BIG BROTHERS & BIG SISTERS ASSOCIATION OF LLOYDMINSTER CORP.

Big Brother Big Sister of Lloydminster
PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
for 2017

Our organization currently runs several mentoring programs including: one-to-one match (Big Brother/Big Sister/Couple) known as Traditional or Couples, After School Program, Summer Adventure Program, and In School Mentoring Program. In addition to our direct mentoring models, we offer monthly activities for our children. Programs provide activity to a group of children that have no other outlets, as well as it allows staff to associate with the kids in several different situations. This extra knowledge about the child and their family situation has proven invaluable when matching a child to the right volunteer on many occasions.

Traditional One-to-One Program: The traditional Big Brother Big Sister Program consists of an adult volunteer matched with a child between the ages of six and 18. The “Big” and the “Little” spend a few hours a week together doing anything from flying a kite to reading a book. “Littles” are children primarily from single parent families who would benefit from having a mentoring relationship in their lives. Adult volunteers undergo a screening process before the match is made. The caseworker ensures the “Little”, the “Big” and the parent are all satisfied with the match.

Couples Matching: Similar to the Traditional Match, an adult couple is matched with a child in a two – to – one mentoring relationship. This program is beneficial for couples who would like to volunteer together and who would like to share in the experience of being a mentor. To qualify for this program both adults must be at least 20 years of age and must have been together for at least one year.

In School Mentoring: This is a one-to-one friendship program for children 6 to 14 years of age. The adult Mentor and child Mentee spend one hour per week in the children’s school (during school hours) engaging in a variety of activities from sports and playground activities to reading and arts & crafts. The goals of this program are to increase self-esteem, encourage and promote lifelong learning and to develop strong communication skills in children.

9 to 1 Peer Mentoring: This is a one to one friendship program. Children from grade 9 leadership club mentor children in grades 1 and 2. They spend one hour a week at the school engaging in a variety of activities that are of interest to both mentor and mentee. The goals of this program are to promote a higher level of comfort for the younger students in their new surroundings while giving the older students an opportunity to practice their leadership skills.

Summer Adventure Program: This program runs three days a week throughout July and August. Although it was also designed for children ages 6 to 12 on the waiting list, matched children may attend. Summer days include educational and physical components with interactive, fun activities and many field trips in our community and beyond.

After-School Mentor Program: Matched and unmatched “Littles” ages 6 to 12 attend our After-School Program. Once the child turns 13 they are invited to program as junior mentors. It runs September through June five days a week after school and full days on school holidays. Each session is theme based and includes homework and tutoring help, recreational activity, art and crafts, interactive free play, personal health and wellness, field trips and mores. Screened and trained high school mentors provide friendship and leadership to the children. These students have the opportunity to earn a high school credit with their participation in the program.