BIG FAQs

Our most frequently asked questions about being a Big

The process of being matched:

How will I be matched with a child? 
How do children come into the program? 
Who are the children in the program? 

What it’s like to be a Big:

When can I see my Little?
How much money should I spend? 
What are some good ideas for outings with my Little? 
Can I bring my partner/friend/family member on outings?
What kind of support can I expect from BBBS once I get matched?

How will I be matched with a child?

The enrollment and interview process helps us to get to know your preferences as well as the situation best suited for you. It also helps you get to know us and the program expectations. We take into account your personality, likes, dislikes, age preferences, background and location.

How do children come into the program?

Children and parents may hear about BBBS from a teacher, a counselor, their church, a friend, commercials, etc. All children and their parents choose to be in our program.

Who are the children in the program?

Our Little Brothers and Sisters come from many types of home environments and family structures, different social-economic levels, ethnic backgrounds and neighborhoods and schools across all communities. Their backgrounds and personalities are unique, but they all have a need for friendship with a caring adult.

When can I see my Little?

Our Bigs and Littles decide together what they want to do and they get parent approval. We recommend that you keep a consistent schedule of outings and that you see each other on a regular basis. Your local agency will provide specific guidelines on expected frequency of activities with your Little. Until your relationship is established the outings will also depend on the comfort level of your Little’s parent, your Little and you. If your Little is younger, a shorter outing might be better.

How much money should I spend?

We discourage you from spending a lot of money on your outings. The goal of the relationship is friendship. You should focus your time on getting to know each other. We encourage you to seek out free or low-cost activities, especially in the beginning. BBBS often offers free or low-cost activities. Once you become a Big Brother or Sister, you gain access to the Match Central portion of our website, where companies offer discounts for matches and free tickets to sporting and theater events.

What are some good ideas for outings with my Little?

Share an activity that gives you something in common to talk about. Buy a comic book to read to each other, play a board game, or take a ride in the car with the radio on while you discuss music! You want to select activities that give each of you a chance to learn more about one another . For children, playing can be learning. Most important: have FUN!

Can I bring my partner/friend/family member on outings?

The main focus of the BBBS program is one-to-one friendships, so we encourage you to keep your time together to just the two of you. It is also important to remember that you take on full responsibility and liability for any person other than your Little who comes with you on an outing.

What kind of support can I expect from BBBS once I get matched?

Once you are matched with your Little, a Match Support Coordinator will be in regular contact with you to provide assistance and give feedback. Anytime you are unsure about what to do or how to handle a situation, they will be there to help. You’ll receive ideas for activities, guidance for handling possible difficult situations and feedback on how you are making a difference, just by showing up!

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