids like to participate in out-door activities, like swimming, mountain biking, and roller blading. They also enjoy movies, video games and going to Kootenay Ice hockey games. Many of our Littles enjoy team sports while others prefer art, working on building models, Lego, music, and computers. In the In-School and Teen In-School Mentoring, we work with you to find lots of fun activities that can be performed on school property. The focus of the programs is to spend quality time together. It’s not always necessary to do exciting activities, or spend money.

Does the agency stay involved once the match is made?

Yes. We provide ongoing support and monitoring. Our caseworkers are available to deal with any questions or concerns that come up. Regular phone contact with all parties is an expectation of the program as are regularly scheduled meetings to discuss the progress of the match.

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	Considering Volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters? Consider the benefits children in our programs gain: 91% feel better about themselves. 65% have improved self-confidence. 67% have a better sense of right and wrong. 76% show improved school grades. 80% have a better school attendance record. 82% develop better relationships with their teacher. 90% get along better with other kids. What are the steps to becoming a Big? 1. Check out an orientation to mentoring at Big Brothers Big Sisters 2. Read and fill out the application form 3. Email telus.net , fax (250) 489-4216 or drop off (930 Baker Street)your application form 4. Expect a call to arrange an interview 5. Once you successfully complete the entire enrollment procedure, our staff will take care to match you with a Little who shares your interests. 6. You’ll be on your way to a rewarding and fun friendship! Is there an age limit for Volunteers? The minimum age for our volunteers in the Big Brother Big Sister Programs and In School Mentor programs is 19 years old. To become a Teen In-School Mentor you must be in Grades 10, 11 or 12. For our Go Girls! Program you should be between the ages of 17 – 30. Do you need to own a car? No, some of our Bigs and Littles rely on public transit. We’ll try to match a particular Big to a child on an easy bus route. Are Volunteers expected to help with family issues? A Volunteer's primary responsibility is to spend time with his Little, and is discouraged from getting involved in family dynamics. Agency support ensures that clear boundaries are maintained. Is there a cost involved in being a Volunteer? Some incidental costs may be incurred while on outings with your "Little"; however, we encourage all participants to be creative about finding low or no cost activities to do together. We plan some special events for our volunteers and Littles that everyone is encouraged to attend at little or no cost to them. These events may include holiday parties, picnics, sporting events, water parks, etc. Additionally, we have made special arrangements with many local businesses and recreational organizations for cost-saving deals when matched Bigs and Littles are on outings together. What do the kids like to do? While interests vary, most kids like to participate in out-door activities, like swimming, mountain biking, and roller blading. They also enjoy movies, video games and going to Kootenay Ice hockey games. Many of our Littles enjoy team sports while others prefer art, working on building models, Lego, music, and computers. In the In-School and Teen In-School Mentoring, we work with you to find lots of fun activities that can be performed on school property. The focus of the programs is to spend quality time together. It’s not always necessary to do exciting activities, or spend money. Does the agency stay involved once the match is made? Yes. We provide ongoing support and monitoring. Our caseworkers are available to deal with any questions or concerns that come up. Regular phone contact with all parties is an expectation of the program as are regularly scheduled meetings to discuss the progress of the match.