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Hutton Honors College

 —  BBBS

Big Brothers & Big Sisters of South Central Indiana

Being a Big Brother or Big Sister to a child is all about sharing simple activities that become magic memories—memories that can have profound life and skill-building effects for a child. As a Big Brother or Sister, you can celebrate the joy of everyday moments, and bring magic into a childs life - moments where you get back as much as you give. We have programs to fit any interest, lifestyle, or schedule!

Check out your choices:

One-to-One Mentoring Programs:

  • Community Bigs Program provides Big Brothers and Sisters to children and teens for one-to-one relationships. Bigs spend time with Littles, simply offering friendship and sharing everyday activities. Perhaps a trip to the park, an afternoon ball game, or enjoying a banana split. All of these times become hallmark moments in a child or teen's life. All you have to do is be yourself!
    Volunteer Commitment: Minimum of one year; suggested 8 hours per month.
    Requirements: Own car or have access to reliable, insured transportation. Interview and training.
    Program offered in Monroe & Owen Counties.
  • Club Bigs Program A collaborative program of the Boys & Girls Club of Bloomington (BGC) and BBBS of South Central Indiana. Volunteer Bigs meet weekly with their Little Brother or Sister at the Boys & Girls Club. The BGC is rich in resources to share including a computer lab, games, books, gym, friends, and more. Or they can explore the neighborhood - go on a scavenger hunt at the library, warm up with a cup of hot chocolate in a coffee shop, or visit the hospital and look at the new babies in the nursery.
    Volunteer Commitment: Minimum of one year or two consecutive semesters; suggested 6-8 hours per month.
    Requirements: Car not required as volunteers do not transport. Interview and training.
    Program offered in Monroe County.
  • School Bigs Program School Bigs are volunteers who spend time mentoring middle and elementary school students. Bigs and Littles meet one hour each week during the school day, on school grounds only. They enjoy card games, reading, shooting baskets, journal writing, or finding a quiet corner to giggle in - these simple activities, and the friendship that develops, makes coming to school fun and rewarding for the student and volunteer.
    Volunteer Commitment: School year; one hour weekly.
    Requirements: Car recommended. Interview and training.
    Program offered at Monroe County Community School Corporation, Owen County Schools, and Cloverdale Community School Corporation.
  • To the Bell & Beyond Students from Summit, Templeton, and Fairview elementary schools in Monroe County will enjoy the benefits of mentoring in an after-school program of learning and fun! Spend one hour one day a week (or more if you choose!) with a child in this enrichment program. To the Bell & Beyond offers interactive, hands-on learning in the areas of science (Wonderlab), fitness and nutrition (Bloomington Parks and Rec), and technology (IU School of Education). Volunteers are matched individually with a Little, but will enjoy the benefits of a facilitated group setting.
    Volunteer Commitment: School year; one hour weekly, after school hours.
    (Note: Volunteers can choose to attend program more than one day a week.)
    Requirements: Car recommended. Interview and training.
    Program offered in Monroe County.

Reading Coach

  • Indiana Reading Corps (IRC) Reading Coaches Volunteers offer support and encouragement to the young student struggling with early reading tasks. One-to-one attention gives students and mentors an opportunity to get to know each other while exploring the world of reading.
    Supported by AmeriCorps, the IRC program has successfully increased student reading levels and has proven to be a very rewarding experience for volunteers and students alike! Volunteers meet with students either during the school day or after school, on school grounds only. Program offered both during and after school.
    Volunteer Commitment: School year; 1/2-hour sessions twice weekly or a one hour and fifteen minute after school weekly session twice a week.
    Requirements: Transportation is required to get to school tutoring site. Interview and training.
    Program offered in Monroe & Owen Counties.

