Children and youth aged 6-12 are paired with an adult volunteer mentor who they will see for 3 or more hours per week of fun. The mentor’s role is to develop a supportive relationship, be a consistent positive role model, and encourage participation in recreational activities that help children experience success and gain self-confidence. Many matches continue into the teen years.

In the Comox Valley it’s a 6 month to 2 year wait and in the Campbell River area it is a 2 year to 5 year wait. If you know someone who would be a good mentor, and has 3 hours a week to have fun with a child, please tell them to apply to be a mentor today!

KidStart is designed for children and youth aged 6-12 who are struggling (not doing well at school, at home or in the community, and who are vulnerable or have the potential to become at-risk). If your client has one or more risk factors, please submit a completed referral form.

Fill out the referral form and email it to or

fax to 250-286-3650 for Campbell River KidStart

fax to 250-338-6568 for Comox Valley KidStart

We often discuss the idea that “it takes a village to raise a child” and that KidStart is a way to create one more supportive, stable, caring, positive connection for children and youth.

Some families really appreciate when mentors (for example a retired teacher), help their child with homework or applying for jobs. Bigger families often appreciate that their child gets undivided attention during their KidStart outings.

100% of the KidStart families report that their children have higher self-esteem and self-confidence after 1 or more years of being involved.

It’s important to gage your client’s need and interest and then explain what part of the program responds best to their unique circumstance.

Screening of new KidStart volunteers is lengthy and extensive and includes a home visit, two criminal record checks, reference checks and three interviews.

KidStart outings are generally 3 or more hours a week and can include activities such as; Hiking, fishing, skating, biking, baking, crafts, art, playing board games, going out for ice-cream, attending special events or any hobbies or interests that the mentor and mentee are interested in.

These 2 mentoring programs have a lot of similarities in that they both offer 1-to-1 mentoring for vulnerable children and youth. The main difference is that Big Brothers & Big Sisters is not offered in the Campbell River or Comox Valley area.