Big Brothers Big Sisters of Victoria

Big Buddies is a new program, offering a great opportunity for teens under 19 to get involved in the community. This is perfect for volunteers who have busy lives yet wish to build an encouraging friendship with an elementary school student. We are looking for caring teens (15-18) who are willing to donate one hour of their time per week to spend in fun activities with a child.

Big Buddies matches elementary school students with mentors who become their special friend for the whole school year. Meetings are on school property, for one hour a week to spend time together doing various activities such as: playing games, sports, computer games and doing crafts.

For teens who would like extra support in their volunteering, BBBS is partnering with the Youth Volunteer Connections Program at Volunteer Victoria so that young people who are new to the volunteer experience can be matched with an older volunteer to become a Big Buddy to a child.

It's easy to get involved!

Call (250) 475-1117 and ask for our Intake Coordinator, Dawn Sheppard.

Fill out our inquiry form to find out more or download our Application Form.

Commonly Asked Questions

Q. Who are the children that apply to your program?
A. Little Sisters and Brothers are children who, through the encouragement and a special one-to-one friendship with a caring teen, enhance their sense of belonging, self-worth, resiliency and capacity to make healthy, well-informed decisions. They are between the ages of 7 and 13.

Q. Is there an age requirement to become a Big Buddy?
A. Volunteers are between 15 and 18 years old.

Q. What is the time commitment for volunteering as a Big Buddy?
A. Big Buddies spend one hour a week with their Little Brother or Sister, on school property. THe commitment is until the end of June 2008, with the option of continuing in the program in the following school year (2008/09).

Q. What if I will be away?
A. We know that life is busy outside of being a volunteer with us and that from time to time you may miss some time with your match due to vacation, illness, etc. You can help ease that time by being open and clear about expected time away and return times, when you are talking with your Little and your Mentoring Coordinator.

Q. How do you match "Buddies" with "Littles"?
A. We take the time to get to know our volunteers and the kids in our program. We then carefuly match Buddies with Littles based on a number of factors, including interests, personality, experience, age of child, etc.

Q. Will the staff at BBBS stay involved after the match is made?
A. Yes. It is mandatory to stay involved with the agency. This is the responsibility of all parties, including the Big Buddy, Little, and Parent/Guardian.

Q. Who should be a Big Buddy?
A. Big Buddies are caring teens who wish to provide encouragement and friendship to a child. They are people who are able to commit to spending one hour a week with a child from Autumn until June. Teens who would like extra support for their volunteering as a Big Buddy can find this through our partnership with Volunteer Victoria's Youth Volunteer Connections Program.

Q. Does the Big Buddies Program cost anything?
A. No, there are no fees associated with any of our programs. The focus of the program should be on quality time being spent together, rather than exciting activities that cost a lot of money.

Q. What are the benefits a teen receives from becoming a Big Buddy?
A: Studies show that mentoring relationships are proven to help girls and boys to:

· Develop increased confidence, self-esteem and hope for the future;

· Enhance their goals and expectations;

· Improve academic performance;

· Stay in school and go on to further their education;

· Improve their communication and social skills;

· Improve their interaction with peers;

· Avoid the use of illegal drugs and alcohol;

· Avoid the use of physical violence.

Q. What are the benefits a teen receives from becoming a Big Buddy?

· Resume building for future employment.

· Earn high school graduation hours.

· Gain experience for working with children in education, recreation or human service work.

· Building and enhancing leadership skills, interpersonal and teamwork skills.

· Satisfaction of contributing to the community and making a BIG difference in the life of a child.

Q. Is there any training involved?
A. Yes. Once you have applied to our program, you will be invited to a training session. Topics such as abuse prevention, how to build self-esteem, volunteer roles and responsibilities, and asset development will be covered. Although a great deal of information is covered at this workshop, please recognize that this is just a starting point in your learning as a Big Buddy.

Q. How will I know what to do with my Little?
A. We make an effort to match Big Buddies with Littles who have similar interests. Big Buddies and Littles meet on school property and have access to some school facilities, as well as activities, games and supplies. BBBS staff provides ongoing support to the Buddies and Littles and can help with activities and plans.

