Help your child stay active, build confidence and connect with a trusted adult through local mentoring programs.
Sports and group activities can make it easier for kids to get to know a new mentor. Instead of sitting down for a formal conversation, they can talk while bowling, learning to golf or trying a new activity together.
Sports Buddies, a free program from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County & the Inland Empire, pairs kids ages 9 to 13, known as “Littles,” with adult mentors, or “Bigs.” Matches attend staff-led activities every other Saturday.
Activities have included boxing classes, golf clinics, bowling, soccer and Nerf wars. Over summer, Littles also attended a youth football camp at Mater Dei High School, where they met Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young. Kids do not need athletic experience to participate.
Sports Buddies currently has 12 matches in Orange County and is expanding to as many as 40. The program is also moving to a one-year format. At the end of the year, staff will meet with each child and mentor to discuss whether they want to continue, move into another mentoring program or conclude the match.
The program gives kids opportunities to stay active, try new things, spend time with peers and build a relationship with a consistent adult mentor who can encourage them, listen and help navigate challenges. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County & the Inland Empire reports that 77 percent of the youth it serves improves or maintains mental health, 89 percent improves academically and 90 percent is less likely to engage in risky behaviors.
For kids who prefer one-on-one activities, Community-Based Mentoring pairs youth ages 6 to 16 with adult mentors for outings in the community. Meanwhile, High School Bigs connects elementary students with high school mentors for weekly after-school visits at participating schools.
Families looking for other local mentoring opportunities can start by asking teachers, school counselors, pediatricians, therapists and youth organizations for recommendations. Parents should consider their child’s age, interests and comfort level when comparing programs.
Before enrolling, ask how mentors are screened and trained, how matches are made and what support is available after a child is paired with a mentor. Families should also find out about the schedule, cost, transportation needs and safety procedures. Including children in the decision can help parents choose a program that fits their interests and makes them feel comfortable.
More than 50 local Bigs are currently waiting to be matched with a Little, which means it’s a great time for Littles to sign up. Families interested in enrolling a child and adults interested in volunteering can visit ocbigs.org for more information.
Julia Rios is chief marketing officer for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County & the Inland Empire.
