TEAM up with Big Brothers Big Sisters

Thank you for your interest in the Big Brother Big Sisters Program!

Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) is based on the concept that, in order to reach their
full potential as men and women, children need the influence of a mature and
responsible individual during their formative years.  The BBBS program is designed
to meet the needs of youth through the provision of a Big Brother or Big Sister
volunteer.  This one on one relationship, between the youth and volunteer, serves
to enhance the quality of the youth’s life and broaden his or her possibilities for the
future.

Our new program, TEAM, which stands for Tutoring in English And Math, is
designed to help youth in Intermediate and Middle Schools excel in school.  Children
from time to time need help outside of the classroom in order to be successful.  We
will be matching these children with a Junior or Senior Honor Student from
Martinsburg High School or Musselman High School.  They will meet one on one
after school for one hour per week.

What is Required as a Volunteer?

A volunteer for TEAM is required to:
  • Spend one hour per week tutoring his or her Little in English or Math
(All activities must take place at the school the volunteer is assigned to.  Volunteers
are not permitted to transport children.)  
  • Make a commitment of one full school year (September through May)
  • Notify the school and agency immediately if you are
unable to make weekly visit
(The Little will be expecting the volunteer and has arranged for transportation)
  • Participate in match supervision every other month
  • Complete in person interview at the end of each semester
  • Inform the School-Based Coordinator of any problems, concerns or changes
    in telephone numbers, etc.
  • Be a role model for his or her Little
  • Be conscious of behavior and language around his or her Little

Please note the any violation of these guidelines may result in the termination of the
match through Big Brothers Big Sisters.  (If the match is terminated due to non
compliance on the volunteers part, he or she may also be subject to repercussions
from Berkeley County Schools upon the schools discretion.)


What Role Does the Agency Play in Matches?

The professional staff at BBBS provides support and guidance to Bigs, Littles,
Parents and school personnel in an effort to ensure greater success in matches.  
Our volunteers are never left to cope with any situation alone.  Our staff is always
here to help with any problems or concerns, no matter how big or small the problem
may seem.

Match supervision is a must.  It is imperative to a match that all parties have
consistent contact with the site-based coordinator in order to keep the agency
informed of the progress of the match and any issues or concerns.  

Volunteers are required to report to the School-Based Coordinator every other
month.  Your supervision contact will take place via email, phone or in person.  At
the end of each semester we require volunteers to complete an in person interview
that will assess the progress or decline of the match.  We will also need to obtain the
Little’s grades or progress report to assess the benefit of our program.  

We will also organize a few agency events that participants will be invited to attend.

How Does a Little Qualify for the TEAM Program?

In order to participate in the program the Little must:
  • Reside in Berkeley County and attend one of the five participating schools
    (Martinsburg South Middle, Martinsburg North Middle, Eagle School
    Intermediate School, Musselman Middle and Mill Creek Intermediate School)
  • Have a need for one on one tutoring in English and/or Math
  • Have the desire to be in the program
  • Be capable of establishing a one on one relationship with the volunteer
  • Be able to relate to the volunteer
  • Have a parent/guardian’s permission to participate and transportation home
    from school property.  We cannot provide transportation.  

Who are the Children?

The children in the BBBS program come from all socio-economic, racial and cultural
backgrounds.  Our staff will conduct interviews with both the child and his or her
parent/guardian to assess the child’s needs.  This information will be shared with the
volunteer in order create the most effective match as possible.  

What can I Expect from Big Brothers Big Sisters?

Big Brothers Big Sisters staff will provide:
  • Regular support
  • Availability as close as a telephone
  • Response to participants concerns or difficulties in relationship
  • Mediation between Big, Little, Family and School

Little Brothers and Little Sisters will provide:
  • Personal satisfaction from “being there”
  • Personal growth and development
  • Perhaps a life long friend!

Volunteers will provide:
  • Tutoring in English and/or Math
  • Insight and advice
  • Support and encouragement in time of difficulty
  • New friendships