The Banff Mentoring Program (BMP) offers a great opportunity for you to get to know a child and watch him grow. As a mentor you will spend one hour a week, during school hours, with a child from Banff Elementary School or Banff Community High School. Spend your time together in the school or go out and try a range of activities you are both interested in. Either way, there will be something in it for both of you.
We’ve all been touched by someone who brought possibility and inspiration into our lives. Mentors can do the same for a child by spending just an hour of time together each week.
School staff identify students who would benefit from having a positive adult role model to visit with each week.
If the student is interested in participating in the program, parental consent is obtained. The student and mentor begin meeting in the school for one hour, once a week for the duration of the school year.
Once you’ve known your student for three months, you can begin participating in activities off campus. In the past, kids have loved going skating, cross country skiing and even just going for coffee or lunch with their mentor.
• someone who likes spending time with kids• someone who’s encouraging and can offer inspiration• someone with a range of interests and who is open to ideas and new activities
The BMP recruits, screens and trains adult volunteers to mentor students. The entire screening and training process is performed at no cost to the volunteer and will take 6 - 8 hours of your time. Before mentoring can begin all volunteers need to complete the following steps:
What experiences shaped who you are today? Who influenced you? Who had an impact? Spending just an hour with a child each week can touch your life and theirs.
Take the time to teach your student about a new experience. Go to a movie, for a hike, a ski, create art or just hang out.
“Excellent program. Thanks for your support and keep up the good work!” -- mentor
“The program contributes to build a better community.” -- mentor
“It gives you a good opportunity to get to know someone really well.” -- student
“It’s fun, it helps you understand life.” -- student
“My son has loved getting to know his mentor. He has been a huge influence in his life.”-- parent
The Banff Mentoring Program is brought to you by Town of Banff Family and Community Support Services in partnership with the Canadian Rockies Public School Division.
The Banff Mentoring Program has been developed with the support of the Alberta Mentoring Foundation for Youth.
Town of BanffFamily and Community Support ServicesBanff Town Hall, 110 Bear StreetBox 1260Banff, Alberta, T1L 1A1T: 403.762.1251F: 403.762.1264E-mail: community.services@banff.ca