The Juvenile Mentoring Program of the Montgomery County Youth Service Bureau recently enjoyed a trip to Malibu Jacks in Lafayette.
“Malibu Jacks is a favorite event for our group, who enjoyed pizza, playing in the arcade, riding amusement park rides and activities while they were there,” said Sara Clapp, JUMP program director.
The JUMP program matches an adult volunteer or a married couple with a Montgomery County youth who has similar interests. 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 hang out and spend time with someone,” Clapp said.
Mentoring has shown to have an impact on youth, helping mentees to bcomee more likely to succeed academically, become involved in the community and go on to become mentors as adults.
The trip to Malibu Jacks is just one activity mentors have enjoyed with their mentees this year. They also have attended a bowling and laser tag party, put together drone kits, went to the movie theater, attended professional plays and musical productions and watched professional basketball and baseball games and there are many more adventures planned for 2024 with the program.
“It has been fun to allow our matches to spread their wings this year with some new independent activities,” Clapp said.
The JUMP program is currently looking for volunteers. To learn more about becoming a mentor, contact sara@mcysb.org or call 765-362-0694, ext 102.
