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After a successful pilot of a new group programme, Big Buddy is calling for boys aged 14 to 17 across Auckland who would benefit from a free seven-week mentored experience ending with a four-day adventure camp.
Enrolments close for the next, term two programme, on March 31.
Big Buddy says the programme has been enabled by “generous sponsorship”.
Each young attendee will receive $3500 worth of mentoring, adventure, and personal growth at no cost to their whānau family, says Big Buddy.
“It’s open to boys who do not have a significant male role model at home,” says Big Buddy.
“The free programme connects boys with mentors and facilitators to tackle challenges, build confidence, resilience and responsibility and complements core support programme Big Buddy One-2-One, which matches one Big Buddy to one Little Buddy aged between seven and 13.”
Big Buddy says responses to the pilot have been positive.
One boy shared: “I’ve really grown into a different person on this programme. When my dad passed away, I held all my emotions inside because I didn’t want to worry the people around me.
“This programme showed me it’s healthy to show how you feel and not hold everything on the inside.”
Big Buddy says of the participants surveyed after the pilot, 80 per cent felt calmer and more positive, 90 per cent said they had a better understanding of others and seeing things from their perspective, and 86 per cent felt more confident in overcoming challenges.
Big Buddy co-chief executive Steve Sobota is excited about the feedback and what’s ahead.
“This isn’t just about giving boys something to do, it’s about giving them the tools to navigate life with strength, courage, and support,” he says.
Applications can be made here: https://www.bigbuddy.org.nz/buddy-up/find-a-big-buddy/ or send an email to: info@bigbuddy.org.nz.
Big Buddy says it works “on the simple philosophy that a boy will benefit greatly from having a positive male role model in their life”.
“Big Buddy has been matching boys without a dad in their lives to volunteer Big Buddies for over 25 years, matching over 1200 boys and men.
“The programme supports boys aged between seven and 17 in Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga and Wellington.
“A Big and Little Buddy typically catch up for two to three hours most weeks.
“They choose what they want to do together. This can be anything from walking the dog, throwing a ball around, or visiting a café or even a museum.”
