Mentor OUT. Peer Mentor Development Program of B.E.A.R

Transcription

1 Mentor OUT Peer Mentor Development Program of B.E.A.R B.E.A.R. is an outdoor-based mentoring program whose mission is to inspire area youth to connect to their own potential, their community, and the landscape through experiential and outdoor adventure programs. Our mentoring model is strengths-based, with a focus on non-judgmental communication and unwavering care for all B.E.A.R. participants. We provide youth with opportunities to learn about the outdoors, connect with their peers, and the larger community in an environment that is physically and emotionally safe, and of course, FUN! LOOKING FOR TEENS,, WHO ARE WILLING TO: Provide mentorship for middle school youth (9-14 years of age) Learn about outdoor and experiential education and share their knowledge with mentees! Foster a supportive environment for the mentor team, the mentees, staff, and our friends in the community. QUALIFICATIONS: years of age (grades 9-12) Love the outdoors Interest in learning about youth mentoring, outdoor skills, and leadership development. Previous experience is preferred but not necessary Flexible and willingness to try new things Access to a phone/ to communicate with staff Access to reliable transportation (we can help with this too) Accountable for schedule and commitments Ability/willingness to be outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, develop hiking capacity to achieve 3-7 miles per day, sometimes while wearing a backpack with 30lbs of gear on uneven and steep terrain Ability and comfort level with being away from home for up to 1 week at a time Can commit to attending 75% or more of offered trainings throughout the year Complete 52 hours of direct service with mentees through a mixture of after school & weekend activities, family events, service learning project events, quarterly clubs trips, and summer camps. (There are lots of opportunities to complete the hours!)

2 HOW IT WORKS: Mentors will initially receive weekly trainings in November and December and then transition to bi-weekly trainings the remainder of the school year. Trainings will focus on outdoor based skills, communication, teamwork, and leadership. Special training opportunities may take place on weekends. Starting in January, you will work with program staff to determine which mentee activities and events fit your interests and to draft a schedule. The schedule you create will fulfill the 52 hour service commitment and be in addition to the bi-weekly mentor trainings. Reasonable accommodations will be made for changes or scheduling conflicts as we go, however, it s expected that your role as a peer mentor will be a priority. To complete the program, mentors are required to attend 75% or more of the trainings offered and to serve their 52 hours within one full calendar year of their start date (includes summer camps and carry over into the following academic year, if necessary). Extensions to this one year period are granted under extenuating circumstances. BENEFITS: -$500 stipend after completion of trainings and 52 hours of youth service -Paid trainings in Wilderness First Aid and Youth Mental Health First Aid. These are life long skill sets and valued at approximately $400 per mentor! -Learn and practice mentoring best practices, leadership skills, experiential education, outdoor education, and more! Looks great on college applications and helps prepare you for life after high school. -Job or school references and letters of recommendation are available after successful completion of the program. We want to share all your hard work and skills with others! TO APPLY: Please complete the following application and send to Katie DeFelice at katie.defelice@bearmt.org or mail to 1105 Main St. Hamilton, MT Hiring Process: Friday, November 9 - Applications are due November Interviews will be scheduled Friday, November 16 - Mentors will be selected and notified by this date Tip: Make a copy of your completed application and keep it on hand. It can be used as a resource during the interview. Questions? Please call us at

3 Mentor Kick Off Training and Party IMPORTANT DATES: Tuesday, November 20th from 5:30-7:30 PM at B.E.A.R. 5:30-6:30 - First training session with peer mentors 6:30-7:30 - Mentors are joined by parents & family for a pizza party, to receive the training/events calendars, and to celebrate initiation into the program! Trainings will continue on a weekly basis, every Tuesday from 5:30-6:30pm until winter break, after which point trainings will be every other week. The dates below will be on the calendar handed out on November 20th, as well as dates for second semester. November 27 December 4 December 11 December 18 Mentor Cabin Retreat December 28-30th, Location TBD After 5 weeks of intensive training we will get out doors for hiking, cabin living, skill development, good eats, and MORE! If there s snow on the ground it ll be even more fun! All peer mentors are highly encouraged to attend.

4 Mentor OUT Peer Mentor Development Program of B.E.A.R Peer Mentor Application Name: Address: Phone: Date of Birth: / / Please answer the following questions to the best of your ability. 1. What is the role of a mentor? Why are you qualified to take on this role? 2. What is your experience with youth younger than yourself? How did you relate to them? 3. What do you hope to gain from this program (academically, mentally, emotionally, professionally, athletically, or recreationally, etc.)?

5 4. Please describe one of your strengths and one area you would like to improve. 5. The focus of B.E.A.R. is to support middle school youth in the development of self esteem and confidence through challenging outdoor activities, spending time in nature s landscape, and volunteering in the community. How would you support youth in this process? 6. Are you willing to commit to attending 75% or more of the mentor trainings and completing 52 hours of direct service with youth within 1 calendar year? What might be a barrier to your full participation? (For example, are you on a sports team with a conflict?) Please list three references for us to call. References may include a teacher, a current or previous employer, or an adult family friend who knows you well. Name Phone Relationship