Coquitlam is a growing city with a broad mix of families and a strong community infrastructure, from rec centers to schools to parks. It's also well-served by the Evergreen Extension, connecting volunteers traveling from Burnaby, Vancouver, and the rest of the Tri-Cities without needing a car.
Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver matches volunteers with youth aged 7-17 across six programs in Coquitlam. Some run in structured formats at schools and rec centers on fixed weekly schedules. Others, like the Big Brothers Community Mentoring program, are one-on-one and give you the flexibility to build a relationship through activities you and your mentee choose together. Mentoring Coordinators handle the matching process and stay involved throughout your time as a volunteer, so you're never figuring things out on your own.
We welcome volunteers, families, and youth of all gender identities and expressions, including transgender and gender-diverse community members. Programs rotate seasonally across Coquitlam's neighborhoods, and our team can walk you through what's currently available when you apply.
Big Brothers Community Mentoring Program:
The Big Brothers mentoring program provides supportive one-to-one mentoring relationships to children and youth in our local communities. A Mentor is a role model that a Mentee can talk to, learn from, and share experiences with. Through regular weekly outings, a relationship builds on trust, common interests and fun!
The Mentor/Mentee match is monitored and supported by our experienced caseworkers, and the Parent/Guardian, to ensure positive and meaningful relationships. This is a one-year commitment, meeting weekly for 2-4 hours in your local community. The result is an impactful experience for both the Mentor and the Mentee.
In-School Mentoring:
The In-School Mentoring Program provides supportive one-to-one mentoring relationships to children and youth during their school day. The Big Buddies in this program are adult role models that a Mentee can talk to, learn from and share experiences with.
This program runs for the duration of the school year, meeting weekly for one hour during the school day. Matches spend time together on school grounds doing non-academic activities such as playing sports, games, creating art or just hanging out at the playground. Our matches are paired for the duration of the academic school-year.
Game On!:
The Game On! program is a group mentoring program that provides mentees with information and support to make informed choices about a range of healthy lifestyle practices. Through fun physical activities and active play, complemented with balanced eating support and snacks, participants are engaged in life skills, communication, and social-emotional health discussions to encourage a life-long healthy lifestyle.
Game On! is offered throughout the year at schools and community centres throughout Greater Vancouver. Groups meet once weekly, during weekdays, for 90 minutes. This program is led in-person by a mentor for a group of mentees over 8-10 weeks.
Mentoring with Math:
This program is designed to strengthen the impact of tutoring by adding in the element of mentorship. Learning from a Mentor as a positive role model and friend encourages self-esteem and confidence-building for the Mentees as they work through math problems together.
Mentoring with Math aims to support families who are not otherwise able to financially pursue academic support opportunities outside of school. To ensure all families have access to support, please refrain from applying if your child is able to access paid academic support elsewhere. Snacks, math workbooks, and other supplies are provided.
Mentors meet with Littles once-a-week for 90 minutes in-person (throughout Greater Vancouver) or 60 minutes virtually, over 8-10 weeks, and work on numeracy, complete activities, and play games.
Teen Mentoring:
The Teen Mentoring program is an opportunity for secondary school students to build leadership skills and gain experience working with children, by becoming a Mentor to an elementary school student mentee.
The Youth Leadership component of this program empowers the Teen Mentors to be leaders and engages the youth in skill-building workshops, group facilitation, and public speaking opportunities, and community events.
The Teen Mentoring program requires a one-hour weekly commitment, after-school, as well as consistent participation in Youth Leadership, throughout the school year.
Roots Mentoring:
Roots Mentoring amplifies and celebrates Indigenous cultures while learning from the experiences and teachings of Indigenous Community Leaders and honoured guests. We welcome Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth to take part in fostering an environment of curiosity and dialogue to learn from one another and from our honoured guests.
The Roots Program is inspired and informed by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. At BBGV we continue to build a foundation on which strong and collaborative relationships can grow between Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth, mentors, staff, and community partners.
Volunteer FAQs for Coquitlam
I work full time. Which programs are realistic for me?
Most programs are designed with working adults in mind. In-school and group programs run at set weekly times during the school year, typically for 60-90 minutes. The Big Brothers Community Mentoring program gives you flexibility in scheduling with your mentee, though it does ask for a one-year commitment at 2-4 hours per week. During your application, your Mentoring Coordinator will help you find the right fit.
What's the shorter-term option if I'm not ready for a year-long commitment?
Game On! and Mentoring with Math both run over 8-10 weeks. They're structured, location-based, and a practical way to experience mentoring before deciding on something longer.
How are mentors and youth matched?
Mentoring Coordinators pair volunteers and youth based on shared interests, compatible schedules, and program availability. The process typically takes 4-6 weeks after you complete training. It's careful work, and that care shows up in how well matches tend to hold.
What screening do I need to complete?
All volunteers go through an application, a personal interview, mandatory training, reference checks, and a criminal record check. Every location and program follows the same process.
Are there opportunities to connect with other volunteers in Coquitlam?
Yes. Big Brothers hosts training sessions, workshops, and volunteer events throughout the year. These are natural points of connection with others who are going through the same experience.