Big Buddies

Big Buddies is a fun, free after-school program where high school students mentor elementary students twice a month! During these meetings, high school students, under the supervision of Big Brothers Big Sisters staff, work with one or two children on different educational and recreational activities following a handcrafted curriculum curated by BBBS Staff.

    Volunteer FAQ's

    How old do you have to be to volunteer?
    Any Shelby County High School student (Freshman-Senior) can volunteer at one or more of the three schools: Emerson, Northwood, and Longfellow.

    What is expected of me?
    Work one-on-one with a K-5th grade student (Little Buddy) for approximately 1 ½ hours, twice a month. You will work together on homework, physical activity, and the planned curriculum.

    Do I need to bring anything to the sessions?
    No. Big Brothers Big Sisters will provide all the supplies needed for the activities planned. Your youthful energy and positive attitude is all that you will be required to bring with you!

    How much does it cost to join the program?
    The Big Brothers Big Sisters “Big Buddies” program is FREE!  

    Can I still volunteer if I am involved in sports and have conflicts with some of the scheduled activity dates?
    Yes, we have an option for our high school students to volunteer half year or whatever works best around their other commitments. Please call us so we can talk about your schedule and figure out what the best time is for you to volunteer.

    My school dismisses at 3:00 or later. Can I still volunteer?
    Yes.  You can still volunteer in the Big Buddies program. The program starts between 2:45-4:00 (depending on your assigned location) and we allow extra time for volunteers with later dismissal times to travel to the sites so please be careful when driving and get there as soon as you can.

    ​What if the weather is bad?
    If your assigned Shelby County School cancels or has an early dismissal, then the program will also be canceled. If there is a two-hour delay, then the session is still on. If your high school cancels, but your assigned Elementary does not, use your best judgement in deciding whether or not to come. If you do not come, please contact the BBBS Staff so we know. BBBS staff will always contact you with program cancellations.

    Child FAQ's

    What is the program all about?
    Student volunteers from local high schools come to your child’s school to assist him/ her with social enhancing skills, academic skills and participate in fun group activities. The program meets twice a month, immediately after-school for 1 ½ hour sessions. The program provides your child with a positive role model!
     
    Why should my child participate in the “Big Buddies” program?
    It’s FUN, it’s FREE, and your child will receive attention with social and academic areas! Children eligible for this program need to be in grades K-4th. Give your child the gift of friendship!
     
    How do I know I can trust the volunteer my child is paired with?
    A qualified Big Brothers Big Sisters staff person carefully processes and screens all volunteer mentors. All volunteers that participate are trained by BBBS staff prior to the start of the program.
     
    Will my child see their mentor outside of the “Big Buddies” program?
    Volunteers and children only see each other during the scheduled program time. A Big Brothers Big Sisters staff person is also on-site during the mentoring session to supervise and support matches involved in the program.
     
    How do I get my child involved?
    It is as easy as filling out the attached form and sending it back to the school office with your child/ren or mailing it to P.O. Box 885, Sidney, Ohio 45365. Big Brothers Big Sisters staff will then contact you to enroll your child/ren. The program will begin in October and end in May. Big Brothers Big Sisters will NOT be providing transportation, so you will need to make sure your child/ren is picked up at the conclusion of the session.
    Shelby County  Office:
    ​121 E. North St.
    PO Box 885
    Sidney, OH 45365
    937-492-7611
    Darke County Office:
    ​205 E. Fourth St.
    Greenville, OH 45331
    937-547-9622
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    Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Big Brothers Big Sisters logo are service marks of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Inc. (BBBSA) and are used under a license from BBBSA. All rights reserved.