Big Brothers Big Sisters hosts agency picnic at Earl’s Island

Bigs and Littles learning about the Red Cross Pillow Case project.

Big Brother Dave Welker and his Little Brother Julian Barga,
son of Mandie Barga of Sidney learn about keeping yourself safe
from a local Red Cross volunteer.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby and Darke County sponsored an agency picnic at Earl’s Island, Lake Loramie State Park on Thursday, August 13, to provide an evening of fun and food for the volunteers and the children in the program.

Over 40 individuals from Shelby and Darke Counties attended the picnic under clear skies and mild temperature. Everyone had a wonderful time, with the children enjoying the inflatable bounce house before and after the activities. Tied in with the evening activities was a pillow case project presented by the Red Cross.

The pillow case project is a way to talk to the children about how to handle a disaster such as fire, flooding, etc. and what skills and items would be necessary to have with you if something of this nature were to happen.

In addition to this, Bigs and Littles went on a scavenger hunt and enjoyed a picnic style lunch and socializing.

Group activities are an integral part of the mentoring program for children from “at risk” homes. “Outings such as these help to build team working skills, enhance social skills, and boost a child’s self esteem,” according to executive director, Jennifer Bruns.

The Shelby & Darke County agency has 107 community based matches with a list of over 15 children in need of an adult volunteer. Volunteers are required to see the children two times per month offering support and fun, educational activities. It should be noted that match activities can be scheduled around a volunteers own calendar. Volunteers do not need to make a huge commitment of time, just have a “Big” heart and a willingness to have a positive impact on a youth in our own community.

With this in mind, the agency is always looking for new volunteers to become matched with a child and become a mentor. Every match is assigned a professional staff member to ensure that all parties are satisfied with the match and that the child is benefiting from the service.

If you would like more information on entering your child in the program or on becoming an active volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters, please call 937-547-9622 or 937-492-7611 or visit their website at www.bigbrobigsis-shelbydarke.org. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby and Darke County is a non-profit United Way member agency and an affiliate of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.