Big Trek/Little Trek Program Kicks Off

Thomaston, Maine - On Tuesday, October 22, Trekkers begins the ninth year of Big Trek/Little Trek, an
after school mentoring program that pairs high school students with 3rd and 4th grade students from St. George School and Lura Libby School. Eleven students from Oceanside High School will participate in the program, contributing over 100 hours of community service this fall.

By matching students from different age groups, Big Trek/Little Trek hopes to encourage a mutually beneficial relationship. The Big Trek/Little Trek pairs will meet one hour a week for seven weeks and participate in a variety of activities, both one-on-one and in large group settings. The students will spend a lot of time being active together outdoors on the playground, playing basketball, or winding down by playing board games or doing arts and crafts. The “Littles” will receive encouragement from a positive role model while the “Bigs” develop leadership skills and gain an appreciation for giving back to their community.

Program Coordinators Lindsey Evans and Neal Young are very excited about the number of returning mentors this year, along with the strength and diversity within the group. As role-models, these high school students will hone their leadership skills while volunteering in the community. Before the seven-week fall session begins, the “Bigs” will participate in an hour long training that prepares them for their role. For some, this program will be their first experience as a mentor.

Another seven-week session of Big Trek/Little Trek will be offered in the spring. Any high school student from the communities of RSU #13 can apply to be a mentor. To learn more about becoming a mentor, visit www.trekkers.org or call the Trekkers office at 594-5095.