Jonny Roach – Staff Writer 

Once a month, students from local elementary schools and Bishop’s University reunite for Saturday afternoons filled with activities, play and one-on-one mentorship through the Big Buddies program. You can usually find big and little buddies laughing around campus, playing games at the Sportsplex, or having fun in the community together. 

Image courtesy of Katherine Pereira

The Big Buddies program is driven by a hands-on, one-on-one approach that matches a “Little” to a “Big.” The pairings enjoy a typical meeting with lots of crafts and games, as well as community outings like trampoline parks and Sherbrooke Phoenix hockey games through monthly events. These encounters allow Bigs to loosen up from their usual busy school schedules and let their inner child shine, giving elementary students the full attention of a mentor who will wholeheartedly engage with their personal interests. 

“We really focus on fostering a positive relationship between Littles and Bigs so that we can instill confidence and social skills in the youth in our surrounding community,” described Katherine Pereira, a third-year education student and communications co-lead of the program. Pereira began her involvement with the program in her first year at Bishop’s as a Big and has since been delighted to be one of twelve students who make the magic of this program a possibility. 

Big Buddies has paired 70 Bigs with 70 Littles, ranging from Grades one to six, from schools across the region, such as Lennoxville, Sherbrooke, North Hatley, Vision and Cookshire Elementary Schools. This marks a major growth from last year, when the program only had students from Lennoxville Elementary School. 

The typical event is held once a month for two hours and is structured to be accessible to families and university students alike. “It’s not a high commitment,” Pereira explained. “Bigs show up, everything is prepared, and they can just focus on having fun and supporting their Little.” 

What sets this program apart from traditional youth programs is the inclusivity and one-on-one experience. The team at Big Buddies works diligently to create a welcoming environment for volunteer students and families from diverse backgrounds, including those with strong communication needs for families of children with special needs or kids who may require extra support, such as newcomers to Canada. 

“We’re very open,” she said. “Anyone and everyone is welcome, and we’ll figure out what we need to do to make everyone feel comfortable and included.” 

The push for greatness in this program lies in being entirely student-operated. A 12-member executive team manages event planning, communications, finances and community outreach. Interested students from programs such as education, psychology and sociology have the opportunity to provide support to a child from the perspective of a peer, rather than a typical adult or instructor. 

For education students like Pereira, the experience offers practical insight beyond the classroom. “You really see the importance of getting to know the individual,” she said. “That relationship makes a difference in establishing engagement and trust.” 

Parents also benefit from the program’s structure. Big Buddies provides their children with a safe, supervised space to socialize, explore new activities, and develop self-confidence alongside a positive role model. In fact, many Littles, Pereira noted, eagerly anticipate each monthly event and even recognize their Bigs when they see them around the local community. 

At its core, Big Buddies exemplifies the community-based values that are commonly attributed to Bishop’s University. One match at a time, the program builds connections between campus and community by connecting the individuals who reside in both. As the Big Buddies Program continues to grow, its mission remains unchanged: creating meaningful connections through mentorship, play and shared experience.