Explore our diverse mentoring programs designed to suit different lifestyles and commitments!
FEATURED PROGRAMS
Community-Based Mentoring
Anyone can be a friend! Spend a few hours a week hanging out with a child who shares your interests. This is a great program if you have evening or weekend availability and are looking to make a real community impact with your time. Whether it’s playing sports, exploring the city, or just chatting, you’ll make a big impact in a small amount of time. Volunteering is this fun!
Commitment: Few hours a week for a calendar year
Activities: We provide you with initial suggestions, list of BBBS memberships and community activites to get you started! Spending time with your mentee can be as simple as going to the dog park, playing board games or baking a season treat.
1:1 Community Based
Community based program (big brothers/big sisters) pairs you 1:1 with a child who shares your interests, allowing you to spend a few hours together each week at a time that works for both of you. Over the course of a year, you’ll build a meaningful relationship, develop new skills, and gain valuable long-term volunteer experience. By being a positive role model, you’ll not only change a child’s life—you’ll help strengthen the entire community.
Big Steps To Success
In partnership with the Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada, we are excited to offer the BIG Steps to Success program! This unique mentoring experience takes place both at school and in the community, focusing on youth referred by the Ministry of Social Services or their social worker.
- As a mentor, you’ll receive specialized training to support the unique needs of children and youth in care. Plus, you won’t be doing it alone—a dedicated mentor match team, including social workers, school liaisons, and our program coordinator, will be there to guide and support you every step of the way. This is your chance to make a meaningful impact and be part of something truly special!
Couples Match!
You and your +1 can make a big difference together!
If you’ve been in a relationship for at least 2 years, you can team up to mentor a child who shares your interests. Spend a few hours each week enjoying activities that fit your schedule, with a one-year commitment. By modeling positive behaviors as a duo, you’ll create a lasting impact and build a meaningful connection that can change a child’s life.
Big Buddy
Community-based mentoring program which matches a volunteer with two children based on similar likes, interests and goals.
In-School Mentoring
Be a positive influence in just one hour a week! Join a child at their elementary school for games, reading, or just talking about life. It’s a simple way to make a huge difference and see the impact of your volunteerism up close. This program is designed to make volunteering part of your routine- not only do you witness the ‘power of an hour’, you feel part of a much larger community between BBBS and the school.
Commitment: Throughout the school year- breaks on student holidays & summer! Note, due to permissions within this program no contact or visits are allowed outside the school facility.
Activities: If it’s a nice day- go to the playground! Free gym period? Shoot some hoops! We provide each school our mentors go to with an activity bucket! From arts and crafts to board games- if you and your mentee have activity requests let your coordinator know.
ISM
ISM or In-school-mentor
Great option for students or professionals with flexibility within their work day!
1 hour a week provide youth in elementary school with a friend to talk with and share the experiences of growing up!
Igniting the Warrior Within
ITWW is a partnership with Navera Community Services. Navera teaches coping mechanisms to groups of children with mental health challenges.Navera trains mentors to support these children as they transition from the group to real life. Mentors spend an hour a week with elementary-aged Mentee engaging in specially designed activities including board games and stories to support their Mentee. Our BBBSS Coordinator provides extra support to ensure your success!
“What does additional training entail?”
Anxiety Training with Navera: An online session via Zoom ~ 2 hours
Group
Join other mentors to support and inspire youth together! Group mentoring involves fun, interactive sessions where you can share your knowledge, skills, and experiences with a group of kids, creating a positive and supportive environment.
Commitment: 2-3 hours per week, typically in the evenings. 8-12 week sessions, with the option to continue.
Activities: Group discussions and activities focused on building self-esteem, teamwork, and positive life skills. Fun, interactive games, sports, and creative projects. Opportunities to share experiences, learn from peers, and develop new skills in a supportive group environment.
The Circle
Empower Indigenous youth through cultural connection. The Circle focuses on building strong community ties, sharing cultural teachings, life skills, recreation and fostering pride in identity, all within a supportive group setting.
Go Girls!
Help female-identified individuals aged 12-14 boost their self-esteem, health, and well-being. Through games, discussions, and activities, you’ll guide them to make positive life choices and develop healthy habits.
Game- On!
Encourage male-identified individuals aged 12-14 to live active, balanced lives. This program promotes physical activity, healthy eating, and building confidence through fun and interactive group sessions.
We know the word 'Mentor' can feel intimidating- What do Mentors do?
Mentoring with BBBS at the end of the day is about being a friend- show up as you are and spend time with a young person doing things you both enjoy while building trust!
What activities do mentors do?
Activities vary based on shared interests. From sports to arts or attending events, the focus is on quality time.
How much time is required?
Commitment varies by program, most require 12 months of volunteering. This allows a healthy dynamic to bloom-but we work with your schedule.
How do I become a mentor?
Apply online!
View our Volunteer page to view our volunteer road map, FAQ, application form and if needed support from our team.