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Mentoring Program for Children
and Youth in Port Moody

KidStart offers one-on-one mentoring in Port Moody, supporting both kids aged 6-12 and teens aged 13-18, as they navigate difficult life situations. For kids, it could mean they are struggling to make friends, dealing with family instability, or facing challenges in school. For teens, this could include facing family instability, living under youth agreements, interactions with the justice system and other challenges.

With a caring adult in their corner, these kids and teens are more likely to build confidence, bounce back from setbacks, and make positive choices. Mentorship from dedicated volunteers can have a profound positive impact – and we’re always looking for caring individuals to provide this critical support and make a difference.

Ready to become a mentor?

What We Do

At KidStart, we carefully recruit, screen, and train compassionate adult volunteers to provide one-on-one mentorship. Our mentors build meaningful, consistent relationships with the young people in our program, offering guidance, encouragement, and positive role modeling. They support their mentees through engaging activities that help build confidence and life skills. To ensure lasting impact, we ask volunteers to commit around three hours per week for at least one year.

Port Moody Mentorship Needs

Currently, KidStart mentors are supporting 2 children and 1 teen who live in Port Moody, with 1 young person on our wait list.

If you are a Port Moody resident or live nearby and are looking for an impactful volunteer opportunity, apply today to make a positive difference in the life of a young person! Keep in mind that mentors from Port Moody can support a young person from a neighbouring city who is waiting to be matched. 

Training Provided for Mentors

Once you are approved to be a mentor, you will receive comprehensive training to help you in your role, including first aid, trauma-informed practice, how to write effective case notes and more. This training makes KidStart a great program for post-secondary students planning a career in social services; you give back to your community and get practical experience at the same time.

Support for Mentors in Port Moody

Each mentor and mentee pairing gets support from a dedicated volunteer coordinator, so there is always someone you can call for ideas, support, and questions. 

Free Mentorship Program in Port Moody

Thanks to a combination of provincial government funding and charitable giving, KidStart is provided free of charge to the young people who need it. Anyone can refer a child aged 6-12 to KidStart, including teachers, counsellors, parents, guardians, family members, and the police. To access the teens program, a professional referral from a social worker or probation officer is required.

Mentoring Program for Children and Youth in
Port Moody

KidStart focuses on building strong, positive relationships between young people and caring adults in their local community – especially for young people who lack consistent support at home. To help foster these meaningful connections, we offer mentors a $40 monthly activity allowance to support outings. Whether indoors or outdoors, there are plenty of fun activities to do in and around Port Moody that our mentor-mentee pairs love.
Indoor Activities
Outdoor Activities

Indoor Activities for Mentors and Mentees

Depending on the interests of the young person you are paired with, the season, and the weather, you may prefer indoor activities. There are plenty of indoor activities in Port Moody, ranging from enjoying the arts to sports and leisure and everything in between.

Active & Sports-Based Indoor Activities for Children and Youth in Port Moody

Port Moody Recreation Complex

Drop into the local rec centre to go for a swim in the indoor pool, enjoy some public skating, or introduce your mentee to the importance of a cardio and weight training routine during a drop-in fitness class.

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Arts & Culture or Education-Based Indoor Activities for Children and Youth in Port Moody

Port Moody Arts Centre

Port Moody is known as the City of the Arts, so be sure to explore exhibitions by local artists. Check the calendar for exciting events ranging from musical performances, portrait sessions, cultural celebrations, and more.

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Port Moody Public Library

Public libraries are an incredible source of free educational and entertainment resources as well as a safe place for children and youth to spend time outside their living environment. Explore all the free resources available, including computers and internet access, videos, music, books, and special events.

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POMO Museum

Did you know that Port Moody was once the site of the Western Terminus Station of the Canadian Pacific Railway? This building, constructed in 1908, is now a museum operated by Port Moody Heritage Society. Learn about the history of Port Moody’s railway station and how the town developed.

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Inlet Theater and Galleria

Enjoy a show by local artists or attend a musical performance, play, or film. Exploring the creative arts is a great way to help young people explore healthy opportunities for self-expression.

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Outdoor Activities for Mentors and Mentees

Nestled along the Burrard Inlet and surrounded by mountains, Port Moody is known for its natural beauty. With a variety of parks, lakes, and nature trails to explore, there is no shortage of outdoor activities for young people in Port Moody to enjoy.

Active & Sports-Based Outdoor Activities for Children and Youth in Port Moody

Rocky Point Park

With a public outdoor pool, a stunning pier, a water park, and more, Rocky Point is one of the most popular parks in the region. Get an ice cream cone to go and stroll along the pier, enjoy the popular fish n’ chips, and enjoy the trails in and around the park.

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Shoreline Trail

Take an easy and scenic 6km out-and-back stroll or cycle ride on this paved, gravel, and boardwalk route. You’ll enjoy stunning views of the Inlet, pass through heron nesting habitat, and look at educational sign boards posted all along the way to learn more about the nature and history of the trail.

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Belcarra Regional Park

Venture just outside Port Moody to the beautiful neighborhood of Belcarra, where you can stroll or cycle along tree-lined trails. Head to the waterfront park and grab a snack from the concession to enjoy as you watch people crab fishing on the pier, search for seals bobbing in the water, and take in the views of the North Shore mountains.

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Hiking

Port Moody is home to a huge network of parks and beautiful trails. Stroll along the scenic Shoreline Trail and watch nesting birds, head to Buntzen Lake for a more challenging hike, or enjoy a walk and a picnic at beautiful Sasamat Lake.

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

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

Become a Volunteer Mentor in Port Moody and Change a Young Person’s Life!

Are you 19 or older, have a steady routine, and can spare just three hours a week? If so, you have what it takes to become a KidStart mentor. By committing to at least one year, you’ll be making a meaningful difference in the life of a young person in Port Moody. Our mentors help local youth build resilience, develop confidence, and make positive choices – even when life throws challenges their way.
Apply Here!
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