“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.”
― Benjamin Franklin
Are you motivated to help young people in your community? Are you willing and able to make the commitment to be a positive role model for a young person in your community? If you answered yes, then it’s time for you to consider becoming a mentor.
Benefits of becoming a mentor
- Personal fulfillment through contribution to the community and individuals
- Satisfaction in helping someone mature, progress, and achieve goals
- Training sessions and group activities
- Participation in a mentor support group
- Mileage and expenses are tax-deductible
- Personal ongoing support, supervision to help the match succeed
- Mentee/mentor group activities, complimentary tickets to community events, participant recognition events
As you begin the very rewarding journey to becoming a mentor, you will need to have a complete understanding of the process and the exact role of a mentor. As a mentor you will be a role model to a young person and make a positive difference in their lives. You will understand the need to assume a variety of different roles while developing a long-term positive relationship with a young person. Which may include:
- Mutual respect.
- Acceptance and flexibility.
- Honesty and direct communication.
- Preparation.
- Commitment.
- Some shared values.
- Trust.
- Willingness to work through obstacles.
As you and your mentee begin to build a positive relationship; by exploring values, similar interest and goals, you will find yourself making a positive difference in the mentee’s life. You will learn a lot about yourself, as mentoring not only affects the young person’s life, but also the life of the mentor. Mentoring is a shared opportunity for growth and learning for the mentor and the mentee. Being a mentor will enable you to:
- Have fun.
- Achieve personal growth, learn more about themselves.
- Improve their self-esteem and feel they are making a difference.
- Gain a better understanding of other cultures and develop a greater appreciation for diversity.
- Feel more productive and have a better attitude at work.
- Enhance their relationships with their own children.
A good mentor will take the time to get to know their mentee, as you both grow and learn new things that are important to the mentee. A good mentor will embrace the challenges and rewards of mentoring a young person and realize that the memories that you create will last each of you a lifetime.
Mentor Application and Screening Process
- Complete Mentor Application
- Driving record check
- Criminal history check: state, child abuse and neglect registry, sexual offender registry
- Complete a telephone interview and a personal interview
- Provide three personal references
- Provide two employment references
- Attend an initial two-hour mentor training session
- Attend two training sessions per year
- Agree to a one-year commitment, one hour per week
For more information, contact the Camp S.W.A.G. Mentoring Program at (833) 226-7792 or email the Camp S.W.A.G.Mentoring Program.
To get started, Camp S.W.A.G. will match you with a student in your community and you will be required to do the following to become a mentor:
- You will need to attend a two-hour training session and you will be provided with information to help through every step of the process.
- You will need to participate in an interview and background check.
- You will need to work with no more than two mentees for no more than four hours out of the month per mentee for one full year.
- Assist students will setting goals, exploring careers, identify and assist with character values, assist the mentee in building employment skills, and participate in fun activities with your mentee.
Please go to Online Mentor Application to complete the application online or you may print the application via Mentor Application. Upon completion of the printed Mentor Application, please email application in the form of PDF, JPEG, or PNG to Mentoring Program or via US mail to:
Camp S.W.A.G.
Mentor Application
P. O. Box 3392
Cary, NC 27519
Peer Mentors
Peer mentors are high school students ages 16-19 years old who mentor elementary or middle school students during the school year for 1-2 hours per week. The peer mentor will provide the less experience mentee support, guidance, encouragement, assistance with schoolwork and help build relationships with others.
If you are a high school student between the ages of 16-19 years old and are interested in becoming a peer mentor, please visit the Camp S.W.A.G. Peer Mentoring Program for more information.
If you have questions, please contact Carl at (424) 354-9196 or email us at CSWAG Peer Mentoring Program.
Program Directors
Christopher Coard
Mentoring Program
Proud Member of Mentor The National Mentoring Partnership
All mentors must complete a background check.
Some information courtesy of Mentor