One to One Mentoring
Big Brothers Mentoring
The Big Brothers mentoring program provides boys and young men with a role model to talk to and share the experiences of growing up with. Through regular outings, a relationship is developed between the mentor and the mentee, which is built on trust and common interests, and is supported by our experienced case-workers. The result is a life-changing experience for both the mentor and the mentee.
The Big Brothers mentoring program usually requires two regularly scheduled outings a month of a few hours each and a minimum of a one year commitment.
Big Sisters mentoring
The Big Sisters mentoring program provides girls and young women with a role model to talk to and share the experiences of growing up with. Through regular outings, a relationship is developed between the mentor and the mentee, which is built on trust and common interests, and is supported by our experienced case-workers. The result is a life-changing experience for both the mentor and the mentee.
The Big Sisters mentoring program usually requires two regularly scheduled outings a month of several hours each and a minimum of a one year commitment.
Couples for Kids
Don’t have a lot of time but want to make a difference in the life of a child? This program may be a good fit for you and your partner. Couples for kids allows you to spend time together as a couple while going out and learning to be a kid again. Mentor a child and have the flexibility to mentor one on one, if one of you is not available.
The Couples for Kids mentoring program provides children and youth with role models to talk to and share the experiences of growing up with. Through regular outings, a relationship is developed between the mentors and the mentee, which is built on trust and common interests, and is supported by our experienced case-workers. The result is a life-changing experience for both the mentors and the mentee.
The Couples for Kids mentoring program usually requires two regularly scheduled outings a month of several hours each and a minimum of a one year commitment.
In-School Mentoring
The In-School mentoring program provides youth with a role model and a friend to talk to and share the experiences of growing up within school grounds. For one hour a week, mentors meet with their mentee and engage in activities such as board games, crafts or just hang out on school grounds.
This school year match meetings will be held in-person on school property as long as it is safe to do so, we will also be offering match meetings through virtual platforms such as ZOOM .
BBBSCV’s Mentoring Program facilitates important developmental relationships between children and caring mentors, which research has shown to provide myriad positive mental and physical health benefits and serve as an important “protective factor” for vulnerable children.
The In-School mentoring program requires a weekly visit of one hour for the duration of the school year. Matches do not meet over the summer break or during other school holidays.
In-School Mentoring is available at the following elementary schools:
- Alexander Elementary
- Khowhemun Elementary
- Tansor Elementary
- Alex Aiken Elementary
- George Bonner Elementary
- Discovery Elementary
- Palsson Elementary
- Lake Cowichan School
- Chemainus Elementary
- Crofton Elementary
Within the In-School mentoring structure, we also offer the Teen Mentoring and Seniors for Kids programs:
Teen Mentoring Program
If you are a teen who attends either Queen Margaret School, Cowichan Secondary, Chemainus Secondary , or Frances Kelsey Secondary, in Grades 10, 11 or 12, you could be eligible for this program. Teen Mentors may be students who want to gain leadership skills or skills in working with children, or are required to complete compulsory volunteer hours as a part of their school curriculum. Some simply enjoy spending time with kids. Teen Mentors also benefit from skill assets for resume building and scholarship applications. The Teen Mentor program is a magical program. We have seen increased self-esteem in Teen Mentors when they realize they are making a difference. We encourage you or your parent to fill out our Inquiry Form or contact us and learn more about the benefits of Teen Mentoring in the community.
Seniors for Kids Program
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Cowichan Valley proudly offers the Seniors for Kids Program. Each week the matched senior and child participate in activities they both enjoy for the duration of a school year. Volunteers spend one hour per week with a child at a partnering elementary school or through digital online connections. Weekly mentoring sessions take place during the school day. Volunteers are matched with a child to spend time together building a friendship participating in a variety of activities such as reading, arts & crafts, digital online games, puzzles, baking, board games etc. The program is ongoing and interested volunteers can apply at any time. Please contact our office today and learn how one hour per week can make a difference to you and a child in our community.
Seniors For Kids info Sheet with FAQs
In-School Mentoring Makes a Big Difference
90% of mentors saw a positive change in the child they were mentoring*
88% of students showed improved literacy skills*
64% had developed higher levels of self-esteem *
* 2005 study, Employer Supported Volunteerism. Commissioned by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada and conducted by Northstar Research Partners
Group
Go Us!
Go Us is a curriculum-based group mentoring program for self-identifying females between the ages of 11-14. The program supports and fosters physical activity, healthy eating, self-esteem and social skills. The overarching goals reflects BBBSCV’s mandate to help youth reach their full potential while addressing specific pressures that negatively impact youth.
The Go Us program consists of seven mentoring sessions, held over a 7-10 week period, within school facilities. Each 1.5-2 hour-long session is loosely structured around four themes: physical activity, healthy eating, self-esteem, and communication skills.
The program strives to do the following:
- create appreciation for the benefits of an active, healthy lifestyle
- build understanding of what constitutes healthy eating habits and the risks associated with eating disorders
- promote the importance of positive mental activity and regular physical exercise
- encourage awareness of core values, personal interests, strengths and attributes
- support the development of leadership and life skills
- offer guidance in establishing and maintaining friendships
*Go Us is partly funded by United Way British Columbia 
Game On! Eat Smart, Play Smart!
Game On! is a group mentoring program for providing boys ages 11-14 with information and support to make informed choices about a range of healthy lifestyle practices. Through non-traditional physical activities, complemented with healthy eating support, participants are engaged in life skills, communication, and emotional health discussions designed to engage participants in the pursuit of life-long healthy lifestyles.
Game On! includes seven 1.5-2 hour core sessions. There are also four extension modules that capture potential issues and topics specific to various locales and the interests of the mentors and participants.
The program strives to do the following:
- through the lens of healthy living, openly discuss current and pressing issues facing boys and young men
- build appreciation for the benefits of healthy eating habits
- promote physical exercise through the use of non-traditional activities
- instill respect for socio-economic, ethno-cultural and racial diversity
- encourage leadership skills and independent thinking