REFERRALS TO KIDSTART FOR CHILDREN IN CAMPBELL RIVER AND THE COMOX VALLEY
Mentoring for children ages 6-12.
KidStart program is for children who could use some extra support from a positive role model. Referrals come from parents, family members, teachers, school counsellors, social workers, probation officers, and other professionals.
What a mentor provides.
Mentors and mentees are matched based on shared interests and availability. Outings with their mentor give children undivided attention and the chance to try things they might not otherwise experience. By meeting with their mentee weekly and engaging them in community activities, KidStart mentors serve as consistent and positive role models who provide opportunities to experience new successes and healthy challenges.
Email: kidstart@jhsni.bc.ca
Campbell River
Cell: 250.203.3111 (call or text)
Comox Valley
Cell: 250.898.4842 (call or text)
The Program
Mentoring for children ages 6-12.
KidStart Mentoring
One-to-one mentoring: Children are matched with dedicated adult volunteers.
Weekly outings: Approximately three hours per week of recreational activities.
Screened volunteers: Home visits, criminal record checks, reference checks, and interviews.
Long-term relationships: Many matches continue into the teen years.
Coordinator support: Ongoing training and supervision for mentors, regular communication with families.
No cost: The program is free for families.
Location: Campbell River, Comox Valley.
Eligibility
KidStart is open to:
Children and youth ages 6-12 who are struggling at school, at home, or in the community.
How To
Get Started
STEP 01
Learn More
Read our extensive FAQ section for everything you need to know before getting started. If you’re a parent or caregiver, check out the FAQs for Parents and Caregivers download.
STEP 02
Submit a Referral
Parents, family members, teachers, counsellors, social workers, and other care professionals can submit a referral form by email, phone, fax, mail, or in person.
STEP 03
We follow up
The KidStart coordinator will contact the referrer or parent/caregiver to learn more about the child’s needs.
STEP 04
Waitlist & matching
The child is added to the waitlist and matched with a volunteer mentor when one becomes available. It can take up to three years to be matched with a mentor in your community.
Resources & Downloads
Useful reading before you apply.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Referrals to KidStart in Campbell River & the Comox Valley.
KidStart accepts referrals from parents, family members, teachers, school counsellors, social workers, probation officers, and other child care professionals.
Youth mentees will be paired with an adult volunteer mentor who they will see for approximately 2-3 hours each week. The mentor’s role is to develop a supportive relationship; be a consistent, positive role model; and encourage participation in recreational activities that let youth experience success, healthy challenges, and gain self-confidence. The time they spend together gives mentees new experiences and the opportunity to relate to someone outside of the family.
KidStart is designed for children and youth aged 6-12 who could use some extra support – maybe struggling at school, at home, or in the community, or who are vulnerable or have the potential to become at-risk. If your client could use additional, non-clinical support, please submit a completed referral form or call the KidStart coordinator in your area.
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. The good news is that mentees and their families love being involved in the program, so it’s well worth the wait. Many matches continue into the teen years, and some develop into lifelong friendships.
While the child you refer is on the waitlist, the KidStart coordinator can assist accessing other recreational or social activities in the community.
Many of our mentors learn about our program through word of mouth. If you know someone who would be a good mentor and has 3 hours a week to offer fun and support to a child, encourage them to apply to be a mentor today!
Screening of new KidStart volunteers is lengthy and extensive and includes a home visit, two criminal record checks, reference checks, and two interviews.
KidStart outings are generally 3 or more hours a week and can include activities such as hiking, fishing, skating, biking, baking, doing arts and crafts, playing board games, going out for ice cream, attending special events, or participating in other hobbies or interests that the mentor and mentee are interested in.
Fill out the referral form and email it to kidstart@jhsni.bc.ca.
Or call 250-203-3111 for Campbell River KidStart, or 250-898-4842 for Comox Valley KidStart.
Children and youth are matched with an adult volunteer mentor who acts as a positive role model and helps them build self-confidence and life skills through fun activities in their community. Weekly outings happen for at least a year, and many friendships continue for longer. Some families really appreciate when mentors support their child in learning a new skill or developing a new interest. Parents with multiple children often appreciate that their child gets undivided attention during their KidStart outings. Mentees say they enjoy the fun that they have with their mentors. KidStart coordinators provide ongoing training and supervision to mentors. They also communicate regularly with the parents/caregivers, mentees, and mentors to make sure the program is effective.
It’s important to gauge your client’s need and interest and then explain what part of the program responds best to their unique circumstance.
OUR IMPACT
“KidStart helped my daughter grow in her confidence. She and her mentor talked a lot about school and how important it is.”
– Mom of KidStart Mentee