Big Futures Mentoring Program

 

The Big Futures Mentoring Program at the Club is a collaborative effort of the Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh and Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Central Wisconsin which matches adult mentors with youth in 5th through 8th grade at the Boys & Girls Club.

Following this link will take you to the Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteer form to complete your application for the Big Futures at the Club Mentoring Program.

About Big Futures

Club members who could benefit from having a mentor can sign up to be part of our Big Futures Mentoring Program at the Club.

The program focuses on helping youth grow academically and develop decision-making and life skills. Youth will meet mentors at the Club, where they will get homework help, read together, learn to cook together and get access to all Club spaces and programs such as basic needs, mental health support, art room, and active time in the gym.

The program focuses on:

  • Academic support
  • Leadership and social skill development
  • Building on current career interests
  • Fun activities, plus much more

Youth will meet with their mentors on average 2-3 hours/ month and can meet at the Club or at school. They will also get access to all Club spaces and programs such as basic needs, mental health support, art room, and active time in the gym, plus much more.

If you would like to sign your 5-8th grade youth up for the Big Future Program contact Jay Gibson, Big Futures Mentoring Coordinator, at (920) 233-1414, ext. 134 or jayg@bgcosh.org. Head to bgcosh.org to learn more about this program.

This program is made possible by the Basic Needs Giving Partnership, which is supported by the U.S. Venture Fund for Basic Needs within the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation, the J.J. Keller Foundation, and other community partners.

Program FAQs for Prospective Mentors

How do I become a mentor?

The Club is always looking for new mentors, especially male mentors! Mentors are caring individuals who provide emotional support, counsel, friendship, reinforcement, and a constructive example in a structured and trusting relationship. This is a great opportunity for volunteers who would like to work with youth one on one. Potential mentors need to complete a volunteer application and a background check form. You will be contacted to set up a personal interview.

What is the commitment?

The program is ideal for individuals who are able to make a two-year commitment, but there is flexibility. Mentors will meet with their mentee for a minimum of one hour per week (The time that each match meets will depend upon the youth’s schedule and the availability of the mentor.) Each mentor will be required to attend an orientation and have the opportunity to take part in training scheduled throughout the two-year time frame.

How will I be matched with a youth?

The detailed applications completed by mentors and mentees help the Mentoring Coordinator get to know each individual and match mentors and mentees who have common interests and hobbies. The Mentoring Coordinator also introduces matches and stays actively involved in the relationship to ensure it is developing well.

What types of things will we do together?

Matches meet at the Club and have the opportunity to do a number of different activities, including playing games or sports, completing art and craft projects, cooking/baking, exercising, reading, working on homework, exploring careers, and more. What activities you choose to do will be dependent on the interests of you and your mentee.

Volunteer Application

Apply to volunteer to be a Big Futures Mentor here. (You will be redirected to the Big Brothers Big Sisters website form)

More Information

If you have additional questions about becoming a volunteer mentor for the Big Futures Mentoring Program at the Club, please contact Jay Gibson, Big Futures Mentoring Coordinator, at (920) 233-1414, ext. 134 or jayg@bgcosh.org.

Quotes from Mentors

“I enjoy working with children, and mentoring through the BGC is a lot different than other volunteer opportunities because you form a close relationship with one young person rather than having just short interactions with different kids.” -Lauren

 

“My mentee and I are a great match because we have similar interests – art, horses, pets and family. We have to work hard to receive good grades in school, and we have had to cope with being bullied by our classmates.” -Chris

 

“My favorite moment so far was when my mentee opened up to me about some personal things in her life. It showed me that she trusted me and it made me feel like we were growing in our relationship.” -Kendra

 

“I hope my mentee learns from me that nothing is impossible. His future is in his hands and is absolutely limitless.” -John