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Mentoring Program for
Children in New Westminster

KidStart offers one-to-one mentoring for children aged 6-12 in New Westminster. Volunteer mentors can make a huge positive difference in the lives of these children and we are recruiting caring adults to provide this support.

Ready to become a mentor?

What We Do

We recruit, screen, and train adults who want to make a positive impact and pair them with a young person in need. These mentors develop supportive relationships with their mentees, model positive behaviours, and encourage them to participate in activities that lead to personal growth and confidence. We ask mentors to commit about three hours a week for a minimum of a year to ensure consistent support to the young people in the program.

New Westminster Mentorship Needs

Currently, KidStart mentors are supporting 2 children who live in New Westminster. We never know when a child may be referred to us, so if you are a New Westminster resident or live nearby and are looking for an impactful volunteer opportunity, apply today to make a positive difference in the life of a child! Keep in mind that mentors can support a young person from their own home city or from a neighbouring city who is waiting to be matched.

Training Provided for New Westminster Mentors

Once you’re on board as a mentor, we’ll make sure you’re set up for success with detailed training. You’ll learn everything from trauma-informed care to how to take great case notes and perform basic first aid. This opportunity is great preparation for a career in social services, allowing you to gain real-world experience while having a positive impact in the community.

Support for Mentors in New Westminster

Each mentor and mentee pairing gets support from a dedicated volunteer coordinator who is experienced with the program and familiar with the community. This person is available to help you during your time as a mentor.

Free Mentorship Program in New Westminster

The KidStart program in New Westminster is supported entirely by the generous donations of KidStart donors. These funds allow us to offer this life-changing program free of charge.

Mentoring Program for Children Aged 6-12 in New Westminster

There is no shortage of indoor activities to keep you busy in New Westminster. Here are a few options, ranging from sports and leisure to education for when you prefer to stay indoors.

Indoor Activities for
Children in New Westminster

There is no shortage of indoor activities to keep you busy in New Westminster. Here are a few options, ranging from sports and leisure to education for when you prefer to stay indoors.

Active & Sports-Based Indoor Activities for Children in New Westminster

təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre

Named after the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ word for “sea otter house”, this facility has an eight-lane 50m pool and a lazy river. Drop into this local rec centre to go for a swim in the indoor pool or introduce your mentee to the importance of a cardio and weight training routine in the fitness centre.

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EXIT Escape Room

Work together to decipher cryptic clues and solve problems to get out of a themed escape room! The teamwork and communication required for this activity make it a great way to strengthen your bond with your mentee.

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Arts & Culture or Education-Based Indoor Activities for Children in New Westminster

New Westminster Museum & Archives

Look through thousands of objects, photographs, and archival records documenting New West’s history across Anvil Centre, Irving House, and the Samson V Museum.

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Ludica PIzzeria & Game Room

Order a pizza and choose from a huge selection of board games to play while you eat. Board games are a great way to focus on an activity while building a relationship with a mentee.

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New Westminster Public Library

The library is a great, quiet place to help your mentee do some research, read up on a topic of interest, or work on digital skill-building. Check the events calendar for relevant workshops.

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Hidden Wonders Speakeasy Magic Experience

One of New Westminster’s most popular experiences, this magic show in historic downtown is held in secret locations and is sure to leave you astonished.

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Fraser River Discovery Centre

Learn about the fascinating history of the largest salmon-bearing river in North America. This science centre and museum is a great place to introduce your mentee to the river’s historical, cultural, and environmental significance. They offer outdoor and indoor tours, including an hour of guided activities in the children’s exhibit tour.

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Landmark Cinemas

Catch a well-chosen movie at this cinema conveniently close to the SkyTrain. Movies are a great way to bring up conversations about different themes with your mentee (or just a fun way to spend a rainy day!). 

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Outdoor Activities for
Children in New Westminster

This historic city provides unparalleled views of the mighty Fraser River and the tug boats chugging back and forth along it. For such an urban area, there are still a few key natural areas along the shoreline and within large parks to enjoy.

Active & Sports-Based Outdoor Activities for Children in New Westminster

Westminster Pier Park

Enjoy a leisurely stroll along this unique waterfront boardwalk along the Fraser River. When combined with the Waterfront Esplanade Boardwalk, there is a flat 2.5km walk to chat with your mentee and take in the fresh air.

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Queen’s Park

This historic 75-acre park offers countless recreation opportunities for volunteers to enjoy with their mentees. Shoot some hoops on the basketball court, enjoy a game of tennis or pickleball, or check out the skatepark and bike skills park.

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Central Valley Greenway

Walk, jog, or cycle along this multi-use path that links New Westminster, Burnaby, and Vancouver. There are plenty of transportation hubs along the route, making it easy to go partway and return by public transit.

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Glenbrook Ravine

This nature oasis in the city features beautiful horticultural exhibits including flower beds, trees, a pond, and more. This is the perfect place for a refreshing walk among native plants and birds while you catch up with your mentee.

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Moody Park

With plenty of open green space nestled among big, beautiful trees, this is a great park to spend a nice afternoon in. Enjoy a snack at the picnic tables, walk a trail, take a swim in the outdoor pool, or watch team sports being played.

Arts & Culture or Education-Based Outdoor Activities for Children in New Westminster

Guided Neighborhood Walking Tours

The New Westminster Heritage Preservation Society offers walking tours during four timeslots. Over the course of 45 minutes to an hour, they will provide a fascinating tour and talk about nearly 20 historic homes within four square blocks.

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Self-Guided Historical Walking Tour of Downtown

Work together to locate the four prominent historical buildings in Downtown New West and read about them as you go. These include Hyack Square, the Canadian Pacific Railway Station, the Westminster Trust Building, and the Arundel Mansions Hotel.

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New Westminster Quay Market

Browse unique and colourful market stalls, sample delicious foods, and admire the world’s tallest tin soldier at this popular waterfront area.

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Q to Q Ferry

Enjoy a fun and educational boat ride from the Westminster Quay area to the Queensborough neighbourhood across the river. A free audio guide offers an opportunity to learn about the Komagata Maru Docks and why they have been renamed.

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Friendship Gardens & Tipperary Park

Take a peaceful stroll or simply sit and watch the ducks and admire the scenery in this lush urban oasis. This beautiful park offers stepping stones, waterfalls, public art, and civic monuments that provide a glimpse into local history. 

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See why both our volunteers and mentees love being a part of our mentoring program in New Westminster!

A wonderful service. Great staff and enthusiastic volunteers.

– KidStart referrer

This program has helped me become more responsible for myself and helped me live independently.

– KidStart participant
New-West-mentor

Meet a Volunteer Mentor

“My role model has always been my mother, as she shows me the importance of being dedicated to whatever you are striving for and is someone I can always count on. I hope I can be this person for my mentee!” – Sydney

Become a Volunteer Mentor in New Westminster and Change a Young Person’s Life!

If you are 19 years of age or older, have a stable routine, and are able to commit three hours a week for a minimum of one year, you are eligible to be a KidStart mentor.
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