Make Mentoring a Part of Your Summer

— from Sarah McKay for Funhouse Commons —

Summer is coming! “Sleeping in, no homework, and spending all day at the lake” are just a few things that 11-year old Leah says she is looking forward to during her summer vacation. Most kids at the Funhouse are eagerly anticipating this much-needed break, but not all of them.

While summer vacation is a subject of excitement for most, it is also a time of transition. For many children, school provides them with predictability, healthy social interactions (with both adults and kids), and physical and emotional safety. It can be hard to find a supplement for those things when school is not in session.

While mentoring is unlike school in a lot of ways, a strong mentor relationship can fill the gaps that some children feel during this time. By meeting regularly over the summer, mentors can provide children with an alternative routine that is predictable, solid, and fun.

Many mentors agree that summer is one of the easiest times to find engaging activities to do with their mentee. Fishing, hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, and swimming are just a handful of activities that Funhouse mentor pairs fill their time with. Starting a new mentor relationship at the beginning of summer can be a great time to meet a new friend, form a strong bond, and provide the consistency that summer break is sometimes lacking.

People interested in being a mentor or mentee are encouraged to contact Sarah McKay at sarah@thefunhouse.org, or call 376-7177.