1:1 Mentoring enables youth to connect with trained staff mentors, their peers, family, and the landscape in a more individualized format. The quality of time and attention youth receive in the 1:1 Mentoring program is enhanced due to the smaller number of participants we can serve in a program of this nature. There are three main ways to connect - 1:1 Meetups, 1:1 check-in calls and texts, and Zoom Group Chats. Through these mediums, we can continue to grow trusting and supportive mentoring relationships with youth with safe and caring adults while maintaining health and safety for all.
BEAR staff are typically available for youth and their families Monday-Thursday from 8:00-4:30pm, but individual staff will let youth know of their specific availability. Any 1:1 calls or texts made to BEAR staff outside of regular hours will be responded to during the next operational day.
3 ways to connect in 1:1 Mentoring
1:1 Meetups
Youth members will meetup in-person with their BEAR mentor once per week for about an hour based on a time/day that work for both the youth and mentor. Youth are encouraged to make plans with their mentor for each meetup in advance, either working towards a goal or just having some fun together! Mentors will also come prepared with a backup activity, just in case the planned activity can't happen for some reason. Mentors can meet at the youth's home and spend time together in their yard or neighborhood, or select a meetup spot outdoors in the community where the youth can conveniently be dropped off/picked up by a parent/guardian or travel to independently (with parental permission). Mentors can also transport youth, if necessary, following the appropriate COVID-19 safety guidelines. Mentors and youth will largely remain outdoors during their meetups and wear masks when social distance is not possible. Please refer to our Health & Safety guidelines below for more information about how BEAR is adapting to the “new normal” of keeping everyone safe while participating in our programs.
1:1 Check-In Calls and Texts
BEAR staff and youth members will also connect weekly via phone call and/or text, which creates additional opportunities to check-in, share, learn, and grow together. Family members are encouraged to join in the conversations, as well.
Zoom Group Chats
When in-person meetings aren't possible, BEAR staff will facilitate a Zoom Chat to spend time with youth. Families are welcome to join in the fun too! In order for youth to participate in BEAR's Zoom Chats, they will need access to a computer, mobile device or tablet with access to the Internet. If these devices are unavailable, please let us know and we will help you gain access to a device.
Family Participation
Parents/Guardians/Caregivers are strongly encouraged to participate with their youth in the BEAR 1:1 Mentoring program. It’s just another great way to spend quality time together!
Youth members will meetup in-person with their BEAR mentor once per week for about an hour based on a time/day that work for both the youth and mentor. Youth are encouraged to make plans with their mentor for each meetup in advance, either working towards a goal or just having some fun together! Mentors will also come prepared with a backup activity, just in case the planned activity can't happen for some reason. Mentors can meet at the youth's home and spend time together in their yard or neighborhood, or select a meetup spot outdoors in the community where the youth can conveniently be dropped off/picked up by a parent/guardian or travel to independently (with parental permission). Mentors can also transport youth, if necessary, following the appropriate COVID-19 safety guidelines. Mentors and youth will largely remain outdoors during their meetups and wear masks when social distance is not possible. Please refer to our Health & Safety guidelines below for more information about how BEAR is adapting to the “new normal” of keeping everyone safe while participating in our programs.
1:1 Check-In Calls and Texts
BEAR staff and youth members will also connect weekly via phone call and/or text, which creates additional opportunities to check-in, share, learn, and grow together. Family members are encouraged to join in the conversations, as well.
Zoom Group Chats
When in-person meetings aren't possible, BEAR staff will facilitate a Zoom Chat to spend time with youth. Families are welcome to join in the fun too! In order for youth to participate in BEAR's Zoom Chats, they will need access to a computer, mobile device or tablet with access to the Internet. If these devices are unavailable, please let us know and we will help you gain access to a device.
Family Participation
Parents/Guardians/Caregivers are strongly encouraged to participate with their youth in the BEAR 1:1 Mentoring program. It’s just another great way to spend quality time together!
Cost
The typical fee for 1:1 Mentoring is $25 per week and intended to cover only a portion of the real cost associated with offering the program. However, due to the current circumstances surrounding COVID-19 and the financial stress so many families are experiencing at this time, BEAR will cover all fees by providing full scholarships to all 1:1 Mentoring participants.
