Big Trek/Little Trek Program Kicks Off

Thomaston, Maine - Trekkers has begun the tenth year of Big Trek/Little Trek, an afterschool mentoring program that pairs high school students with 3rd and 4th grade students from St. George School and Lura Libby School. This year, twelve students from Oceanside High School are participating as “Bigs” for the fall session of the program. Prior to the program’s start, all of the “Bigs” participated in an hour-long training to prepare them for their role. For some, this program is their first experience as a mentor. They will now meet one hour a week in Big Trek/Little Trek pairs.

The students will participate in a variety of activities together, both one-on-one and in large group settings. They will spend time being active on the school playground, playing basketball, playing board games or doing arts and crafts together. In addition to enjoying the weekly activities, 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.

Keeping true to the Trekkers’ mission, Big Trek/Little Trek builds relationships and continues a
mentoring tradition for older students who have already benefited from caring adult role models through their own Trekkers experience.  Big Trek/Little Trek is designed to give the Bigs a chance to become peer mentors; encouraging them to take a more active role in the culture and development of our towns and school systems.  The benefits for the Littles mirror those of the Bigs, helping to build self-esteem and foster interpersonal relationships.

Trekkers Program Manager Hannah Tannebring leads this year’s Big Trek/Little Trek program. Speaking about the fall session, Tannebring said, “I am excited about the number of dedicated, enthusiastic, and supportive mentors this year, along with the strength and diversity within the group. As role models, these high school students will make a difference in the lives of the “Littles” while they hone their leadership skills and volunteer in the community.”

To learn more about becoming a mentor for future Big Trek/Little Trek sessions, visit www.trekkers.org or call Hannah Tannebring at the Trekkers office 594-5095. Trekkers is a non-profit outdoor-based mentoring program that connects young people with caring adults through expeditionary learning, community service and adventure-based education. Trekkers’ serves the six communities of RSU #13: Cushing, Owls Head, Rockland, South Thomaston, St. George and Thomaston.