The Juvenile Mentoring program beat the heat with a recent trip to Tropicanoe Cove in Lafayette.
“It was great to see everyone having such a great time” said Sara Clapp, JUMP program staff.
Everyone really “jumped” into this activity with both feet trying out the lazy river and waterslides, while others relaxed by the pool in the sun.
“Getting back into regularly monthly match activities has really been great” Clapp said.
The JUMP program is a program where an adult volunteer or a married couple are matched with a child who has similar interest. The goal of the program is for the volunteer to be a positive role model, be a friend to the child and provide support and a listening ear. A mentor also does fun activities with their mentee to allow the child to experience new things that they might not have been able to try otherwise. These activities don’t have to be elaborate, most of our kids are happy to just hang out and spend time with someone.
Mentoring has a huge impact on youth in our community, causing them to be more likely to succeed academically, become involved in their community and go on to become mentors as adults. JUMP coordinators offer one activity a month for the mentor or mentee to attend, such as bowling, watching a movie, swimming, hiking or visiting a state park.
The program is currently looking for youth to join as well as for volunteers to be matched with youth on the waiting list.
To find out more, contact Jill Hampton by phone at 765-362-0694, ext. 103; or email her at Jill@mcysb.org.