Other Volunteer Opportunities
Being a full-time mentor isn’t necessarily for everyone, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a place for you as a volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters!
Adolescence can be a tough time. Go Girls! Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds is designed to provide girls in grades 7 and 8 with the tools to make healthy choices about physical activity and balanced eating, and to help them learn to feel good about themselves. Volunteer role models support the girls in dealing with the emotional, social and cultural issues they may be facing. The program takes place once a week for seven weeks engaging participants in fun activities and games, healthy snack breaks and discussions aimed at developing self esteem.
If you are a female between the ages of 18-25 and interested in helping young girls learn more about leading a healthy lifestyle, then Go Girls might be for you!
We are now actively recruiting Go Girls! volunteer mentors for the 2010-2011 school year. Please contact for more information.
Game On! Eat Smart, Play Smart, Live Smart
Being a teenager can be tough for guys too. Due to the popularity of our Go Girls! Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds program we are excited to present our newest group program for guys only. In leading this program you will have fun trying different types of physical activity, healthy snacks, talking about nutrition and what it really means to be a guy. With boys in grades 7 and 8, you will explore male stereotypes, media advertising tactics and positive ways to deal with stress. The program takes place once per week for seven weeks.
We are now actively recruiting Game On! volunteer mentors for the 2010-2011 school year. Please contact for more information.
Big Buddy
Adults who can’t commit to a full-year mentor relationship are invited to be Big Buddies, a special class of volunteers paired with children on the waiting list (individually or in groups) for a specific program or event, or until a permanent match can be made. Please contact Emily Sereda, for more information.
Brothers and Sisters in School
This program pairs children in grades 1-5 with a high school student who provides mentorship focused on self-esteem and academic success. Big Brothers and Sisters meet with their mentees for one hour per week for one full school year. During that time they act as friends, role models, homework buddies, and advocates for the well being of the child.
Child Safety Training
Child Safety Training is a 2-hour program offered as a part of national BBBS standard requirements and is mandatory for all Little Brothers/Sisters and their parents/guardians as part of our intake process. The program focuses on the prevention of all types of abuse and neglect. (Little Brothers/Sisters who have experienced abuse are exempt from this requirement.) Time is spent separately with children and parents/guardians discussing child safety and how to identify, talk about and deal with abuse. At the end of the session, children and their parents/guardians are reunited and given an opportunity to talk openly about the topics presented, as well as encouraged to create a safety plan together.
Matches Making Memories
This committee-driven program focuses on providing fun programming for matched Big and Little Brothers and Sisters. Activities -- such as crafts, spa nights, and sports days -- take place throughout the month, and are offered at little or no cost to matches.
Please contact Emily Sereda, for further information. The next Matches Making Memories Committee meeting is Monday, April 18th 2011 at 6:30 pm at the Agency.
Special Events
There’s always something special happening at BBBSOLA. From holiday events to pizza and bowling parties, the BBBSOLA community gets together often to celebrate special occasions and everyday friendship. And every special event needs special volunteers!
Summer Day Camp
Each year in July and August, BBBSOLA holds a summer camp for Little Brothers and Sisters. Summer can be an especially difficult time for some of our young people and this weekday camp provides them with an opportunity to learn and experience new things while having fun with kids their own age. Could you be a volunteer day-camper?
Wait List Groups
Just because a child is waiting for a mentor doesn’t mean he or she isn’t part of the BBBSOLA community. Interactive events throughout the year offer an opportunity for children on the waitlist to participate with one another in engaging, educational or just plain FUN activities. These may include; Halloween parties, Bowling nights, Self-Esteem Workshops, and Road Hockey games. We’re always looking for creative volunteers to help organize these important activities. Please contact Emily Sereda, for more information.
