Volunteer to Mentor a Child

Having fun and spending time with a caring adult can make a world of difference for a child in our community. As a Big Brother or Big Sister, you can experience childhood again for a couple of hours a week. All you have to do is be a friend to a child!

Everyone remembers someone special - a neighbor, professor, relative or friend - who broadened our horizons and brought a little magic into our lives. Maybe it was someone who taught you to throw a baseball or ride a bike; or maybe it was someone who helped you make the right decision when you needed direction.

Becoming a Big is a fun and easy way to volunteer. We have several program options that fit your schedule and interests. We also offer a variety of planned activities for Bigs and Littles, like 4-Wheeling in Butte Meadows, picnicking at Bidwell Park and going to Outlaws games. In this section, learn about the different program options we offer, the application process and what to expect once you've become a Big.

Our Programs

BIGS in Schools - As a School-Based Big Brother or Big Sister, you can improve the life of a local child simply by spending one hour per week at his or her school.

Bigs in Schools is a mentoring program designed to match caring adult community members with at-risk elementary school children to facilitate academic and social success..

Mentors participate “on campus” for a minimum of one hour per week. Working with the teacher, our mentors tailor their involvement to the individual needs of the child. For Big Brothers Big Sisters of Butte County, success is defined by the look on a child’s face when they bring home a good report card, or the joy a shy, withdrawn child feels when they navigate through their first successful school recess.

The essence of creating strong mentor-student matches is the careful selection, training and support of volunteers. Applicant processing includes a criminal background check, three references, and an in-person interview.

You know you like to play 4 Square, sit in really small chairs and go to recess – so what are you waiting for?

Community Based Mentoring – Want to see the world (or your little corner of it) through the eyes of a child?

Our Community-Based Mentoring program is a one-year program in which the Big and Little meet 2-4 times a month. Matches are made based on compatible interests, activities and personalities.

Participating in community-based mentoring is all about getting together to have fun and create memories! There’s no need for a special occasion or expensive activities; just a few times every month sharing simple things you already enjoy. Things like….

• Shooting hoops
• Playing board games
• Sharing a pizza
• Riding bikes in the park
• Just hanging out and talking
  
  

Who are the volunteers?

Although our community-based mentors may vary in age, gender, professions and interests, one quality they all share is the desire to offer emotional support, guidance, and friendship to a child.

Who are the youth?

Children in the community-based program are referred to the program for many reasons, and many children come from homes where quality adult attention is limited by single-parenthood, many siblings or transitional housing, including foster care. Whatever the circumstances, these children need an adult in their lives who is caring, consistent, knows how to listen and can be a good role model.

* Time commitments indicated are the minimum requirements only. It is the hope that the match will continue for much longer.

Enroll a Child Now? Click Here!