In This Section: Program Options | What To Expect
Kids Are the Future
It’s so important for kids to have tools and supports they need to be successful. We know that sometimes Moms and Dads and caregivers of all kinds can’t do it all by themselves and it’s important that you know we are here to help. Your concern for your child’s well being is demonstrated when you reach out to others.
Big Brothers Big Sisters serves children and youth between the ages of 6 and 17. Regardless of their circumstances and background, we have a program to meet their needs and help them grow into thriving young people. We do that by providing a variety of mentoring and after school programs. Ultimately, we want to provide kids with the healthy relationships and enriching experiences they need to understand their full potential and go out there and grab it.
Program Options
In School Mentoring Program
The In School Mentoring Program is a way to get involved with a child. It allows volunteers (mentors) to share time with a child in their school during the school day. Mentors meet with their littles (students) following the 20-20-20 rule: 20 minutes of getting to know each other and catching up, 20 minutes of school work or reading, and 20 minutes of free time. In addition to friendship, the focus is on literacy, social support and classroom support. Volunteers in this program are meeting youth in their schools during the school day (lunch hours even!). Matches in this program do not meet over the summer. Great opportunity for businesses to support their employees to get involved in a local volunteer program, and only have to give up an hour of their time each week!
Teen Bigs
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lac La Biche in partnership with local schools, supervises a teen mentoring program – matching high school teens to elementary youth during school hours. Teen mentors are trained and matched with elementary school children that would benefit from the relationship with a teen mentor. Teen mentoring has increased in many communities throughout Canada, and has increased greatly in capacity within Lac La Biche. Youth matched in this type of program show growth in academic engagement, healthy relationships and increased self-confidence and self-esteem.
Any high schools interested in learning more, please contact Lori Beniuk at 780.623.0380 or via email at lori.beniuk@bgcbigs.ca .
Healthy Bodies/Healthy Minds and Game On!
These group programs are new to Lac La Biche and area schools in fall 2021. It is run in partnership with schools and based on school referrals.
Healthy Bodies/Healthy Minds is a group mentoring program geared to girls in grades 5-8 that focuses on physical activity, balanced eating and self-esteem. The single, most important goal of the program is to positively shape the lives of young women and girls by helping them build a positive self-image – setting them on a path to reach their full potential in life. The Healthy Bodies/Healthy Minds program consists of seven to nine mentoring sessions, held over a 7-10 week period, within school facilities. Each 1.0-1.5 hour-long session is loosely structured around four themes: physical activity, healthy eating, self-esteem, and communication skills.
Game On! is a group mentoring program for providing boys (geared as well to the grade 5-8 youth) with information and support to make informed choices about a range of healthy lifestyle practices. Through non-traditional physical activities, complemented with healthy eating support, participants are engaged in life skills, communication, and emotional health discussions designed to engage participants in the pursuit of life-long healthy lifestyles. Game On!, similar to Healthy Bodies/Healthy Minds consists of seven to nine mentoring sessions, held over a 7-10 week period, within school facilities.
What To Expect
- Ensure the safety of our children and youth and our volunteers.
- Work with you to match your child with a volunteer or program where their interests and availability are considered.
- Assign a direct contact person to provide support and answer your questions
- Provide orientation and training so you know what to expect.
- Help ensure the child is successful.
- Work with us to make sure your child’s needs are met
- Support your child in building relationships and/or participating in programming
- Talk, listen, support, guide, encourage – believe in them and help them believe in themselves.
- Keep our staff informed about any changes and progress
- Keep in touch with your staff contact person and ask questions as they arise. We also really like hearing about your experiences!