Health & Safety Guidelines
Due to the current conditions with COVID-19, BEAR mentors, youth members, and their families must follow the guidelines listed below in order to participate in the 1:1 Meetups portion of the program: BEAR staff and youth must practice social distancing by remaining at least 6 ft apart if they do not want to wear masks. Otherwise, when social distance cannot be maintained, masks must be worn. While riding in a vehicle together, mentors and youth will wear masks and ventilate the vehicle by opening the windows. BEAR staff must have hand sanitizer handy, if needed.
All staff, participants, and family members are responsible for disclosing any symptoms of illness they may be experiencing prior to meeting with BEAR staff for 1:1 Meetups.
BEAR staff will NOT conduct explicit pre-shift or pre-programming health assessments. It is the responsibility of the individual participant/family to take action and disclose if they are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- fever over 100.4° Fahrenheit
- cough - shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- sore throat
- chills or repeated shaking with chills
- unexplained muscle pain
- new loss of taste or smell
- vomiting - diarrhea
Staff, participants or family members experiencing any of the above symptoms must be excluded from in-person work and attending programming until they have been symptom-free for 14 days (staff are expected to telework from home if their symptoms do not prohibit them from working generally). We understand that this is more conservative than guidelines found elsewhere, but is intended to provide the safest environment for everyone. In addition, any staff with symptoms should be tested for COVID-19.
Identifying information for those who are excluded from work or programming due to reported symptoms or illness will be recorded in a confidential document and attached to participant registration information or employee files, including their name, phone number, symptoms, and the date the symptoms were reported in order to track who needs to refrain from attending work/programming and the date upon which they are able to return. The County Public Health Dept will be consulted if staff are in need of additional guidance on a case by case basis.
Click here to read our full COVID-19 Guidelines.
All staff, participants, and family members are responsible for disclosing any symptoms of illness they may be experiencing prior to meeting with BEAR staff for 1:1 Meetups.
BEAR staff will NOT conduct explicit pre-shift or pre-programming health assessments. It is the responsibility of the individual participant/family to take action and disclose if they are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- fever over 100.4° Fahrenheit
- cough - shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- sore throat
- chills or repeated shaking with chills
- unexplained muscle pain
- new loss of taste or smell
- vomiting - diarrhea
Staff, participants or family members experiencing any of the above symptoms must be excluded from in-person work and attending programming until they have been symptom-free for 14 days (staff are expected to telework from home if their symptoms do not prohibit them from working generally). We understand that this is more conservative than guidelines found elsewhere, but is intended to provide the safest environment for everyone. In addition, any staff with symptoms should be tested for COVID-19.
Identifying information for those who are excluded from work or programming due to reported symptoms or illness will be recorded in a confidential document and attached to participant registration information or employee files, including their name, phone number, symptoms, and the date the symptoms were reported in order to track who needs to refrain from attending work/programming and the date upon which they are able to return. The County Public Health Dept will be consulted if staff are in need of additional guidance on a case by case basis.
Click here to read our full COVID-19 Guidelines.
Ready to join?
E-Mentoring FAQs
Why E-mentoring?
In-person mentoring and programs are the most direct and impactful way for BEAR staff to connect with youth. However, when those programs are not in session or not feasible (like right now with COVID-19), BEAR has developed a way to connect youth with trained staff mentors, their peers, family, and the landscape through our E-mentoring program. There are two main ways to connect - 1:1 check-in calls & texts and our virtual programming activities on the BEAR E-Den blog. Through these mediums, we can grow trusting and supportive mentoring relationships with youth with safe and caring adults.
In-person mentoring and programs are the most direct and impactful way for BEAR staff to connect with youth. However, when those programs are not in session or not feasible (like right now with COVID-19), BEAR has developed a way to connect youth with trained staff mentors, their peers, family, and the landscape through our E-mentoring program. There are two main ways to connect - 1:1 check-in calls & texts and our virtual programming activities on the BEAR E-Den blog. Through these mediums, we can grow trusting and supportive mentoring relationships with youth with safe and caring adults.
