Mentor

The special thing about small town is the sense of community. We’re a grassroots project that is built and ran by people giving back through volunteering.

The most important part of our organization is our volunteer mentors.

These people spend a day on the ski hill or in a drift boat working with at-risk youth and sharing their passion for being outside. During the week they teach a curriculum on how to work through the issues that life can throw at you. It can be incredibly rewarding and incredibly tough.

But it usually changes everyone involved.

Connecting

Fishing in Yellowstone Park

Having Fun at Bridger Bowl

Plying the Gallatin River

Finishing the Ropes Course at YC

Chillin' at a Workshop

A word with one of our mentors:

BYEP: Who are you?
April: That’s a pretty hard question to answer. I’m April Hale and I’ve mentored for BYEP for 3 seasons. I live in Bozeman because it’s amazing and beautiful and there are so many opportunities to get outside. I’m a farmer and an artist. I’m also going to graduate school for an MFA at MSU while I teach Art to the undergraduate community.

BYEP: Why Do You Volunteer?
April: I volunteer because I enjoy helping my community and BYEP is a great organization to work with because I believe in their mission. Regardless of my future profession, I know I will continue to volunteer in my community…wherever I live.

BYEP: What Are Some of Your Favorite Memories?
April: One of my favorite memories is of Austyn (participant) climbing all the way to the top of the rock face during summer program despite her fear of heights. Also, I loved watching RJ (participant) land his first “Method” at Big Sky this winter.

BYEP: Has BYEP Changed You In Any Way?
April: I felt like I forgot what it was like being a teenager. This age group deals with tremendous challenges that I forgot existed. I can better understand myself at that age because of the issues that come up in our group.

BYEP: How Would You Describe BYEP?
April: BYEP is a great opportunity for teenagers to learn something new and appreciate their surroundings. It’s also a great way for members of the community to connect with these teens and understand the needs and desires of the future generation. It’s a lot of fun for everyone involved because the adults get to celebrate their youthful energy and the kids have a voice and are seen as “equals” by the mentors.

How to Get Involved as a Mentor
All you need to do is send our program director (Dave) an email by clicking on this sentence.