BBBSHH offers a variety of programs in the community and in schools. See below or visit mentorsforkids.ca for details.

School-Based Mentoring Programs

The In-School Mentoring program provides a child/youth with a positive role model to share the experiences and challenges of growing up. Mentors visit with their mentees 1:1 (age 6-13) at school and engage in activities such as board games, crafts, sports or taking a walk on school grounds. This is a non-academic program that focusses on building confidence, social skills and problem solving techniques through having fun! Commitment: For one hour each week during the school year. Matches do not meet over the summer break or during school holidays.

Go Girls!

Energetic and relatable female mentors lead small groups of female students (in grades 6-8) through a curriculum that focuses on physical activity, healthy eating, and the development of a positive self-image. Commitment: 1 ½ hours at lunchtime or afterschool for 7 weeks

Game On!

Active and relatable male mentors lead small groups of male students (in grades 6-8) through a curriculum that focuses physical activity, healthy eating, self-esteem and communication skills.

Commitment: 1 ½ hours at lunchtime or afterschool for 10 weeks

The Homework Club

A group mentoring program where high school teen mentors support youth in grades three through eight who require academic, social and/or emotional support. With the goal of increasing student success, youth are matched one-on-one with a teen mentor in a group setting and are supervised by an adult volunteer.

Commitment: The Homework Club is running at 16 locations in Halton. Programs run once a week for 70 minutes after school from October - May.

*NOTE: This Program is currently not offered in Hamilton or Burlington.

Connections Project

A new country can be intimidating. As a Connections Project volunteer, you will be a role model, mentor and a friend to newcomer youth, helping with their adjustment to Canada.

Mentoring sessions include fun, educational activities, games and a potential for homework help or open discussion. Mentees will practice English language skills, make new friends, learn more about Canada and most importantly - have fun. Commitment: Meet weekly in a group setting, on school property.

*NOTE: This Program is currently offered in Hamilton and Burlington only.

Community-Based Programs

Traditional 1:1 Program

The traditional Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring program provides mentees with a role model in a 1:1 match to talk to and share the experiences of growing up with. Through regular outings, a relationship is developed between the mentor and the mentee, which is built on trust and common interests, and is supported by our experienced Case Managers. The result is a life-changing experience for both the mentor and the mentee. Applicants must be 19 years of age or older and have access to a vehicle.

Commitment: Regularly scheduled outings of 2-4 hours each and a minimum of a one-year commitment. Physical Literacy Programs,including PLAY (Physical Literacy for All Youth) and Satellite SOAR (Social Opportunities Activities and Relationships)

Provide 7-to-14-year-old boys and girls with mentoring and fun, using a physical literacy approach.

Program areas of focus include:

• Learning fundamental movement skills;
• Exploration and opportunity to play with different objects and sports equipment;
• Basic instruction and opportunities for active play; and,
• Opportunity to practice skill development.

Commitment: one hour each week, on school property, after school. Programs run in 10-14 week sessions. Its members do not meet over the summer break or during other school holidays.

*NOTE: Physical Literacy Programs are inclusive of persons with any and all level of athletic abilities.This Program is currently offered in Hamilton and Burlington only.