Explorations: Big Brothers & Big Sisters of the Fraser Valley

‘Explorations’ After-School Group

Play! Learn! Grow!

The Explorations Program is an ideal setting for students to develop social skills, social engagement, and gain exposure to a variety of new activities and experiences in a small group setting with adult mentors that are screened and trained. Each after-school session is loosely structured around the three key Explorations themes of healthy decision-making skills, creating new and fulfilling relationships, and feeling good about oneself. Healthy snacks are provided each session.

After-school programs are one way to help youth develop and strengthen social and emotional learning skills, as well as give them the space to explore their potential and broaden their understanding of the world around them.

‘Explorations’ runs once a week, for 2 hours (2:30-4:30pm). Group sessions take place on Thursday, and are held in the school gym, where youth are able to enjoy a wide variety of activities, crafts, and games together. Groups are facilitated by a co-leadership model with mentors working in pairs, or groups of three, with a small group of youth (10-12 students) in grades 5-7. This group welcomes youth of all gender identities.

‘Explorations’ strives to achieve the following:

• Provide youth with the skills and support they need to cultivate personal wellness and growth through interactive learning sessions
• Create a positive environment for youth to develop new friendships
• Guide youth in learning to strengthen self-esteem and self-awareness
• Promote healthy decision-making skills
• Establish healthy and trusting relationships with their mentors

Create a positive environment for youth to develop new friendships