This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) organization. The Sea to Sky chapter of the international child welfare group caters to children aged 7 to 14 who could use an extra mentor, known as "big brothers" or "big sisters" - or just "bigs" for short.
BBBS Sea to Sky offers one-on-one mentoring, community mentoring, in-school mentoring, and special programs such as Go Girls! and the forthcoming Game On! Children are matched with older volunteers based on their interests. Overall, the goal is to build the self-confidence of these children and help them to feel great about themselves, said Ann Marie McKenzie, BBBS Sea to Sky executive director.
Funding for BBBS Sea to Sky mostly comes from Vancouver BBBS. Local sources of funding include the upcoming Hot on Your Heels women's-only bike race on July 27, and the Loggers Sports chair-carving contest on Aug. 1.
What do mentors do with their kids? They might go biking, fishing, or drive to Vancouver to catch a show. They might play basketball. They might play a board game where they can learn about rules and healthy social interactions.
Go Girls! is the most successful local program to date. "It aims to teach girls aged 10 to 12 how to live healthy, active, and balanced," McKenzie said. "Encouraging girls to eat well and exercise can really build their self-esteem."
Game On! is intended as a similar program for boys.
When McKenzie first considered introducing Game On!, she wasn't sure whether boys in the community were facing the same problems as young girls. After all, girls are bombarded with media of airbrushed, thin women on the covers of magazines.
Guys aren't subjected to the same social pressures, are they? McKenzie sent out her feelers into the community, asking whether a program such as Game On! could be useful. The answer was a resounding "yes." That young boys are subject to body-image-related pressures is evident from the steroids and protein shakes some high schoolers resort to as a way to enhance their physical appearance.
One challenge the local chapter faces is recruiting male volunteers. For whatever reason, women seem more eager to volunteer than men.
Quest University students Oscar Bonilla and Dylan Kular are trying to change that trend. They will be active participants in the new Game On! program. A strategy on how to recruit more men to volunteer is being developed, McKenzie said.
Those interested in the in-school mentoring program need to commit only one hour per week to make a big difference in the life of a youngster, she said, adding that those interested should start the application process now so that they're ready for the beginning of the school year.
Big brothers and sisters are not meant to replace a parent, but rather to serve as extra support for youngsters who could use a mentor, McKenzie said. Big Brothers who like to play sports and do things outside are badly needed at the moment, she said.
For more information on the Squamish programs, visit their website atwww.bigbrothersvancouver.com/about/sea-to-sky.php. Interested parties can also [email protected] call (604) 892-3125.