1:1 check-in calls & texts
Maintaining a personal 1:1 connection with youth members is a priority in B.E.A.R.'s mentoring philosophy, and therefore a central component of our E-mentoring program. B.E.A.R. staff will call and/or text youth members directly on a weekly basis, providing a direct connection for each youth member. Family members are encouraged to join the conversation, as well. Participation in 1:1 check-ins is not required to sign up for the B.E.A.R. E-Den virtual programming activities, though both are strongly encouraged!
Maintaining a personal 1:1 connection with youth members is a priority in B.E.A.R.'s mentoring philosophy, and therefore a central component of our E-mentoring program. B.E.A.R. staff will call and/or text youth members directly on a weekly basis, providing a direct connection for each youth member. Family members are encouraged to join the conversation, as well. Participation in 1:1 check-ins is not required to sign up for the B.E.A.R. E-Den virtual programming activities, though both are strongly encouraged!
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Virtual programming activities on the BEAR E-Den blog
The B.E.A.R. E-Den is a members-only blog platform where B.E.A.R. staff will post at least one activity per week for youth to watch interactive videos and download activity sheets. The goal is to get kids moving, thinking, and playing in ways that connect them with nature, their families and their individual potential. Members will also have the opportunity to interact with B.E.A.R. staff and other youth members in the chat forum/comments section on the blog, and are encouraged to comment about their experiences doing the activities, as well as on each other’s posts. This may include posting videos or photos showing their participation in activities and completing surveys or fun quizzes to celebrate what they've learned. B.E.A.R. staff will also facilitate Zoom video chats for youth members who wish to chat with peers live and engage in group activities online. Scheduling of Zoom chats will be posted on the blog and in the bi-weekly Shout OUT! e-mentoring newsletter. Participation in virtual programming on the E-Den is not required to sign up for 1:1 check-in calls & text, though both are strongly encouraged! |
Family Participation
Parents/Guardians/Caregivers are strongly encouraged to participate with their youth in the BEAR E-Mentoring program. By signing up as members on the BEAR E-Den, families may view the posted activities and make comments in the chat forum/comments section. Being a member of the blog also provides an opportunity to monitor online activity in the BEAR E-Den. Even if families are not members of the blog, they are still encouraged to participate in all of the posted activities with their youth. Not only is it a great way to spend quality time together, but family participation increases youth members’ chances of winning bi-weekly raffle prizes.
Parents/Guardians/Caregivers are strongly encouraged to participate with their youth in the BEAR E-Mentoring program. By signing up as members on the BEAR E-Den, families may view the posted activities and make comments in the chat forum/comments section. Being a member of the blog also provides an opportunity to monitor online activity in the BEAR E-Den. Even if families are not members of the blog, they are still encouraged to participate in all of the posted activities with their youth. Not only is it a great way to spend quality time together, but family participation increases youth members’ chances of winning bi-weekly raffle prizes.
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Win Prizes!
In celebration of our new e-mentoring, we want to reward program members for their participation by raffling off awesome outdoor gear, like headlamps, Thermo-flasks, synthetic base layers, rain gear, daypacks, and more! Prize drawings will take place every two weeks on Thursday mornings based on the previous two weeks of participation in virtual programming activities. Members who participate in at least one of the activities posted during the two week drawing period will have their name entered into the drawing ONCE. To verify participation, youth members are required to complete the survey or quiz linked after each activity. If family members participate in any of the virtual programming in the same two week drawing period, youth members will have their name entered a second time into the drawing. The family member does not have to be a registered user of the blog, however, the youth must report family member's participation in the post-activity survey/quiz in order to get their name entered a second time. A video will be posted on the blog of BEAR staff drawing the name of the raffle winner for the two week drawing period. |
Participate during the weeks of:
May 11 & May 18 - drawing on May 21 May 25 & June 1 - drawing on June 4 June 8 & June 15 - drawing on June 18 June 22 & June 29 - drawing on July 2 |
Shout OUT! E-mentoring Newsletter
To keep our members up-to-date on upcoming activities, Zoom chat dates, and raffle prize winners, B.E.A.R. will send out a bi-weekly newsletter focused on all things e-mentoring. It will include additional activities, inspiring quotes, fun ways to get moving and more! All e-mentoring program members will receive the E-Den newsletter and can opt out at any time.