Other Volunteer Opportunities:

  • First Friends First Friends is an activities program for children who are waiting for a Big Brother or Big Sister in our Community and Couples Match programs. Two group activities are offered each month. From pool parties to bowling, from trips to the zoo to roller-skating, First Friends activities are memory-making outings for kids and volunteers alike! First Friends volunteers provide transportation and companionship to no more than three children for each activity. There is no cost to the children or volunteers.
    Volunteer Commitment: Eight months; minimum of one event per month.
    Requirements: Own car or have access to reliable, insured transportation. Interview and training.
    Program offered in Monroe & Owen Counties.
  • Adolescent Program Series: Girls Weekend Retreat and Boys Passport Program A year-long series of programs for adolescent boys and girls and their mentors. Designed to help youth explore relevant issues, develop relationships with positive role models, and gain a better sense of who they are and what they can accomplish in a safe and supportive environment.
    Examples of activities from 2003-04
    Girls programs include: Movie Matinee & Discussion, Stress-less Program, and Girls Weekend Retreat.
    The boys programs included: Education and Career Seminar, Nutrition Workshop, and Low Ropes Course.
    Volunteer Commitment: School year; one event per month and/or one weekend (Girls Weekend Retreat).
    Requirements: Own car or have access to reliable, insured transportation. Interview and training.
    Program offered in Monroe County; open to Owen County BBBS matches.
  • Bowl for Kids Sake (BFKS) Help us keep the magic of mentorig alive in our community. The BFKS campaign is our single largest source of funding. Every spring volunteers, including Bigs and Littles, pull teams together and solicit pledges to support BBBS mentoring programs. Friendly competition is generated as community businesses and organizations face off to raise dollars. The winner is unveiled at our bowling event, a fun-filled thank you party held for everyone involved!
    Volunteer commitment: 3-5 hours in early winter (January/February) and/or 3 hours on day of the bowl (March).
  • First Mentors An IU student organization that that offers IU students opportunities to become involved in fun and challenging events and activities. Share your skills, enthusiasm, and energy to any number of projects, including, but not limited to: marketing/promotion, special events, Bowl For Kids Sake, and mentoring kids after school on campus!

CELEBRATE THE JOY OF EVERYDAY MOMENT...
AND BRING SOME MAGIC INTO A CHILDS LIFE!

How to Apply

  1. Learn about our mentoring programs:
    • Attend an Information Session to determine what program best suits your interests and lifestyle. Contact the CSP Interns for details of the next Hutton Honors College hosted Info Session by clicking here
    • Print out and complete the BBBS application form and bring it with you to an Information Session. The application is available here
    • Check the BBBS Events calendar online at www.bigsindiana.org for the next Information session or call 812-334-2828.
  2. Volunteer Screening Basic requirements include (but are not limited to):
    • Submission of application
    • Be willing to spend time with a child (varies with each program - see each program listing);
    • Own a car or have access to reliable, insured transportation (not required by all programs);
    • Agree to time commitment required by each program (see each program listing for minimum time commitment);
    • Interview with case manager.
  3. Volunteer Training Being a Big Brother or Sister is all about sharing everyday moments and the fun and friendship that results. Training will help you develop a better understanding of:
    • The children and families we work with;
    • What it means to be a mentor to a child and why it works;
    • The ground rules that will help guide you; and
    • Our role in supporting you and your Little.
  4. Volunteer & Match Support We are here to help! Our case managers are professionals who encourage, guide, and support the mentoring relationship. We keep in touch with you, the child, and the childs family throughout the match. Whether suggesting ideas and resources for activities or assisting the family with other needs, we are there to help strengthen the relationship. Support includes, but is not limited to:
    • Regular contact with you (face-to-face, e-mail, phone);
    • Web site resources (from information on child development to ideas for having fun);
    • Support meetings and group events; and
    • Monthly e-newsletter full of announcements, events, and more!

MENTORING WORKS!

The Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring model has been around for 100 years and has been found to be highly effective. Research has found that kids who have a Big Brother or Sister are:

  • 46% less likely to start using illegal drugs
  • 27% less likely to start drinking
  • 52% less likely to skip school
  • 53% less apt to engage in violent behavior

For more information contact:
BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF SOUTH CENTRAL INDIANA

On the web at: www.bigsindiana.org
Email: bbbs@bloomington.in.us

418 S. Walnut, Bloomington, IN 47401
(812)-334-2828 ¦ Fax: (812)-334-1718

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