Big Brothers Big Sisters’ core value is to maintain the highest standards of practice in order to deliver safe, quality mentoring programs to children and youth. As a volunteer mentor, you share with your mentee, their parents/guardians, the Big Brother Big Sister Agency, and (in certain programs) partnering site-based staff, a commitment to fostering a safe, enjoyable, meaningful, and healthy mentoring relationship.

Game On! is a group mentoring program designed to provide self-identifying boys with information and support to make informed choices about a range of healthy lifestyle practices. Through non-traditional physical activities, complemented with healthy eating support, participants are engaged in life skills, communication, and emotional health discussions designed to engage participants in the pursuit of life-long healthy lifestyles. The Game On! program consists of seven mentoring sessions, held over a 7-10 week period, within school facilities. Each 1.5-2 hour-long session is loosely structured around four themes: physical activity, healthy eating, self-esteem, and communication skills.

General Description: 

Game On! Volunteer Mentors will: 

•  Successfully complete each phase of the Agency's enrollment process;
•  Participate in Pre-Match Training administered by the Agency;
• Maintain regular dialogue with program staff throughout the program;
• Be a friend to their mentees, and maintain contact on a regular and consistent basis;
• Be a positive role model, emphasizing behavior such as trust, respect, reliability, honesty, fairness, commitment, resilience, and kindness;
• Place primary importance upon the protection and well-being of children and youth;
• Be supervised and supported by, and remain accountable to, program staff.
  

• Have the ability to relate to young people and adults, and adapt to change;
• Be reliable, honest, trustworthy, and fun to hang out with;
• Be collaborative, patient, and positive;
• Function within the guidelines of the Agency;
• Support the mission of the Agency.
  

• Maintain regular and open communication with your mentee, the SCDSB Liaison, and the Agency;
• Take initiative in planning and committing to time with your mentee, yet include them in decision making;
• Always let your mentees know when they can expect to see you next;
• Allow the relationship to develop at its own pace;
• Notify the Agency of any concerns about Match(es);
• Set and respect boundaries with your mentees, and Agency staff; 
• Respect the privacy of the mentees; 
• Follow Agency and child protection protocols (training & continued support provided).