YouthFriends is a school-based mentoring effort that links caring adult volunteers from the community with students in schools and is open to all students, grades K-12, within participating school districts. All activities take place on school grounds before, during or after school hours. YouthFriends volunteers typically visit a school for one hour each week to do things like have lunch with a student, help with reading or academic tutoring, share an interest or a hobby or simply listen.
Breakfast Buddy
Eat breakfast with a student or a small group of students at the school cafeteria (could be a great activity on your way to work). Be a mentor by assisting your student(s) with a class assignment, discussing a book, or just chatting. This is a time to enjoy eating and fun conversation! (Grades 6-8)
Lunch Buddy
Each lunch in the school cafeteria with an individual student or group of students during their lunch period. During your time together, you may also serve as a mentor by playing a board game, reading a story, playing on the playground or working on a special project. This is a time to build self-confidence and let the student know he/she is important. (Grades K-6)
Career Role Model
Share information about your occupation and discuss your career experience with upper elementary students during a special time or part of a classroom presentation. (Grades K-6)
Reading Pal
Help students in Grades 6-8 practice and improve reading skills so they can gain the confidence necessary to be successful readers. Work with students one-to-one or in small groups. Classroom teachers or reading specialist usually monitor student progress. Specialized one-hour mandatory supplemental training provided free-of-charge.
Academic Tutor
Choose your favorite subject -- math, reading, writing, science, social studies, computers, music or a foreign language -- and work with a student who needs extra attention in that area. You may choose to mentor your student before, during or after school to help give him/her advice and direction in tasks such as completing everyday assignments or developing a challenging project.
Mentor
Time with a positive adult role model is something kids ask for over and again. Have fun getting to know a student through a variety of activities including sharing a hobby, working on an assignment, playing a game or sport, or just "hanging out." A mentor is a friend and a good listener and helps build the self-confidence students need to succeed in school.
Special Projects
If we haven't listed an activity that appeals to you, let us know. We will be glad to design something that suits your desire to be a mentor to a young person. You choose the time and day of the week that fits with your busy schedule and we will select the student or group of students who can most benefit from your experience. If you have experience and skills in crafts, gardening, sewing, cooking, drama, puppetry, travel, photography, computers, film making, story telling, poetry, genealogy, environmental awareness, local, state or national government, butterfly migration, local history, recreational activities, medicine, health or wellness, we have students who can benefit from your experience. (Grades K-12)
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