Do you believe in creating change locally through civic action and volunteerism?

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Grey Bruce & West Simcoe (BBBSGBWS) is seeking energetic, dedicated volunteers to join our growing organization. We are a non-profit charity, providing mentorship services to youth ages 6-18 in both schools and communities. As a vibrant, collaborative, community-focused organization we believe in creating communities where young people belong and are empowered to unlock their potential.

Volunteer Opportunities:

Community-Based Volunteer

• Join us as a Mentor in our community-based volunteer program. Connect with a local youth (ages 6-18) in your community. Spend one hour a week engaging in fun, skill-building activities and make an impact! (One year commitment)

School-Based Volunteer

• School-based volunteers spend one hour weekly connecting with a group of Mentees (ages 6-16) within the school environment. Mentors are provided with programming that supports educational success. Join us as a school-based Mentor and make an impact! (Four month commitment)

Group-Based Volunteer

• Group program volunteers support the BBBSGBWS team in a variety of unique settings, including our Outdoor Wellness Program, Youth Council meetings and Big Bunch events. This position is great for students. (Flexible commitment)

Agency Volunteer

• With the BBBSGBWS team engage in fundraising support and be a BBBSGBWS brand ambassador. Join our team at local youth events, connect with children, youth, families and make an impact!

To volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters, you should:

• Be interested in developing a positive relationship with a local child or youth
• Promote the welfare and safety of children and youth and act with integrity
• Be trustworthy, energetic, mature, reliable, patient and respectful of others
• Be supportive and non-judgmental in your interactions with children and youth
• Be comfortable with BBBSGBWS's core values, policies and procedures
• Be cause-driven and believe in the power of civic engagement and community connection

What will be expected of me?

• Commit approximately one to two hours per week (this varies across programs)
• Commit for up to one year or as little as four months (this varies across programs)
• Complete pre-match training and screening to ensure the safety and security of children and youth
• Receive ongoing connection, training and support from BBBSGBWS
• Communicate openly and regularly with the parents/guardians
• Communicate openly and regularly with the BBBSGBWS Mentorship Coordinator team

BBBSGBWS is committed to recruiting a diverse group of volunteers that represent the communities we serve, while encompassing the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from persons of color, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, people of all gender expressions and sexual orientations.

Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring programs provides children and youth with a role model to talk to and share the experiences of growing up with. Through regular outings, a relationship is developed between the mentor and the mentee, which is built on trust and common interests, and is supported by our experienced case-workers. The result is a life-changing experience for both the mentor and the mentee.

Make a meaningful impact in a child’s life – become a mentor today!

Description of Duties:

As a Volunteer Mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters, you’ll be matched with a young person (ages 6–16) to provide friendship, support, and guidance through regular one-on-one visits. Your role is to build a consistent and trusting relationship that helps your mentee develop confidence, resilience, and life skills.

Community-Based Mentoring:

• Commit to spending 2–4 hours per week with your mentee for a minimum of one year.

• Plan fun, low-cost outings based on shared interests (e.g., playing sports, going for walks, cooking, visiting local attractions).

• Act as a consistent and caring role model.

• Maintain regular communication with program staff for support and match monitoring.

In-School Mentoring:

• Visit your mentee for 1 hour each week during school hours (September to June).

• Engage in non-academic activities such as board games, crafts, or conversation in a supervised school setting.

• Focus on building self-esteem, emotional well-being, and social skills.

• Follow school guidelines and BBBS program standards.

All mentors receive training, ongoing support, and resources from our experienced team. No special skills required—just a desire to make a difference!

Seven week program within the North Simcoe Community for youth ages 11-14.

Program is led by Male Mentors and focuses on core themes including:

• Body image
• Self-esteem
• Balanced eating/activities
• Physical activity
• Building healthy relationships

Volunteers can run multiple groups throughout the year.

Teen Mentors commit to spending consistent weekly time with a child (mentee) being a friend, role model, and confident. Teen mentors meet one-to-one with an assigned mentee and participate in games, activities, crafts, conversation, and goal setting. Teen mentors listen to their mentees, provide support and guidance, help them to build communication and social skills, and develop a friendship based on trust, respect and fun. This is a partnership with BGC North Simcoe.

Big Brothers commit to a one-on-one relationship for a minimum period of one-year, 2-4 hours per week on an average basis, doing activities they both enjoy.

To be a positive Mentor and friend for children or youth in a variety of group programs, with the potential to match individually with a child as a personal role model.

• Support and encourage kids as they grow
• Listen and provide advice when appropriate
• Role model appropriate behaviours and reinforce positive social skills

Purpose of the Position: Join the team to change the lives of people with disabilities and youth who are experiencing challenges by providing a loving home and obedience training to a Service Dog-in-training during its puppyhood. 
 
Responsibilities and Duties: 
 
- Raise a confident and responsive puppy. 
- Care for the dog’s needs according to guidelines from COPE. 
- Provide consistent structure, rules and boundaries to the dog according to training from COPE. 
- Provide obedience training and socialization to the dog. 
- Transport the dog to and from its training programs: Canines in the Classroom (Innisfil) or Refinement Training (Barrie). Multiple pick up/drop off locations in Barrie and Innisfil by COPE van is available. 
- Support from Puppy Sitter Volunteer network is available for vacations or emergencies. 
- Dog food, routine veterinary care, one dog crate, walking harness and leash are provided by COPE. 
 
NOTE: 
The application process takes time and training space is limited, please submit your application now to allow enough time to set up a home interview and ensure a training spot is reserved for you upon the approval of your application. 

Youth Justice Committee's (YJC) bring together youth 12-17 who have been involved in the criminal justice system, their parent(s), and trained members of the community. In this role: 
* you would attend YJC meetings to determine appropriate and meaningful ways for the youth to make amends for their actions.  
* ensure that the youth is aware of the purpose of the meeting, and discuss police report information. 
* explore perspectives of all parties, including the youth and others represented at t he meeting, such as community members, community agency representatives, and the parent(s). 
* present and agree upon appropriate sanctions for the youth. 
* provide information and referrals to supportive community agency programs. 
* respect the confidentiality of the youth and other YJC members.

• Help our youth foster a lifelong love for the game
• Recreational and competitive opportunities available