About BIGS
Am I too old to volunteer?
No! We encourage interested community members of all ages to apply to become a volunteer mentor. Our one-to-one mentoring programs (Community-Based Program and Sports Buddies Program) focus on volunteers ages 18+. Our after-school group mentoring programs (STEAM Club and Cooking Club) encourage volunteers of all ages (High School, College and Adult) to apply.
How can I sign up?
Signing up to become a volunteer is simple! Start by heading to our BBBSLV home page (bbbslv.org). From there, go to the ‘Volunteer’ tab and from the drop-down menu select ‘Become a Big’. Fill out the short volunteer inquiry form and select how you’d like to be reached to get started! A BBBSLV staff member will reach out to you shortly.
Who pays for the activities?
Community – Based Program:
We encourage Bigs and Littles to participate in low-cost to no-cost activities, such as going for a walk, shooting hoops at a local park or going to the library. If interested in an activity that costs money, for example going to a movie or playing a round of mini-golf, the volunteer is typically responsible for payment. Big Brothers Big Sisters also hosts monthly “match meet-ups” which are funded by BBBSLV.
Sports Buddies Program:
Each activity that a Sports Buddies Big and Little attend is fully funded by BBBSLV. Matches take part in monthly events that BBBSLV plans and coordinates in the Lehigh Valley, focused on sports and physical activities, such as going for a hike, participating in a soccer clinic or attending an IronPigs game. Bigs and Littles do not see each other outside of monthly scheduled events.
How far do I have to drive? Do I have to drive my Little?
Community – Based Program:
BBBSLV staff members discuss how far a Big is willing to drive during the enrollment process. Bigs are responsible for transporting their Littles to and from match activities.
Sports Buddies Program:
Bigs are not responsible for transporting their Little in the Sports Buddies program. Instead, the Big must have reliable transportation to meet their Little at the event. Sports Buddies events take place throughout the Lehigh Valley, mainly in Bethlehem, Easton or Allentown areas.
How often do I meet with my Little?
Community – Based Program:
Bigs are asked to meet with their 2 – 4 times each month but no more than once a week! Each outing can be as short or as long as you and your Little would like and depend on the activity. Outings and activities are coordinated with the help of the Big, Little and the Little’s parent/guardian.
Sports Buddies Program:
Bigs and Littles meet once a month at a coordinated Sports Buddies event.
Can I bring my spouse/children on outings with my Little?
We ask that all match activities be one-to-one to focus on building a positive mentoring friendship with your Little.
About Littles
Who gets involved in the program?
Our Littles come from many different backgrounds with varying family structures, cultures and socio-economic levels. Youth can be connected to our mentoring programs through school or counseling referrals, word of mouth or self-referral.
How old will my Little be?
BBBSLV serves youth ages 7 – 15 years of age!
Can I pick the Little I get paired with?
During the enrollment process, staff speaks with applicants about their preferences regarding their match (i.e. age, personality, interests) and takes this into account when pairing Big and Little together.
What if my Little is reserved?
Relationships take time to develop, so remember to be patient and understand that it may take several outings for your Little to feel comfortable. Littles can express their appreciation for the friendship in many different ways including high-fives, a smile or just looking forward to the next outing.
About Matches
What if I have questions or feedback about my match or my Little?
Each Big/Little match will be assigned a BBBSLV staff member who will connect with all match participants on a monthly basis to offer guidance, support, help deepen friendships and address any concerns, questions or feedback.
What kinds of things can we do together?
Community – Based Program:
Matches are encouraged to plan activities that they both have an interest in or would like to learn more about! Local, low-cost activities are recommended. The goal is to build a positive friendship by engaging in hobbies and interests both Big and Little can enjoy.
Sports Buddies Program:
Bigs select a Sports Buddies event each month that aligns best with their availability, with BBBSLV offering a variety of activities throughout the year, including watching sports games (i.e. IronPigs or Lehigh U basketball) and participatory activities (i.e. mini-golfing, E-sports, pickleball).
About After School Group Mentoring Programs
Do I have to volunteer every week?
No. BBBSLV asks after-school volunteers to commit to volunteering twice a month during the school year.
What is my role as a volunteer at after school programming?
Each volunteer works with a small group of elementary school youth (grades 1 – 5). Volunteers are encouraged to have fun, get to know the Littles, play games as well as helping them to participate in the given activity or project that day (i.e. helping youth to build a Lego bridge or cook a simple and healthy recipe).
Do I still need to complete an enrollment process?
Yes! Each after-school volunteer will complete the standard BBBS enrollment process, including completing an application, an interview and clearances.
Who will I be interacting with?
Volunteers will spend most of their time interacting with their small group of students, however are also encouraged to get to know other volunteers attending.
What time is program?
STEAM Club takes place every Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30pm – 5pm during the school year at the BBBSLV office.
Cooking Club takes place every Wednesday from 3:30pm – 5pm during the school year at the BBBSLV office.
Do I need to bring supplies?
No! Each of our programs will have any supplies needed for projects and activities.
Can I have contact with attending youth outside of the program?
We ask volunteers to only connect with after-school youth at their designated program, outside contact (email, phone number, social media) is not allowed.
Do I need transportation?
Yes. We ask all volunteers to have reliable transportation to the BBBSLV office, which is located at 41 S. Carlisle Street, Allentown, PA 18109.
Do I need to be proficient in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) topics or in cooking to participate?
Volunteers do not need to be experts in STEAM or cooking to volunteer their time! All we ask of our volunteers is to come to each program ready to learn, engage and have a fun time with the attending youth!
What can I do during summer months when programs are not in session?
BBBSLV hosts summer camp programming throughout the summer which all after-school volunteers are welcome to sign up for! Previous summer camp themes have included Cooking/Baking Camp, Art Camp and Teen Camp.