MENTORING PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH

All children and youth need someone to look up to. More than this, they require someone to provide guidance and advice, to give attention and praise, not to mention someone to have fun with! Children and youth can get this support from parents or caregivers, siblings, teachers, coaches - and also from volunteer mentors! The children and youth who come to Big Brothers Big Sisters seek an adult role model to talk to, learn from, and share experiences with.

Our school based programs are offered in partnership with the Durham District School Board in participating schools. *** Group programs generally take place after school.

In-School Mentoring- 1:1, the Mentor and child spend one hour a week during the school year, on school property but outside of the classroom, participating in an activity or connecting in a way that strives to enhance the child’s self esteem and self confidence.
(K-8)

Mentoring Through Literacy- Group mentoring that focuses on communication, articulation and comprehension through participation in a variety of activities customized to the children’s needs and the volunteer’s interests. Children learn through play, with the objective of improving their social skills and ability to take risks in the classroom. (Grade 1-8)

Go Girls!- Go Girls! Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds is a group mentoring program designed to encourage physical activity, healthy eating, and a positive self-image. It incorporates fun, educational games and activities designed to stimulate self-reflection and group discussion. (For girls 11-14)

Game On!- Game On! uses a group mentor approach to provide boys with information and support to make informed choices about a range of healthy lifestyle practices. Through non-traditional physical activities, complemented with balanced eating support, participants are engaged in life skills, communication, and discussion designed to engage participants in the pursuit of life-long healthy lifestyles. (For boys 11-14)

Community Mentoring Program- This program is 1:1 and community based. The Mentor and child spend regular time together in the community or in each other’s homes having fun and participating in mutually interesting activities. A child’s resiliency, self-confidence and self-esteem increases as the friendship develops and grows. (For boys and girls 6-14)

If you are interested in volunteering, would like to apply for a program for your child or have any questions about our programs, please contact the Liaison,  School & Community Mentoring, Cheryl Holmes at 905 985-3733.