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The Big Brothers Big Sisters Program at BASD
Since 2014 , Big Brothers Big Sisters ( BBBS ) of Centre County has partnered with the Bellefonte Area School District to bring one-to-one mentoring to elementary age students . A program offered by the Centre County Youth Service Bureau , BBBS serves children and youth aged 5-18 in both community-based and school-based settings . In Bellefonte and Pleasant Gap elementary schools , the district is proud to have high school students as our mentors , or “ Bigs .”
Every other week , Bigs take a van to Bellefonte or Pleasant Gap elementary to meet with their “ Little ,” a child they are matched with for the duration of their time as a volunteer . Matches do arts and crafts , getting to know you activities , play a variety of games , have lunch together , and engage in meaningful conversation . Junior Hailey Miller has this to say about her time with her Little , “ I feel that my Little and I both have a strong connection … The best part is when you go and get your Little from their classroom and they get so happy and have a big smile just because they get to see you and hang out with you ! … our relationship has grown and changed . At first we didn ’ t talk a lot and she was quiet , but now we could talk about anything for hours !”
Programming is facilitated by Zack Maser , BBBS site-based coordinator . Zack finds the experience to be rewarding , particularly for the opportunity to work with high school students as Bigs . “ Program wide , we have Bigs of all ages , but when we have high school-aged Bigs , they form a different kind of connection to their Littles , because they are so close in age .”
We asked a few of the students why they had decided to become a Big . Junior Kate Harman replied with this , “ Being involved in Big Brother Big Sister has been a great opportunity for me . I get the opportunity to connect and mentor with not only my Little , but also all of the other Littles that are in my group . It has also helped me to grow new friendships and connections with the other Bigs in my group . Being involved with this program lets me give back to kids in my community , and it really gives me a sense of accomplishment . I always feel much happier and more fulfilled whenever I leave BBBS , and it has really been a great opportunity for me .” Sophomore Liam Halterman believes that , “... others should join BBBS because you can change a kid ' s life so much . You can make them become better people , students , and kids .”
Recently , the high school hosted sign ups for next year and there is a long list of students interested in participating in this program . They will attend an orientation and then will be matched with a Little during the next school year . It ’ s a phenomenal program that the district is looking forward to continuing for many more years .
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