To have successful matches we match our Bigs and Littles based on mutual interests, preferences, personalities, the volunteer's strengths, the child's needs, and geographic location. Based on these criteria, we pair the Bigs and Littles who are most compatible.

Being a volunteer in a child's life can be a fun, rewarding and fulfilling experience. It is through the consistency and stability from a mentor that builds the relationship between the volunteer and the child that can form a significant impact. It's all about having fun and being with a child - providing the opportunity to grow and build a relationship! The friendship, guidance and listening that Bigs provide helps to nurture a child and impact the rest of their life!

Matches engage in activities that are fun, educational and culturally enriching. The emphasis is on the quality of the relationship, not the elaborateness of the activity. In addition, group activities are sponsored by the agency.

Check out below our different programs! There's something for every type of volunteer!

Community-Based Program

Spend an outing-a-week together, at your home or in the community, doing recreational, cultural and educational activities.

Bigs in Schools

Be a mentor for an hour on a weekday in a local elementary or middle school. We currently have active programs in the City of Fredericksburg, Stafford & King George counties.

Campus Pals

This on-campus program at University of Mary Washington matches college students with children from the City of Fredericksburg. Matches meet on Sunday afternoons, 3pm – 6pm, during the academic school year.

Bigs Plus

This program strengthens Bigs in Schools matches by expanding the amount of time Bigs spend with their Littles, meeting for additional hours, off school grounds.

Inter-generational Program

Mentors 50 and older are matched with kids in our service area, and they function like community-based matches.

Big Hearts

Volunteers help in the office and/or with group activities for matches and agency fundraising events.

Sports Buddies

A community-based program in which Bigs and Littles concentrate their activities on sports and physical fitness, including working out, talking about healthy lifestyle and nutrition, spending time outdoors, playing sports and attending sporting events.