On Saturday, August 28, the Calhoun KOA Kampground hosted a free event for participants of the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program. Bigs and Littles enjoyed a variety of amenities at the new state-of-the-art KOA complex including fishing, swimming, petting zoo, horse shoes, arcade games, and putt-putt golf. The KOA also offers bicycle rentals as well as horse and pony rides. Little Brother David said, “This is my best day ever! I got to catch some fish, go swimming, and touch a real peacock all on the same day!” Big Brother Matt added, “This place is awesome. We’ll definitely be back.”

“The KOA is the latest sponsor of Big Brothers Big Sisters. We are extremely grateful for Aaron and Mary Ann Walkover’s generosity, and we look forward to a continued partnership in the coming years,” said Program Manager Cris Sanhueza.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is the premier mentoring agency in the United States. BBBS provides positive role models to at-risk children through our one-to-one mentoring programs. Big and Little outings f an important component of the BBBS mentoring program. “Community outings strengthen the bond between the match and allows for our support staff to see the interaction between the Big and the Little,” added Executive Director, Staci Halyak. “This makes it easier for our staff to assess the progression of the matches and allows for our Match Support Specialists to share tools with the Bigs and their Littles.”

“Have you been thinking about becoming a mentor? Do you know someone who would make a good mentor? Fall is a great time to get started, as you and your “Little” can enjoy all that North Georgia has to offer--like the KOA, for example,” said Sanhueza.

Mentors in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program meet with their Littles a 3-4 times each month for a minimum of one year. Adults and kids are matched based on mutual preferences and use their time together to build a relationship while enjoying activities of their choosing. Examples include: walking the dog, eating snow cones, riding bicycles, watching movies, playing board games, reading in the library, etc… The possibilities are endless. There are currently two programs. In the Community Based program, you and your “Little” plan and enjoy activities out in the community, while in the Buddy program, you and your “Little” have the option of meeting at the child’s school and in the community.

All volunteers undergo a thorough screening process which includes a criminal background check, reference checks and in-person interview.

“BBBS is one of the oldest, largest and most effective youth mentoring organizations in the country. The work we do develops positive relationships that have a direct and lasting impact on the lives of young people. The results are young people who are more confident, less likely to begin using drugs and alcohol, and less likely to skip school,” said Cris Sanhueza.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Georgia Mountains has 45 kids waiting to be paired with a Big, so tell your friends and family about their need for mentors. Any individual or social, civic, or church group interesting in donating or volunteering can contact 706-278-0702. To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters, visit www.wix.com/gordonBBBS/BBBS or www.facebook.com/BBBSNGA. To contact the Calhoun KOA Kampground, call 706-629-7511.