Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest, largest and most effective youth mentoring
organization in the United States. They have been the leader in one-to-one
youth service for more than a century, developing positive relationships that
have a direct and lasting impact on the lives of young people. Big Brothers Big
Sisters mentors children, ages 5 through high school graduation, in communities
across the country - including ours.
Lisa Beamer, the Chief Executive Officer of BBBS
of Northwest Wyoming spoke to our Rotary Club sometime back. Now I had heard of
the organization so I knew sort of vaguely what she was going to talk about.
Well I learned something different that day about a program that I thought I
could do.
The following is an excerpt from their web-site:
School-Based Program
Sometimes the best place for enjoying activities together is at the child’s school. And, the best part is, it can be a great learning experience, in or out of the classroom.
Sometimes the best place for enjoying activities together is at the child’s school. And, the best part is, it can be a great learning experience, in or out of the classroom.
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 classroom or on the playground. And parents
know what a positive impact it makes.
It’s teacher-approved.
Some of the biggest supporters of our School-Based Mentoring program
are actually teachers. They see students come back from their time with their
Big filled with confidence, smiling big, ready to learn and eager to succeed.
Learning about life.
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, or do homework, or read together, but it’s perfectly fine to shoot
hoops in the gym or play on the playground. At the end of the day, it's really
all about starting a friendship, providing guidance and inspiring them to reach
their potential.
At Big Brothers Big Sisters, we have tremendous confidence in our
ability to impact children and put them on the right path. But it means even
more when an outside study comes to the same conclusion.
A school based program would be a perfect place to
start. I eat lunch and I am close to
the school and I enjoy children. So
I signed up, got my background check and got started. I have discovered that other friends and family members are in the BBBS
program as well. That was great to hear.
I became a BIG BROTHER today. My LITTLE'S name is Storm. He is 7 years
old and in 2nd grade. He is excited about having a big brother. I met his
teacher and the school counselor also. I am his Lunch Buddy, a school-based
program, which means I will meet him once a week in school for lunch and then
recess. He seems nice. I was a bit nervous meeting him for the first time but
everything seemed nice. His parents are gone so he lives with an aunt and
uncle.
 |
| STORM |
Day one as Big Brother to Storm. After signing in as a visitor I went
to Storm's 2nd grade room. Everyone was curious about the new guy. Now it was
time to learn the routine. After getting permission from the teacher we put on
our coats and got in line. Then in an orderly manner we went outside for
recess. Now what? Well Storm led me over to the swings and I pushed . So he
could go high. After that the real fun began. Storm saw my hand for the first
time. I do not have regular fingers on my left hand. After looking it over he
wanted to be in charge of who else got to look. Slowly he let others in on his
secret. I must have shown 12 kids during recess. Of course the reactions were
anywhere from curious to revulsion. We climbed the monkey bars together since
he didn't know if I could climb. Those monkey bars are made for those a bit
smaller than me. I almost got stuck in the middle. Then the bell rang. From
recess it was back in line to go to eat. What treat awaited us now? It was
French toast sticks, syrup, sausage and chocolate milk. It was good. My
favorite mean 50 years ago in school was hot dogs, sauerkraut and mashed
potatoes. Yum. While we ate the word spread that the guy with the weird hand
was there so more kids dropped by and wanted to know more about it. Then we
were dismissed and we walked back to class. It was fun. I think I'm going to
like it.
I'm going
to the school shortly to have lunch with Storm and his classmates. So what will
happen today? I think I'll stay away from the clutches of the MONKEY BARS. That
doesn't leave me with much. Maybe we'll play catch. Once I get permission to
take his picture I'll post a group shot.
My Little (Storm) and I played catch on the playground. His good friend
Santi play too. It was fun really. That kept us busy for the whole time. Only a
few were curious about my hand today. Kids really can adjust quick. Lunch was
tacos, baked beans and chocolate milk. A guy who works in a local store was
visiting his son so they ate with us. Dad's name was also Scott. Well that to
comments about having two Scott's there at the same table. It was a nice time.
The other Scott sent in his application to be a Big Brother. How about you?
