Mentoring Program for Children
and Youth in Vancouver
KidStart offers one-on-one mentoring in Vancouver, supporting both kids aged 6-12 and youth 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 youth, 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. If you’ve got time and a big heart, you could be that someone who makes all the difference. Reach out, we want to hear from you!
Ready to become a mentor?
What We Do
We recruit and prepare caring adult volunteers to mentor young people through consistent, one-on-one relationships. Mentors serve as positive role models, helping their mentees engage in activities that build confidence and life skills. To make a meaningful difference, volunteers are asked to commit roughly three hours each week for a minimum of one year, providing the stability needed for lasting impact.

Vancouver Mentorship Needs
Right now, 43 children and teens in Vancouver are meeting regularly with a KidStart volunteer mentor, and 40 young people are waiting to be paired.
If you live in or around the Vancouver area and want to make a meaningful difference, consider becoming a KidStart mentor! Join our team and help a young person reach their full potential.
Training Provided for Mentors
Support for Mentors in Vancouver
Free Mentorship Program in Vancouver
Mentoring Program for Children and Youth in
Vancouver

Indoor Activities for
Child and Youth Mentorship in Vancouver
Active & Sports-Based Indoor Activities for Children and Youth in Vancouver
Grandview Lanes BowlingBowling is a great low-intensity activity that offers a fun way to spend a couple of hours. The relatively slow pace and turn-taking nature of bowling makes it easy to maintain a conversation with your mentee without the focus being entirely on them. | View Website | |
The Hive ClimbingRock climbing is an excellent activity for children and youth to have fun while building resilience and confidence. Aside from improving physical strength and coordination, it also challenges climbers to step out of their comfort zone in a safe environment and develop patience and planning skills as they learn to choose their routes. In order to participate in this activity, The Hive requires a signed waiver. As well, KidStart requires a permission form signed by a parent or guardian. | View Website | |
Hillcrest Aquatic CentreThis award-winning complex built during the 2010 Olympics offers an indoor and outdoor pool and a fitness centre where you can introduce your mentee to the importance of a cardio and weight training routine. | View Website |
Arts & Culture or Education-Based Indoor Activities for Children and Youth in Vancouver
Vancouver Public LibraryPublic libraries are an incredible source of free educational and entertainment resources as well as a safe place for young people to spend time outside their living environment. Explore all the free resources available to young people, including computers and internet access, videos, music, books, and magazines. | View Website | |
Science WorldThis learning centre is one of Vancouver’s most loved institutions for a reason, and has plenty of fun and interactive activities for people of all ages. | View Website | |
H.R. MacMillan Space CentreExplore the wonders of the universe and space science through fascinating exhibitions, shows, and displays. Catch a show in the Planetarium and have a look through the telescope. | View Website | |
Vancouver Art GalleryAdmire the work of famous Canadian artists as well as rotating exhibitions of art from all over the globe. If your mentee is interested in art, this is a great opportunity to encourage them to explore their style. | View Website |
Outdoor Activities for
Child and Youth Mentorship in Vancouver
Active & Sports-Based Outdoor Activities for Children and Youth in Vancouver
Biking the SeawallChallenge yourselves to cycling part or all of the 15km paved bike path around one of Vancouver’s most famous tourist attractions. Stop for a refreshing drink at one of the beachside concession stands and admire the ocean views. | View Website | |
Stanley Park Pitch & PuttPractice your putting at this beautiful 18-hole course that’s near Stanley Park’s incredible amenities, including the Second Beach swimming pool and Seawall. | View Website | |
Beach Games at Kits or English BayEveryone loves a day at the beach! Throw a frisbee, play some beach volleyball, or simply walk along the shoreline. | View Website | |
Quarry Rock HikeHead over to nearby Deep Cove in North Vancouver and do the hike to Quarry Rock to enjoy some exercise and views toward Indian Arm. | View Website |
Arts & Culture or Education-Based Outdoor Activities for Children and Youth in Vancouver
Canadians Game at Nat Bailey StadiumWith affordable tickets and a great setting, Vancouver Canadians games are a great way for baseball fans to enjoy warmer weather and be in an exciting atmosphere. | View Website | |
Commercial Drive Thrift ShoppingWith an abundance of quirky thrift and vintage stores on the length of one street, Commercial Drive is a great place to stroll, window shop, or have a fun challenge where you and your mentee each find an item under $10 for one another. | View Website | |
Stanley Park Indigenous Walking TourLearn from local Indigenous guides about the land’s cultural and natural history for a meaningful and educational experience with your mentee. | View Website | |
Vancouver Farmers MarketPeruse local produce and support local vendors as you discuss the origins of food, the importance of local businesses, and cultural diversity. | View Website |
See why both our volunteers and mentees love being a part of our mentoring program in Vancouver!
A wonderful service. Great staff and enthusiastic volunteers.
This program has helped me become more responsible for myself and helped me live independently.

Meet a Volunteer Mentor
“[Being a KidStart Mentor] can change the trajectory of a young person’s life just by having someone who will consistently show up for them and meet them where they are at. At this developmental point in their life, it may be hectic and ever changing – but they don’t have to go through it alone.” – Abigail
Become a Mentor in Vancouver!











