Most Bigs (volunteer mentors) spend on average 4 hours a month with their Little. Time will vary depending on the activity and mentoring program.

Whatever things you usually like to do in your free time! Go to the library, play basketball, go sledding, go fishing, craft, or watch a movie. When you are matched with a Little, not only will BBBS staff share information about agency and community events that are free or low cost, but you’ll be supported by staff who will suggest many ideas. Plus, BBBS hosts many regular monthly sponsored activities you can register for and attend with your Little. We take great pride in making the “best match” based on common interests between the Little and the Big. We will help take the guess work out of planning monthly activities!

You don’t have to spend anything to be a great Big! Most Bigs will tell you that a typical outing with their Little is free or might cost as much as a coffee or ice cream. BBBS also offers regular no-cost group activities and free passes or tickets to local attractions, sporting events, or other community deals that we’ll share with you when you become a Big.

A volunteer mentor must be at least 16 years old, have a valid driver's license and car insurance. There is no age limit to being a Big! Whatever life experience you bring, you’re qualified! Littles aren’t looking for an expert, they’re just looking for a patient, kind, present, and accepting adult to be a friend to them.

A BIG one! After building a relationship with their Big, Littles report higher aspirations, greater confidence, and better relationships, avoidance of risky behaviors like trying alcohol or illegal drugs, and educational success. 100% of our Littles report annually that their Big is an important adult in their life!

We have three mentoring programs to consider: Community-Based, School-Based, and Beyond School Walls.

Community-Based Mentoring

Community-Based Mentoring is the organization’s flagship program. The program matches youth ages 6 to 17, predominantly from low income households, with adult volunteer mentors. Spending one-to-one time in the local community is primarily how these relationships develop. Each match is unique and creates a schedule that works for them. During outings, Bigs and Littles do everyday activities that provide children with the opportunity to expand their skills and discover a world of possibilities for their life.

Site-Based Mentoring

In our School-Based Mentoring Program, students ages 6 to 14 meet with volunteer mentors weekly for about an hour during or after the school day at one of our partner elementary or middle school locations. Through the support of their mentors, children develop positive attitudes toward school, achieve higher grades, become more confident, and improve relationships with adults and peers. Mentoring matches participate in a variety of activities, such as reading together, visiting the school library, working on homework, arts and crafts, playing in the gym, or playing on the playground.

Beyond School Walls

Our Beyond School Walls initiative addresses the mentoring gap for older youth as they prepare for high school graduation and transition into adulthood. Littles in high school meet with volunteer career mentors during the school day at one of our partner business locations once a month. This special mentoring program focuses on postsecondary education and training, apprenticeship and job shadowing opportunities, independent living, workforce readiness, and community engagement.

This initiative includes three core elements:

1. Matching high school students (Littles) with mentors (Bigs) who have a college degree or technical experience. Through one-to-one meetings usually over lunch, mentors will help youth build academic confidence, social skills, and explore post-secondary and career interests and opportunities.

2. Supports Littles ages 16-19 who want extra guidance for college careers and life to helps the Little transition to adulthood. Activities for Little and Big matches will focus on workforce readiness, education, independent living, financial literacy, and self-care.

3. Engaging businesses as mentors to high school students, fostering leadership, empathy, and a commitment to community service through monthly sessions that build lifelong relationships that feed workplace pipelines.

The enrollment process on average takes 60-90 days. There is a lot of care that goes into making sure we can make the best possible matches and that all our youth are safely matched with a volunteer mentor that is right for them. Inquiring and submitting an application (link to inquiry form) is your first step. We have more than 30 Littles currently waiting for a volunteer mentor throughout Washington County!