The Children’s Network Mentoring Task Force of San Bernardino County is sponsoring “Spring Jam” at Fiesta Village Family Fun Park, 1405 E. Washington St. in Colton, Saturday, March 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The exclusive event is open to San Bernardino County’s at-risk, system-involved and homeless youth in 6th-9th grades. Pre-registration is recommended as space is limited.
Spring Jam attendees will connect with adult mentors to learn about the benefits and impact that establishing a mentor relationship can have, as well as address any issues, fears or concerns the system-involved youth may face. Youth will have the opportunity to be matched with a mentor in their local area at the end of the event.
Activities will include a team-building scavenger hunt, games, music, an all-you-can-eat buffet and full access to the park’s various attractions like laser tag, go-cart racing, miniature golf and more.
Spring Jam, ‘A Day of Mentoring,’ at the Fiesta Village Family Fun Park, according to Associate Children’s Network Officer Kathy Turnbull, is designed to be a day of fun to introduce system-involved youth to the concept of mentoring.” Many of this year’s participating mentors are formerly system-involved themselves, including youth from T.A.Y. (Transitional Age Youth) and I.Y.R.T. (Interagency Youth Resiliency Team) who can relate well to the youth and attest to the benefits of having a mentor.
“Last year’s Spring Jam was a big success with nearly 200 youth in attendance,” said Turnbull. “Many mentoring matches were made as a result. We are looking forward to the same wonderful experience and outcomes this year.”
Some of the participating agencies on the Mentoring Task-Force are Probation, Children and Family Services, EMQ, Valley Star, Public Defender’s Office, C.A.S.A. (Court Appointed Special Advocates), Department of Behavioral Health T.A.Y., the District Attorney’s Office and other community-based and county child-serving departments. Task Force members will be on hand to facilitate mentoring partnerships.
Parents and caregivers seeking information on positive role models for their children will have an opportunity to talk with organizations that provide mentoring relationships. For more information on the Task Force or to register for Spring Jam, contact Brandy Nelson, Mentoring Resource Coordinator at (909) 383-9685.
The Children’s Network of San Bernardino County works to improve the quality of life for “children at risk” who because of behavior, abuse, neglect, medical needs, educational assessment, and/or detrimental daily living situations are eligible for services from one or more of the member agencies of the Children’s Policy Council.
Children’s Network is doing its part to help the community achieve the Countywide Vision by ensuring residents have the resources they need to provide the necessities of life for their families. Information on the Countywide Vision can be found at www.sbcounty.gov.