Who can volunteer?
The Teen Mentoring program is for high school students who are in grade 9, 10, 11 or 12.
What is the basic commitment of a teen mentor?
One hour per week for one school year (September – June).
How old are Little Buddies?
The boys and girls are in grades 1-6.
What are the children like?
The children in our program need some extra attention from someone like you because they might be shy or have trouble making friends. They’re regular children who need an older friend to hang out with once a week. Just by being a caring friend, you are acting as a positive role model.
What do the children like to do?
You and your Little Buddy may choose to play outside, shoot hoops, or kick a soccer ball around. Or you can stay inside and read, do arts and crafts, play computer games or just hang out.
When you apply, we’ll ask you about your interests and then pair you with a boy or girl who likes the same things you do. If you like sports, we’ll find a child who likes sports too. If you’re into drawing and playing board games, we’ll pair you with a child who likes to draw and play games.
Does Big Brothers stay involved after I first meet my Little Buddy?
Yes. We provide on-going support and monitoring. Each Teen Mentor has a mentoring coordinator who is available to deal with any questions or concerns that come up. Phone check-ins and scheduled meetings will happen regularly so you can talk about how your friendship with your Little Buddy is going.
When you’re with your Little Buddy, there will always be a school staff person or Big Brothers mentoring coordinator nearby in case you need any help.
Interesting Statistics:
- School Staff reported that 87% of the students involved showed improved social skills and communication
- School Staff reported that 93% of the students involved showed improved relationships with peers
- School Staff reported that 93% of the students involved showed improved self-esteem
- School Staff reported that 87% of the students involved were enjoying school more
We currently offer the Teen Mentoring program to students at the following High Schools:
| Locations | Schools |
|---|---|
| Burnaby | Byrne Creek Secondary School |
| Burnaby Mountain Secondary School | |
| Coquitlam | Centennial Secondary School |
| North Vancouver | Carson Graham Secondary School |
| Richmond | AR MacNeill Secondary School |
| Squamish | Don Ross Middle School |
| Howe Sound Secondary School | |
| Whistler | Whistler Secondary |
| Surrey | Tamanawis Secondary School |
| LA Matheson Secondary School | |
| Frank Hurt Secondary School | |
| Guildford Park Secondary School | |
| Johnston Heights Secondary School | |
| École Panorama Ridge Secondary School | |
| Princess Margaret Secondary School | |
| Vancouver | Killarney Secondary School (Only accepting mentors for Cook Elementary) |
| Lord Byng Secondary School |