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!

The Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Orillia and District provides quality mentoring relationships for young people in our community who would benefit from caring, supportive adult role models. The relationships are fostered through:

• One-to-One Matching
• Group Programs
• School Based Programs

Two sites: Camphill Nottawasaga, near Angus and Camphill Sophia Creek in Barrie.

Camphill Sophia Creek (Barrie)

• work in the mosaic studio
• help with meal preparation in the Cafe
• assist with recreational activities, music sessions and cultural outings, Bingo events and other special events such as Fall Fairs

Camphill Nottawasaga (Angus)

• help with programs in woodworking, pottery, candlemaking, and bakery/meal preparation
• can be involved in maple syrup production, working in the vegetable gardens and caring for livestock (Highland cows horses and goats)

Both locations need volunteers to help with set-up, cash management and take-down at our Farmers Markets

The Youth Justice Committee (YJC) bring together youth 12-17 who have been involved in the Criminal Justice System, their parent(s), and trained members of the community. Together, the youth plan and agree to make amends for their actions. This program offers youth alternative measures to the Criminal Justice System.

In this volunteer 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 willing to discuss the matter. 
* Explore the perspectives of all parties, including the youth and others represented at the meeting, such as community members, community agency representatives, and the parent(s). 
* Present and agree upon appropriate and meaningful sanctions for the youth to complete in order to be successful in the program. 
* Respect the confidentiality of the youth and other YJC members throughout the process.

Must complete the Volunteer Application, submit a current resume, and submit two professional references. Attend an in-person interview with the Volunteer Coordinator and submit a Vulnerable Sector Check. 

A Volunteer House Legaue Coach supports a fun, inclusive, and positive soccer experience for players of all skill levels. The coach focuses on player development (led by our technical director), teamwork, sportsmanship, and creating a safe, enjoyable environment on and off the field. Commitment level is minimum 1-hour, 1x per week, but can increase based on the volunteers preference.    Roles: 

• Run weekly practices (provided by BSC) using age‑appropriate drills that develop basic skills such as passing, shooting, dribbling, and teamwork.
• Coach games by organizing lineups, ensuring fair playing time, and guiding players with encouragement and positive instruction.
• Model positive behaviour by promoting respect, sportsmanship, and fair play at all times.
• Ensure player safety by following club policies, monitoring equipment, and responding appropriately to injuries or incidents.
• Collaborate with other coaches and volunteers to support smooth game days, set up fields, and manage team logistics.

GrandPals are older adults (not necessarily Grandparents) who love children and want to make a difference for generations to come. GrandPals are trained in the stories they have to share over 5 weeks. After training, we connect GrandPals with a classroom where they meet with the same 2-4 students over a period of 8 weeks. The stories that GrandPals share about their own lives become part of the students' curriculum. Students capture the stories presented in written assignments as well as art projects.