Big Brothers and Big Sisters

THE PROGRAMS

The organization consists of three programs, the traditional Big Brothers Big Sisters programs and our newest addition, In-School Mentoring. All three programs match safe and caring volunteers with children between the ages of 7 and 12 years of age. The volunteers offer friendship, support and recreation to the children in the programs. The traditional Big Brother Big Sister programs encourage three hours a week of visiting time, while the In-School Mentoring program only requires ONE hour a week of visiting. All programs require a minimum commitment of one year.

THE CHILDREN

Little Brothers and Little Sisters are children who would benefit from having a friend to talk to and do things with. Children who, through encouragement, could realize their full potential by learning to feel good about themselves. Little Brothers in our tradition Big Brothers program must come from a single parent homes.

THE VOLUNTEERS

Big Brothers, Big Sisters and In-School Mentors are people of all ages and all walks of life who, by their friendship, encouragement and example, are willing to help a child reach his/her full potential. The qualities that lead to success as a Big Brother or Big Sister are commitment, caring and an ability to provide positive guidance and support to children.

TO APPLY

• Complete an application package.
• Successfully complete a criminal records check through the local RCMP.
• Ask people (your employer/instructor, a relative and two close friends) to complete a reference on your suitability as a volunteer with children.
• Participate in a structured, in-depth interview with a Caseworker.
• For traditional programs - participate in an interview with the Board Screening and Matching Committee.
• For traditional programs - allow a Caseworker to visit your home to see where a child may be spending time, and to meet others who live with you.
• Participate in Child Safety Training for Mentors.
• Based on the results of the screening process, the Casework Team decides on the suitability of the applicant to become a Big Brother or Big Sister.

The parent/child applicant must:

• Parent/Guardian and Child complete an application and agree to participate in an interview to learn as much as possible about the child's needs, interests and personality.
• Permission to contact the school is obtained to learn more about the child.
• Both parent and child agree to participate in a Child Personal Safety Program.
• Be prepared that there can be a long wait and sometimes it is not possible to find an appropriate "Big" for all children.

THE MATCH

A good friendship between a "Big" and "Little" will only develop if they are compatible. Before a match is considered, the Caseworker learns as much as possible about their personalities, interests, needs and preferences of both the child and the volunteer. The Caseworker makes every effort to match Big Brothers/Sisters with children who enjoy similar activities, and compliment the volunteer's qualities and skills.

After learning about the child and meeting the parent, the final decision to introduce the child to the volunteer will only occur with the full support of all parties. Once the volunteer is introduced to the child, the Caseworker asks the parent, child, and volunteer, if they still want to proceed with the match. The Caseworker's role is to continue to provide regular, professional support throughout the friendship to the parent, the child and the volunteer.

THE ACTIVITIES

The agency encourages choosing no or low-cost activities for matched participants. Many of the most enjoyable activities are free, such as biking, hiking, sports, board games, cards, arts and crafts, etc. The organization plans regular activities for matched participants, that everyone is encouraged to attend at little or no cost to them. These events may include: holiday parties, swimming, waterslides, skating, sporting events, picnics, etc. Additionally, the organization has made special arrangements with many businesses and recreational organizations for cost-saving deals, when matched participants are on outings together.

IN-SCHOOL MENTORING

The In-School Mentoring program is an encouragement program that matches volunteers to children aged 7-9 (grades 3 and 4) selected by teachers in local participating elementary schools. Each volunteer (Big Buddy/Mentor) becomes a special friend to one child (Little Buddy/Mentee). Mentors visit the student during school hours, for one hour a week, on school property only, throughout a school year. The Mentor and Mentee spend time together outside the classroom doing activities of interest to both. Activities are chosen to enhance the relationship (e.g.; sports, reading, drawing, games, building, talking, baking, computers). This one-to-one program provides early intervention to children with the intention of building self-esteem at an early age.