To keep our members up-to-date on upcoming activities, Zoom chat dates, and raffle prize winners, B.E.A.R. will send out a bi-weekly newsletter focused on all things e-mentoring. It will include additional activities, inspiring quotes, fun ways to get moving and more! All e-mentoring program members will receive the E-Den newsletter and can opt out at any time.
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E-mentoring schedule
The first session of the e-mentoring program will run for 8 weeks, May 11 - July 3, 2020. Youth and families can sign up at any time during the 8-week session for 1:1 check-ins and/or virtual programming on the BEAR E-Den. BEAR staff will be available to approve and/or respond to member comments on the blog chat forum during operational hours, Monday-Thursday from 8:00am-4:30pm. Comments made after hours will be approved and/or responded to during the next operational day. |
Youth Safety Online
Online safety of our youth members is at the forefront of B.E.A.R.'s e-mentoring program and thoughtful measures have been taken to ensure consistent monitoring of our platforms and 1:1 interactions.
- All communications on the E-Den blog are private and for members only. BEAR staff manage the online registration of members to ensure proper parental/guardian/caregiver consent prior to youth sign up.
- BEAR staff will review and approve all comments made by members in the E-Den before they are posted to the blog. Inappropriate content and/or bullying will be removed at staff's discretion.
- As part of the form to submit comments to the blog, members are required to enter their name and email each time they make a comment. Therefore, BEAR staff will compare the names/emails submitted with comments to the member registration log and only approve comments when the names/emails match the registration log. This ensures the identity of the commenting member each time they post and prevents members from entering alias names or hiding their identity.
- BEAR will post the names and/or photos of youth members who win raffle prizes, with parent/guardian/caregiver permission only (via the Parental Consent Form). Winners will be announced in a video drawing posted to the blog, in the bi-weekly Shout OUT! e-mentoring newsletter, and on the BEAR Facebook page.
- Parents/Guardians/Caregivers are encouraged to sign up as members on the blog as a method for creating greater transparency for families monitoring the online activity of their youth.
Learn more about online safety for kids and the guidelines BEAR followed to develop these protocols.
BEAR's Youth Online Safety Practices
Guidelines used to develop BEAR's online safety protocols
Suggestions for keeping your kids safe online
Local wi-fi resources for families
- Bitterroot Public Library Wifi
Online safety of our youth members is at the forefront of B.E.A.R.'s e-mentoring program and thoughtful measures have been taken to ensure consistent monitoring of our platforms and 1:1 interactions.
- All communications on the E-Den blog are private and for members only. BEAR staff manage the online registration of members to ensure proper parental/guardian/caregiver consent prior to youth sign up.
- BEAR staff will review and approve all comments made by members in the E-Den before they are posted to the blog. Inappropriate content and/or bullying will be removed at staff's discretion.
- As part of the form to submit comments to the blog, members are required to enter their name and email each time they make a comment. Therefore, BEAR staff will compare the names/emails submitted with comments to the member registration log and only approve comments when the names/emails match the registration log. This ensures the identity of the commenting member each time they post and prevents members from entering alias names or hiding their identity.
- BEAR will post the names and/or photos of youth members who win raffle prizes, with parent/guardian/caregiver permission only (via the Parental Consent Form). Winners will be announced in a video drawing posted to the blog, in the bi-weekly Shout OUT! e-mentoring newsletter, and on the BEAR Facebook page.
- Parents/Guardians/Caregivers are encouraged to sign up as members on the blog as a method for creating greater transparency for families monitoring the online activity of their youth.
Learn more about online safety for kids and the guidelines BEAR followed to develop these protocols.
BEAR's Youth Online Safety Practices
Guidelines used to develop BEAR's online safety protocols
Suggestions for keeping your kids safe online
Local wi-fi resources for families
- Bitterroot Public Library Wifi