All Big Brothers Big Sisters programs are professionally guided and supported. It is important to ensure thorough screening and training so that volunteers are prepared to work with children in a positive and focused way.
In a traditional Big Brother or Big Sister program, we work hard to match volunteer mentors with a child or children who shares similar interests. The relationship is one of support, guidance and friendship that develops through activities that occur every week or every other week. These activities can be as simple as going for a walk or bike ride together. We encourage Bigs to work with their Littles to determine goals and work toward achieving them. The expected outcome is the benefit to a child of having an additional person in their lives to support their positive development.
A version of this traditional program also exists in a group setting. This is where a group of volunteer mentors work and play with a matched group of children and youth in the community and is slightly more structured than a traditional match program. Similarly though, these groups get together every week or every other week to enjoy each other’s company in a safe and supportive environment.
Children can also benefit from positive mentoring programs in their school or local community facility. The school programs can be one on one or in a group setting, depending on how many volunteers are available to support the need of a specific location. The focus of school or other facility programs is similar to traditional matches with an added focus on literacy and academic development.
Boys & Girls Clubs Big Brothers Big Sisters of Edmonton & Area is pleased to support children and youth through Big Brothers Big Sisters programs in the following communities.
