Circle

Self-doubt and fear of failure are a part of growing up, especially during middle school.

Middle school is the transition time when adolescents are on the brink of adulthood. Kids re-evaluate values previously taught by teachers and parents. It’s a time to determine if those same values/lessons make sense in their new, often confusing and challenging world.

“Girls in particular watch women who are older [than they are]. They study their behavior and attempt to be like them,” said Charlene Schulz, director of After School Buddies.

After School Buddies (ASB), a nonprofit organization, provides female teens (Big Buddies) the opportunity to mentor fourth- through eighth-grade girls (Little Buddies ) to help them prepare for the demanding social and academic challenges they might face in middle school. In turn, the same mentors (ninth grade through college), then discover their own talents, personal gifts and purpose by developing and leading lessons for the younger girls. These young women are mentored by adults who offer support at each session.

ASB, a Christian-based organization, operates on the basic premises of acceptance, respect and love. (ASB is not sponsored by an individual denomination or church.) The end goal of ASB is to empower young girls and women to make smart choices that impact their health, family, education and world around them.

“We (Big Buddies) offer encouragement and plan fun activities that have a meaning behind them,” said Lacey Bunting, who joined ASB in fourth grade to gain confidence, and is in her second year as a Big Buddy.

While the majority of the nearly 90-minute after-school programs for fourth and fifth grades is spent on help with homework, other activities focus on a virtue for the week. Integrity, inner beauty, patience and confidence are encouraged through learning a new dance, speaking in front of others, physical fitness, music and drama.

In middle school, the three-hour program on early-release Wednesdays is a change from the elementary programs. This extended version introduces college-aged mentors into the mix and incorporates increased community outreach including projects for and field trips to local senior living facilities such as Grandma’s House and Partners in Care.

Most ASB programs run November through May, but a free weeklong camp in August on the Schulz property offers the girls recreation while learning. The camp is planned by Big Buddies. Leadership development focuses on commitment, compassion and connection.

“The cool thing is you are a leader, but you are the Little Buddies’ friend, too,” said Kaitlyn Mattson, who is completing her first year as a Big Buddy.

Schulz, who developed the program more than a decade ago and works for Bend Park & Recreation District, acknowledges that commitment is important to girls, especially those who are not experiencing lasting connections at home.

“Their lives can be such a roller coaster,” said Schulz. “Some girls live in households that may not be financially secure. Others have parent(s) with dependency issues or live with incompatible blended families. Yet some girls come from perfectly stable family situations but their school environment offers more challenges than they are equipped to handle. ASB offers a way for girls to experience commitment and stability with female peers and mentors.”

ASB wouldn’t exist without commitment from adult leaders, mentors and community partners. Bend-La Pine Schools hosted the 2013-2014 programs at Elk Meadow, Buckingham and Ensworth elementary schools. The school district also provides free transportation from most Bend middle schools to the Christian Life Center-based middle school group. The district’s Nutrition Services also provides snacks at some locations.

This past year, ASB partnered with Oregon State University Cascades Campus and Central Oregon Community College by having 18 young women participate in service learning opportunities and/or internships.

In-kind donations and financial support also comes from local businesses.

ASB comes full circle by showing compassion to those in the community who are experiencing tough times. Buddies provided holiday food baskets and meals for the needy, gifts of personal items for the Bethlehem Inn, bag lunches for Central Oregon Veterans Outreach, Easter eggs for Bend’s Community Center children and more.

Schulz thinks fondly of many girls who, thanks to being a part of ASB, are aspiring to be the best they can be. Over the years, multiple Buddies have received substantial college scholarships, and many are aspiring to be teachers, social workers, counselors or doctors.

“I learn as much from the Little Buddies as they learn from me,” said Schulz.