Big Buddies Programs
Based in positive youth development practice, Big Buddies provides a variety of program opportunities which nurture personal development so that youth grow up happy, healthy, safe, equipped for the future, and making positive contributions to their families, schools, and communities. All Big Buddies programming focuses on 5 areas essential for nurturing personal growth.
Enhancing self-esteem
Respecting all people and surroundings
Making appropriate decisions
Helping others
Expanding horizons
One-to-One mentoring: Youth (all ages) participating in Big Buddies’ one-to-one mentoring meets twice a month for 1-3 hours and makes contact every week. He/She is a caring adult who has been selectively matched with the youth based on shared interests, skills to challenges, and goals.
Small group mentoring: Youth (all ages) participating in Big Buddies’ small group mentoring components meet monthly with adults on a 1 to 4 ratio around a specific learning activity. The groups learn and interact with the mentor about such things as quilting, auto mechanics, wood-working, bird watching, photography, or painting.
Generation Next I – Building Young Men and Women of Excellence: Youth
(grades 7-8), meet weekly with a program guide helping youth develop inner strength and character in an informal, interactive setting.
Generation Next II – Building Young Men and Women of Excellence: Youth
(grades 9-12) meet weekly with a program guide helping youth explore inner sparks and then develop those sparks into careers.
