Snowshoeing, rock climbing, hiking, kayaking – you may expect an article about the amazing recreation options in our area. You are partially correct. However, this article actually highlights the unique partnership between Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Washington and Olympia Mountaineers to create opportunities for children to experience the outdoors.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Washington and the Mountaineers created HARK (Healthy Activities for Resilient Kids), a program that grew out of a grant from the Washington State Parks and Recreation department. HARK’s goal is simple – improve health, fitness and self-esteem of children.
Expert guides from the Olympia Mountaineers lead group outings for Big and Little matches. Previous outings have included snowshoeing, kayaking, sailing, hiking and indoor rock climbing. HARK aims to facilitate a child’s ability to become a competent outdoor recreationist and conservationist.
During the holiday season, REI joined the partnership by encouraging shoppers to support HARK by rounding up their purchases. Olympia REI shoppers raised $2,901 which funds three outings.
HARK is an example of how Big Brothers Big Sisters is recruiting adult mentors by showing the variety of activities that a Big can do with their Little. “We are changing the perception about what our agency is about,” says coordinator Jessica Gould.
“My Little Brother and I spend time doing things that we both enjoy such as watching movies, playing chess, or just talking,” explains Big Brother, Roger Jones, who also serves as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Washington’s CEO. “It’s amazing how just spending a little time having fun together makes such a big difference in kids’ lives.”
Currently, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Washington has an urgent need for Bigs in our community. 46 kids are currently waiting to be matched. Boys will wait two or three years before a match is found. Adults are matched with children based on mutual interests.
The commitment is simple – sign up for one year, dedicate a few hours per week doing activities that you already enjoy, while serving as a role model to a kid. The application asks “What are the things that you like to do? What would you like to bring someone along to participate in with you?”
“My Little called me one night and we just talked on the phone for 45 minutes. My relationship with her forces me to take the time to talk to another human being who needs a role model. I can’t remember the last time I sat on the phone with a girlfriend for that long! Our connection is so special,” reports Big Sister Jessi Brown.
Think of the possibilities. What will you start?
For more information, contact Jessica Gould at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Washington at 360.943.0409 or visit their site.
