Golfing, playing pool, hanging out at the lake, Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Central Ohio ensures matches always have something fun to do together.
Mentor Mondays is brought to you by Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Central Ohio.
Match activities are provided by Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) and are designed to ensure Bigs and Littles always have access to free activities to enjoy together throughout the year. This program makes sure that the matches never have to worry about paying for food or entertainment and that they can spend their time focusing on enjoying the time together and having fun. An additional benefit is that all matches have access to these free activities throughout the community, which allows for the opportunity for other matches to get to know each other.
BBBS acknowledges the many partners throughout the communities the organization serves as being critical to making match events possible. For example, BBBS partners with the Tuscarawas County YMCA to offer a space for matches to play board games and work on schoolwork together during specific evenings each month. Another partnership BBBS has secured is with Bracket Billards where matches have the opportunity to play billiards and board games together.
Some community partnerships are new, while others have been in place for a long time such as the BBBS partnership with the Outreach Walleye Club. This partnership has been in place for the past 20 years and provides fishing outings for matches. The partnership includes a unique experience for matches by taking them on boats out onto Atwood Lake to fish in the best fishing spots and the club generously provides breakfast, lunch, fishing poles, tackle, and prizes for all little who participate. “Many littles learn to fish for the first time on the fishing outing and everything is provided free of charge,” BBBS officials added.
But, that’s not all. Matches have also enjoyed the opportunity to experience tours at a variety of places such as the new New Philadelphia Fire Station. Harley Davidson, for example, has invited matches to take a tour of the shop and littles to receive a free bike at the end of the tour. Matches are even invited to walk in parades to support the BBBS organization. A newer partnership started a few years ago is with the Tusc Rifle Club. At this event, littles first learn gun safety and then are able to shoot clay pigeons and targets with different types of weapons.
BBBS also supports whole families. Families are encouraged to attend the annual BBBS swimming party at Hurichsville Water Park and the annual Holiday party at The Skate Place where littles can meet Santa and receive a Christmas gift. Meals are provided for families free of charge at both events. BBBS also hosts an annual dinner in January where littles are celebrated and recognized for their accomplishments and match achievements.
Matches, of course, are also always invited to participate in the organization’s fundraising events such as Bowl for Kids’ Sake, Truck Fest, Car Wash, and The Tuscarawas County Cheese booth. These events provide additional bonding opportunities, fun events, and a chance to give back.
“We are excited about the partnerships we currently have as they are people who care about children in the community and want to help children create memories with their Bigs while learning something new,” BBBS officials added. The agency has many existing partnerships and is always looking forward to connecting with new partnerships to offer even more activities for Bigs and Littles to enjoy throughout the year.
