Big Sisters of Regina
I have been a Big Sister of Regina now for almost a year. It is a rewarding experience and often takes lots of time and dedication. Here is a little about what I do as a Big Sister:
Becoming one: I had to contact the agency and set up an interview. It is important to determine what it is about yourself and the qualities that you have, that would make you a good role model and a good Big Sister. Next, I had to contact three references that would verify me as safe, reliable, and responsible. They have to show that you are good with children, and honest, and are interested in making a difference. You also have to show community involvement, and experiences you have with people in areas of social issues. They want to make sure you can handle yourself in situations with resistent kids, kids with anger problems, and disobedience. Once that is all done, I had another interview in which I had to talk about myself and my life, and references to it that make me understanding and able to overcome barriers and obstacles. When matching children with Big Sisters, it is imporant to have someone that understands and knows how to deal effectively, and has positive effects on kids that are rebelling, dropping out of school, or are exerting inappropriate behaviour because of life issues.
Next, I had to take a Child Safety Training Course, and I was on my way. Since then, I have been matched with several girls that I have been spending time with. I take them to events, organize outings, and attend talk-back sessions. It is my job to have fun, while encouraging them and modelling good behavior. I have become really close to them and am glad that they are part of my life. I try my best to be there for them in hard times and to give them every opportunity in my power.
Here are some of the events I have done: I have done many Craft Nights, including memo boards, resolution boxes, dreamcatchers, picture frames, etc. A have also organized a cookie decorating night and Kareokee night. We have done an overnight stay at the Science Center, and have gone to Lazer Quest, and done a Spa Day. The Craft Nights are my favourite because I get the most intereaction with the kids, on a low budget. However, it does not matter what we do, because we have fun no matter what. This is one of those things in my life that I can look back on and say that I am proud of myself.
March 19, 2008 at 6:39 pm
This job seems very rewarding. How often do you meet with them a month?
I also like how you change your display picture at the top of your weblog!
March 19, 2008 at 11:39 pm
Wow that sounds like a lot of fun, and what a great experience for a future teacher!! Is there a certain amount of time that you are to spend with them per week, per month? Thanks for posting, perhaps I will looking into doing something like this next year.
March 22, 2008 at 12:12 am
Cool. It is nice to hear a bit about being a big sister. I was going to apply in my home town last year, but was not old enough at the time. It looks excellent on a resume and seems to be a very rewarding experience.
March 25, 2008 at 3:16 am
What an awesome experience, and so relevant to becoming a future teacher! What ages of kids have you been paired with? Does the cost of the activities come out of your own pocket? Do you find this volunteering manageable with your schooling?
Thanks for sharing.
March 25, 2008 at 3:27 pm
hi there Lindsay, I just wanted to say thank you for helping me with my problem I was having with flickr. You helped me do it step by step, so THANK YOU! Anyways, as for the big sister program, I was ALWAYS wondering what things you have to do to become a big sister and what sorts of things you do with the children. It must be VERY REWARDING to know that you have quite an influence and affect on children’s lives. All of what you said that you do with them seems so fun to do, because as you know…WE TEACHERS are all young at heart and we LOVE doing the same things as kids do. I have helped and assisted with little activities to do with kids during internships, work experiences, volunteer work, employment, etc. and I have found that kids love when we the adults (teachers) get down to their level and have just as much fun as they do. if we show kids that we are having fun in whatever it is were doing, then THEIR going to have fun in whatever it is their doing. I have one question regarding the program, the kids that are in this program, are they children with backgrounds that are less fortunate, troubled backgrounds, etc? I ask that because, I would think that those children would need the program in their lives, and would need people that they can look up to in their lives.
Anyways, just thought i’d share with you, and thanks for sharing what is it you do with your spare time. I REALLY admire that! Keep up the great work with the kids!