Mission Statement
The Elevate Youth Outdoor Mentorship program is a means for young adults and adult professionals to become mentors for underserved youth in an Elevate Youth program. The program is designed as a group mentoring model; each individual will be paired with a group of approximately 12-15 youth and will support the kids both in classroom enrichment sessions and on outdoor trips.
Each group of youth meets 4 times per month during after school hours, with occasional weekend outings. Three times per month, programming will take place at the school, and once per month there will be an outing off site within an hour of the school. Mentors will be matched with a school and a group of young people and will be asked to attend one day of programming per month. Involvement in the program can take place either at the school during the enrichment session or during the outing activities. Enrichment sessions focus on team building, outdoor skills, environmental education, and school support. Outings are for outdoor recreation (listed below).
Mentors will never be the sole adult responsible for the youth; Elevate Youth Outdoor Instructors will always be present during programming and will be in charge of facilitating the lesson or activity. Mentors will be required to participate in a formal training session prior to mentoring. We ask mentors to commit to a minimum of six months, which equates to 6 days of mentoring. Mentors are encouraged to attend more than one activity per month if they are able to, but this is not required.
Description
We are looking for committed adults to join us for outdoor outings and after school enrichment activities. You do not need any specific skills other than a positive attitude. Please read on to find out more details on becoming an outdoor mentor.
Time commitment:
Each youth group will have different program times - we will work with mentors to match them with a program that works for their schedule.
Enrichment sessions typically take place at 3 or 4 pm, and will go until 5 or 6 pm.
Outings typically begin at 3 pm and go until 6 or 7 pm.
Weekend outings will typically be longer trips depending on the location and activity, and can range from 5 to 8 hours.
Things to know:
Youth groups may be in 4th - 8th grade.
Youth come from many diverse backgrounds. Some youth may have limited English language skills.
Outdoor activities vary by the season and may include: hiking, fishing, rock climbing, backcountry yoga, horseback riding, surfing, sailing, kayaking, skiing, cross country skiing, skating, snowshoeing, or camping - no experience necessary!
After 6 months, we will check in with mentors and see who is ready to continue with the program for an additional 6 months.
Mentor with a friend!
If you and a friend would like to sign up together, this is encouraged!
If you are both accepted to the program, you will be assigned to the same school (if your schedules allow).
Outing Logistics
Currently schools are located in Jamaica Plain and Dorchester. All schools are accessible by train or bus. There is limited street parking at schools.
For offsite outings, mentors will have the choice to meet at the school and travel with the group in the van, or meet the group at the outing location.
Mentors will never be expected to provide their own gear for an outing.
Mentor gatherings
Initial training with other Outdoor Mentors
Mentors encouraged to meet up with their "mentor groups" at least once outside of the typical program structure. This would be mentors only - no youth.
This meeting will provide opportunities to build community by sharing stories, suggestions, ideas for future enrichment and outing opportunities, and support to fellow mentors.
Occasional Elevate Youth run "mentor gatherings" (this could be an outdoor activity or after-work meeting at a restaurant/bar).
Cancellation Policy:
We understand that things come up & life gets in the way of commitments. Even so, please do your best to notify us 24 hours prior to the session or outing you signed up for. You can do this by communicating with the Elevate Youth Program Coordinator. If you have other mentors that work with your youth program, please do your best to fill the slot.
More than two cancellations within your six month commitment will lead to an exit from the Outdoor Mentor program.
