Studies show that children who have role models are more likely to improve in school and in their relationships with family and friends, and less likely to skip school or use illegal drugs or alcohol. Students who are successful in school are less likely to drop out, abuse drugs, or commit crimes. A role model helps a child or young adult make healthy choices, leading by example and supporting them when the best choice wasn’t made. They can help them work through what led them to make the decision and guide them on how to change that process for the next time.
Community-Based Mentoring
Many relationships between Bigs and Littles are part of our Community-Based programs. Community-Based mentoring relationships involve one-on-one outings and activities, doing things the Big and Little enjoy together, such as taking a walk in the park, going to a museum, listening to music, cooking, playing games, volunteering together, or simply just hanging out and talking. The time commitment is 2-4 visits per month or 4-8 hours per month.
Some Bigs meet their Littles on the weekends. Others get together with their Littles on weekdays or evenings. Each match is unique and develops a schedule that works for them. You will be supported by a dedicated staff member from our team, they will ensure that communication is working, and your relationship is developing according to plan.
School- and Site-Based Mentoring
It may sound obvious, but sometimes the best place to help a child realize their potential is at school. Kids enjoy having their Bigs meet with them there, whether it’s in the cafeteria or on the playground. And parents know what a positive impact it makes.
Some of the biggest supporters of our School-Based Mentoring program are teachers, social workers, guidance counselors, and principals. They see students come back from their time with their Big filled with confidence, smiling big, ready to learn, and eager to succeed.
Although it takes place at schools, our School-Based Mentoring program isn’t limited to the classroom. Of course, some Littles do talk with their Bigs about class, do homework, or read together, but it’s perfectly fine to shoot hoops in the gym or play cards. At the end of the day, it’s really all about starting a friendship, providing guidance, and inspiring them to reach their potential. The conversations that happen when their minds and hands are busy at work are undeniably impactful.
BBBS of Bath/Brunswick connects adult mentors (Bigs) with elementary school students (Littles). In our School-Based program Bigs and Littles meet at the same time and place each week for approximately 45 minutes to one hour. They might share a lunch hour, play checkers, work on a project, or just have a good conversation!
Lunch Buddies Program – Bigs and Littles meet during school lunch period.
High School Bigs & Littles Program – High school-aged Bigs meet with elementary or middle school Littles for BBBS staff facilitated group mentoring after school.
Bears and Cubs Program – Students from Bowdoin College serve as lunch buddies in partnering chools and in the "waiting littles" program on the Bowdoin campus.
Bigs in Blue – Police officers from City of Bath Police Department serve as Bigs for Littles to help build stronger bonds between law enforcement and the families they serve.
