Kids, grown-ups set sail for fun, friendship with Big Brothers Big Sisters

The annual Big Brothers Big Sisters sailing event returned to Browns Ravine at Folsom Lake on June 21. This fun day on the water shows how simple moments can change young lives forever. Jim has been a Big Brother since 1999. He is now with his sixth Little Brother. Sam, a local high school freshman, is his current match. Jim doesn't have kids of his own, but he has helped guide many young people over the years. "One of my former Little Brothers named his son after me," Jim said with a big smile. "That shows you how much these relationships mean." The sailing event started in the early 2000s. Each year, boat owners from Fleet 4 and the Folsom Lake Yacht Club donate their time and boats. This year, 13 pairs of Bigs and Littles hit the water together. Stacy has been volunteering for 15 years. She started in 1989 and has seen how the program changes lives. Children with mentors are 55 percent more likely to go to college, 78 percent more likely to volunteer in their community, 90 percent more likely to mentor others, and 130 percent more likely to pursue leadership positions, according to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. The local Big Brothers Big Sisters chapter helps kids in Sacramento, Yolo, San Joaquin, Butte, Sutter, Colusa, Stanislaus, Placer, Yuba and Lake counties. Most matches happen in Sacramento and Placer counties. Right now, between 50 and 60 kids have active Big Brothers or Big Sisters. But hundreds more are waiting for a match. Between 100 and 200 children are in the interview process, ready to be paired with adult mentors. The need for adult volunteers is huge. In areas like Butte County, there is one Big ready to help but no Littles signed up yet. How you can help Being a Big Brother or Big Sister requires spending time with a child 2-4 times per month for 3-4 hours at a time. Most volunteers stay about three years, but the minimum commitment is one year. The program serves children ages 8-18. Most kids come from single-parent families, are being raised by grandparents or other family members, or are in foster care. Karen Preston, who organizes the sailing event each year, says the day shows what the program is all about. The event demonstrates how giving kids new experiences and showing them that caring adults believe in them makes a real difference. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Sacramento celebrated its 60th anniversary last year. It holds several fundraising events throughout the year, including spring and fall galas and Bowl for Kids' Sake. All activities between Bigs and Littles come out of the Big's pocket. That's why the organization always needs donations of event tickets and activity passes. Simple activities like playing outside or helping with homework are just as valuable as big outings. Community members can also help by donating tickets to local attractions, sports events, movies or other activities. These donations give Bigs and Littles more fun options to enjoy together without putting extra cost on the volunteers. Folsom Lake Marina at Browns Ravine covered the entrance fees for all the Bigs and Littles attending Saturday's sailing event. This kind of community support makes special days possible. Ready to change a life? The application process takes 1-3 months and includes a background check, interview and training. Child safety is the top priority, so the screening is thorough. Once matched, professional staff provide ongoing support. They check in regularly and offer training and emotional support as needed. Since 1964, the local agency has cleared the path to the brightest possible future for today's youth. Every child has incredible potential waiting to be unlocked. If you're ready to make a real difference in a young person's life, visit bbbs-sac.org to learn more and apply to become a Big Brother or Big Sister. The magic happens when caring adults show up for kids who need them most. Will you be next? Discovering family-friendly destinations and adventures beyond our backyard. For questions, ideas or comments email Jessica at jessicah@goldcountrymedia.com.