
This is a place designed especially for Bigs to provide you with the support, inspiration, and materials you need to make your match even stronger. Want some ideas for more fun or want some answers to some hard questions? This is the place for you! Look here for exciting new activities and features designed just for you! Take a look around, and make yourself at home!
Tuesday, January 15, 2019
Youth Mentoring Day in Boston
Saturday, January 12, 2019
Volunteer at The Food Bank of Western MA
Wednesday, April 24, 2019
Volunteer Appreciation Reception
4:30 - 6:30 pm
83 Maple Street, Springfield
Come tour our offices, grab a bite to eat, meet other Bigs & volunteers! Most importantly, let us thank you for being a Defender of Potential for kids throughout our community!
Saturday, April 27, 2019
Scantic Valley YMCA - Wilbraham
11-1:00 pm free & open to the public
Sunday, April 28, 2019
Daffodil 5K/10K Run - Amherst, MA
Volunteer with your Little at the 9th annual Daffodil Run! This year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampden County is proud to participate in this fantastic event coordinated by our sister affiliate program, CHD Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County.
Wednesday, May 8, 2019
Corporate Bowl
AMF Chicopee
3-5 or 6-8
Do you work for a company that has 5+ employees? Bowl for Kids Sake is a great team builder that's right up your alley!
Friday, May 10, 2019
Community Bowl
Shaker Bowl in East Longmeadow
7-9 pm
Bigs & Littles, Parents & Siblings
Join us and create BIG memories at the Big Brothers Big Sisters annual summer picnic!
games, swimming, arts & crafts, and more
WHEN
Saturday, August 17 from 11 am - 2 pm
WHERE
YMCA Camp Weber
79 Great Plains Road
West Springfield
RSVP by August 15th
Email: admin@bigbrothers-sisters.org or Call: 413-781-4730
Picnic fun rain or shine!
Come back soon as we are brainstorming great events and activities to take place this fall!
FREE FUN FRIDAYS
provided by Highland Street Foundation
Free Fun Fridays offer visitors no-cost admission to many of the most treasured cultural venues in Massachusetts. This program was created to increase access and enrichment opportunities for children and families throughout Massachusetts during the summer months. Every Friday, from the end of June through the end of August, multiple sites are open for free. We reach out to schools, veterans groups, libraries, seniors centers, and many other community organizations to ensure that everyone knows that they are also welcome.
MOVIES IN THE PARK
Thanks to the Springfield Department of Parks & Recreation for showing a few family friendly classics around town! Bring your own blankets, chairs, and snacks and create a memory with your Little.
Interskate 91
2043 Boston Road
Wilbraham
Notes: Little’s admission is free, but skate rental is not.
YMCA Springfield
275 Chestnut St
Springfield
YMCA Scantic Valley
45 Post Office Park
Wilbraham
Notes: Talk to case manager for details
Pioneer Valley Roller Derby Home Games
296 Nonotuck Street
Florence
Notes: You will need to present your ID card as well as Roller Derby Coupon. The 2019 PVRD Schedule is found on back of coupon.
Eric Carle Museum
125 West Bay Road
Amherst
Notes: You will need to present your ID card and ask for the “access pass.” This discount doesn’t include special events or events just for members.
Zing! Table Tennis Center
122 Pleasant Street
Easthampton
Notes:
Ready to play some ping pong with your Little? Let Zing! Table Tennis Center in Easthampton help you. They are offering a wonderful discount for you and your Little.Here's how it works:
- Call ahead and mention you are with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County and see if a table is available. You are welcome to just drop in, but you might have to wait for a table. It is best to call ahead.
- You will pay $8 for an hour of play and your Little will play for free. If a table is available you can play for longer than an hour at no extra charge.
- Have fun!!
Tuesday, April 16
MassMutual Center
Free Ticket for child ages 2-13 with 1 paid adult
Tickets available at Big Brothers Big Sisters office. Call 413-781-4730 to reserve yours today.
FAMILY RESOURCES
Every day, someone needs to find essential community services, an after school program, a food bank, or where to secure care for an aging parent. Many face these challenges, but don't always know where to turn for help. log on to Mass211 or Dial 2-1-1
HIGH EDUCATION
Each year, the College Board helps more than seven million students prepare for a successful transition to college through programs and services in college readiness and college success — including the SAT and the Advanced Placement Program. The organization also serves the education community through research and advocacy on behalf of students, educators and schools.
A few features from this website to highlight include:
- College Search feature: Narrow down schools by location, type, majors, tuition, and more
- Scholarship Search: Filter by academics, type of award, affiliation, and personal background
Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts
The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 130 scholarships and two interest-free educational loans. Students who apply to the program may be eligible for many of these funds. Once a student completes the online application, CFWM will determine all funds for which a student may be eligible.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION
How EmbraceRace?
At EmbraceRace, we identify, organize – and, as needed, create – the tools, resources, discussion spaces, and networks we need to meet 4 goals:
· Nurture resilience in children of color
· Nurture inclusive, empathetic children of all stripes
· Raise kids who think critically about racial inequity
· Support a movement of kid and adult racial justice advocates for all children
OTHER
Anti-Bullying
More than one out of every five (20.8%) students report being bullied (National Center for Educational Statistics, 2016). Based on surveys with our Bigs and Littles, we know this effects youth enrolled in our programs. The organizations and websites below have tools to help inform and empower both youth and their mentors.
National Bullying Prevention Center