		Big Buddies			Inquiry Form Community Mentoring In-School Mentoring Big Bunch Club Connect Teen Mentoring Big Buddies ArtSpeaks!
		Big Buddies is a *new program, offering a great opportunity for teens under 19 to get involved in the community. This is perfect for volunteers who have busy lives yet wish to build an encouraging friendship with an elementary school student. We are looking for caring teens (15-18) who are willing to donate one hour of their time per week* to spend in fun activities with a child. Big Buddies matches elementary school students with mentors who become their special friend for the whole school year. Meetings are on school property, for one hour a week to spend time together doing various activities such as: playing games, sports, computer games and doing crafts. For teens who would like extra support in their volunteering, BBBS is partnering with the Youth Volunteer Connections Program at Volunteer Victoria so that young people who are new to the volunteer experience can be matched with an older volunteer to become a Big Buddy to a child. It's easy to get involved! Call (250) 475-1117 and ask for our Intake Coordinator, Dawn Sheppard. Fill out our inquiry form to find out more or download our Application Form. Commonly Asked Questions Q. Who are the children that apply to your program? A. Little Sisters and Brothers are children who, through the encouragement and a special one-to-one friendship with a caring teen, enhance their sense of belonging, self-worth, resiliency and capacity to make healthy, well-informed decisions. They are between the ages of 7 and 13. Q. Is there an age requirement to become a Big Buddy? A. Volunteers are between 15 and 18 years old. Q. What is the time commitment for volunteering as a Big Buddy? A. Big Buddies spend one hour a week with their Little Brother or Sister, on school property. THe commitment is until the end of June 2008, with the option of continuing in the program in the following school year (2008/09). Q. What if I will be away? A. We know that life is busy outside of being a volunteer with us and that from time to time you may miss some time with your match due to vacation, illness, etc. You can help ease that time by being open and clear about expected time away and return times, when you are talking with your Little and your Mentoring Coordinator. Q. How do you match "Buddies" with "Littles"? A. We take the time to get to know our volunteers and the kids in our program. We then carefuly match Buddies with Littles based on a number of factors, including interests, personality, experience, age of child, etc. Q. Will the staff at BBBS stay involved after the match is made? A. Yes. It is mandatory to stay involved with the agency. This is the responsibility of all parties, including the Big Buddy, Little, and Parent/Guardian. Q. Who should be a Big Buddy? A. Big Buddies are caring teens who wish to provide encouragement and friendship to a child. They are people who are able to commit to spending one hour a week with a child from Autumn until June. Teens who would like extra support for their volunteering as a Big Buddy can find this through our partnership with Volunteer Victoria's Youth Volunteer Connections Program. Q. Does the Big Buddies Program cost anything? A. No, there are no fees associated with any of our programs. The focus of the program should be on quality time being spent together, rather than exciting activities that cost a lot of money. Q. What are the benefits a teen receives from becoming a Big Buddy? A: Studies show that mentoring relationships are proven to help girls and boys to: · Develop increased confidence, self-esteem and hope for the future; · Enhance their goals and expectations; · Improve academic performance; · Stay in school and go on to further their education; · Improve their communication and social skills; · Improve their interaction with peers; · Avoid the use of illegal drugs and alcohol; · Avoid the use of physical violence. Q. What are the benefits a teen receives from becoming a Big Buddy? · Resume building for future employment. · Earn high school graduation hours. · Gain experience for working with children in education, recreation or human service work. · Building and enhancing leadership skills, interpersonal and teamwork skills. · Satisfaction of contributing to the community and making a BIG difference in the life of a child. Q. Is there any training involved? A. Yes. Once you have applied to our program, you will be invited to a training session. Topics such as abuse prevention, how to build self-esteem, volunteer roles and responsibilities, and asset development will be covered. Although a great deal of information is covered at this workshop, please recognize that this is just a starting point in your learning as a Big Buddy. Q. How will I know what to do with my Little? A. We make an effort to match Big Buddies with Littles who have similar interests. Big Buddies and Littles meet on school property and have access to some school facilities, as well as activities, games and supplies. BBBS staff provides ongoing support to the Buddies and Littles and can help with activities and plans.