I just got back from Big Brother time with Storm. It is very cold
(minus tempts) so no outdoor recess today, thank goodness. That meant we were
in the classroom. For 20 minutes kids played scramble, masterworks, with
plastic chain links tying up each other, etc. The time went fast. I am getting
acquainted with the kids. Many of the kids are still curious about my hand. I
calmly explain that I was born that way and then I watch as they try to
process that. Oh, the kids do not know about the Big Brother, Big Sister
program so they can't believe I am Storm's Big Brother. I may be his grandpa
but not brother.
After 20 minutes it was time for lunch. How do you describe a roomful of k thru 3rd graders who haven't been outside in a few days all in the same room sitting next to each other. Think chaos and you are close. The room monitors (grown ups) roam the room while the inmates eat. There is supposed to be no touching and eating is supposed to be taking place. We had taco salad today which was good. Anyway kids were bouncing off the walls. I saw more kids being moved by the monitors to other tables because of issues. Kids took food and nibbled at it never finishing it. There were loud voices and some horsing around. Finally a monitor blew her whistle and informed everyone it was keep your mouth shut time. That of course lasted all of a few minutes. I was thankful when lunch time was over. I emptied my tray in the proper fashion then walked back to the classroom. Of course I always was a brown nose. Storm and a number of classmates ran and had to go way back to the lunch room to walk back. I didn't have to. I said my goodbyes and scurried by to the peace and quiet of my car. I made it yet another day. I am enjoying the experience.
After 20 minutes it was time for lunch. How do you describe a roomful of k thru 3rd graders who haven't been outside in a few days all in the same room sitting next to each other. Think chaos and you are close. The room monitors (grown ups) roam the room while the inmates eat. There is supposed to be no touching and eating is supposed to be taking place. We had taco salad today which was good. Anyway kids were bouncing off the walls. I saw more kids being moved by the monitors to other tables because of issues. Kids took food and nibbled at it never finishing it. There were loud voices and some horsing around. Finally a monitor blew her whistle and informed everyone it was keep your mouth shut time. That of course lasted all of a few minutes. I was thankful when lunch time was over. I emptied my tray in the proper fashion then walked back to the classroom. Of course I always was a brown nose. Storm and a number of classmates ran and had to go way back to the lunch room to walk back. I didn't have to. I said my goodbyes and scurried by to the peace and quiet of my car. I made it yet another day. I am enjoying the experience.
My
"Little", Storm". Last Wednesday it was mild out so we had
outdoor recess. So we played catch. He is pretty good. Another kid, Brice,
joined us. After catch it was lunch time. So we got in line, Storm picked up
his ticket, I paid my $2.70, we grabbed our trays and milk, found our spot,
went to the salad bar and finally sat down to eat. This is pretty much what our
time is like. It goes by too fast.
It was my day with my little brother Storm today. I went down to his
room as usual and the kids noticed right away my new look. They thought it was
"weird." They are not the only ones. I freaked out people at
rehearsal last night too. We went out and played catch with a nerf football.
Santi (his friend) played with us also. I talked to them about how to throw
spirals when we were lining up to go eat. Lunch went fine. Storm actually
talked a bit more today. I guess that is progress. He did tell me he had gotten
a new bb gun and at one point either hit or aimed at a bird. Now I did not know
what to say. I do not object to hunting for food but I have issues with
injuring animals just for fun. I am going to ask for advice from my team leader
as to how to react and what I could possibly have said. Then he and his friend
were goofing around doing things that could have gotten them into trouble. I
didn't say anything. Should I have? I am the adult. Or what? As you can tell I
am sort of feeling my way around here.
February 25
Since the last post I heard from numerous friends who gave me some advice. I even talked to the Director about these issues. Thank you one and all.
February 26
It was indoor recess today - still cold. The kids in class are really comfortable around me now. They greet me and come talk to me. Miss Dell seems happy I am there also. Today Storm gave me a man-hug when I left. That was unexpected and nice.
February 26
It was indoor recess today - still cold. The kids in class are really comfortable around me now. They greet me and come talk to me. Miss Dell seems happy I am there also. Today Storm gave me a man-hug when I left. That was unexpected and nice.
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