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Mentoring Program for Children
and Youth in West Vancouver

KidStart offers one-on-one mentoring in West 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 children and youth 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. Contact us today for more information!

Ready to become a mentor?

What We Do

Our program connects caring adults with children and youth by providing extensive training and support for meaningful one-on-one mentoring. Volunteers encourage young people through consistent presence, positive guidance, and shared experiences that promote personal growth. We ask mentors to invest around three hours weekly for at least a year to build strong, dependable relationships that have a positive impact.

West Vancouver Mentorship Needs

In West Vancouver, we currently have no kids or teens on our wait who are seeking supportive adult mentors. But the good news is that you can support young people in other cities near you too. If you’re nearby and passionate about helping a child or teen succeed, join us as a mentor and be the positive influence they need.

Training Provided for Mentors

Once accepted, mentors go through comprehensive training that includes first aid, trauma-informed care, proper documentation skills, and more. KidStart offers post-secondary students a chance to gain hands-on experience in the social services field while making a valuable impact in their community.

Support for Mentors in West Vancouver

Each mentor and mentee pairing gets support from a dedicated volunteer coordinator. For West Vancouver, this would be Charli, supporting mentors for kids 6-12 and Khesro, supporting mentors working with teens. A fun fact about Khesro – he was a mentor himself and decided to come and work with the program as he has seen the impact mentoring has on his own mentees!

Free Mentorship Program in West Vancouver

KidStart offers one-on-one mentoring in West Vancouver, 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.

Mentoring Program for Children and Youth in
West Vancouver

By building positive relationships within the West Vancouver community, KidStart helps young people who may not have steady adult influences in their lives. Mentors and mentees often enjoy a mix of indoor and outdoor activities together, supported by a $40 monthly stipend to offset any associated costs.
Indoor Activities
Outdoor Activities

Indoor Activities for
Child and Youth Mentorship in West Vancouver

Sometimes, indoor activities are the ideal choice, especially during colder months or based on the interests of the child or youth you’re paired with. In West Vancouver, you’ll find a variety of options indoors, from educational spaces and leisure centers to fun, youth-friendly spots.

Active & Sports-Based Indoor Activities for Children and Youth in West Vancouver

West Vancouver Community Centre & Aquatic Centre

Do some swimming, enjoy a game of table tennis, participate in a fitness class, shoot some hoops, and more at this modern facility.

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West Vancouver Ice Arena

Enjoy a recreational skating session, play some drop-in ice hockey, or watch a local ice hockey game with your mentee.

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Indoor Rock Climbing

Rock 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 youth to step out of their comfort zone in a safe environment and develop patience and planning skills as they learn to choose their routes.

Climb Base5 requires a waiver to be signed for all climbers. As well, KidStart requires a permission form signed by a parent of guardian for a mentee to participate in this activity.

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Arts & Culture or Education-Based Indoor Activities for Children and Youth in West Vancouver

Park Royal Youth Hub

Encourage your mentee to pop into West Vancouver’s newest youth space, where they can play pool, watch movies, and participate in a range of activities.

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West Vancouver Memorial Library

Public 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.

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West Vancouver Art Museum

Located in the historic Gertrude Lawson house, this museum’s permanent collection includes work by B.C. Binning and Gordon A. Smith, and hosts exhibits from a range of artists along with guided tours and events.

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Outdoor Activities for
Children and Youth Mentorship in West Vancouver

With sprawling coastal parks, great hiking trails, and plenty of greenery and wildlife, there are plenty of outdoor activities in West Vancouver to help you build a strong bond with your mentee.

Active & Sports-Based Outdoor Activities for Children and Youth in West Vancouver

Centennial Seawalk

Enjoy an easy 1.7-kilometer walk or jog along this path that offers scenic views of the Burrard Inlet, the Coast Mountains, and the Vancouver skyline.

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Lighthouse Park Hike

Get your blood pumping and enjoy picturesque scenery with a hike at Lighthouse Park. You can do the short uphill hike from the lighthouse, or connect to longer trails for a more challenging walk.

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Komoot Cycling Routes

Go in search of rushing waterfalls and ancient trees in this popular West Vancouver nature area. Be sure to watch for wildlife as you explore the trails.

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Ambleside Park

This beautiful seaside park offers outdoor fitness equipment, tennis courts, a beach, a designated swim area, a skatepark, and dedicated pickleball courts.

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Arts & Culture or Education-Based Outdoor Activities for Youth in West Vancouver

First Thursdays Art Walk

Explore the Ambleside and Dundarave neighbourhoods by taking a tour of local galleries and public art that celebrates local artists. Or, do a self-guided tour any day of the week!

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Artisan Farmers Market

Go to Ambleside Park on a market day and explore the locally grown foods, farm products, and other products available while interacting with the community.

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

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 Mentor in West Vancouver!

KidStart is looking for committed adult mentors. If you’re 19 +, in a stable life situation, and can give three hours weekly for at least a year, you’re encouraged to apply. Join us in supporting children and teens in West Vancouver as they work through difficult circumstances and build the strength to thrive.
Apply Here!
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