What is it like to volunteer for Big Brother Big Sisters?

Question

I've been thinking of volunteering, but lately it seems like I don't have a lot of extra time between two jobs and school. I was just wondering how easy it is to become a volunteer and exactly how time consuming it can be.

Answer 1

When I was a Big Sister, I only had to go for two hours every Wednesday, so I didn't find it entirely time consuming. I don't know what other sects of BB/BS are like, but it was good to have one set time every week.

I had a ton of fun though. You just need to make sure that you can entertain your "Little" so that they don't get bored. Some of them can get out of hand, if you don't have them preoccupied. Also, if you find you work better with a certain age, maybe you can request a little in that age group. It will make your experience as a Big, and your Little's experience all the more better.

Answer 2

They need you badly, but you are correct to be worried about time.  Once you are assigned a Little Brother, you will feel terrible when you find your life taking away time that he wanted and needed with you.  Maybe you should wait.

Answer 3

my oldest son was a big brother for years...it is time consuming,dont start it if you dont have the time, you dont want to disappoint a child that already has had some disappointments....call big brother and big sister, they will talk to you, interview you and tell you if they think you could do it....it is very rewarding, my son still hears from some of the kids....but it is not easy, sometimes heartbreaking...but worth it