Please support us by linking your Kroger Plus card to Mountain Mentors. When you shop Kroger donates a percent of your purchases to us. This in no way affects the discount you receive or the cost of your purchase. Basically its a win-win. All you have to do is enroll your card through an email address. Click here for instructions.
Answers to Common Questions
FAQ - Students
Students – ages 13 - 17: Frequently asked questions
What youth participate in the Mountain Mentor program?
Both girls and boys ages 13 to 17, are referred by parents, teachers, counselors, pastors, and other caring adults in the Toledo, Ohio metropolitan area. The youth come from a variety of family, school, neighborhood, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds. Parents (or legal guardians) give permission for participation.
Who are the mentors participating in Mountain Mentors?
Mentors are selected for this program through a careful process of application, interviewing, reference checks, and criminal background checks. Trained mentors are then paired with students of the same sex based on personalities, interests, and relevant backgrounds.
What is the referral process for my teen or a teen I care about?
Parents (or legal guardians) and teens are contacted by Mountain Mentors following referral by family or professionals aware of the mentoring program. Parents and teens are interviewed and provided with information in deciding whether the Mountain Mentors program meets the family’s needs and interests. Mountain Mentors can be contacted by telephone (419-481-3606) or online through the website.
What is the cost for a teen’s participation?
Mountain Mentors assumes responsibility for funding the New Hampshire hiking trip and gear as well as the monthly team gatherings. Mentors usually pay for the inexpensive incidental costs of other time spent with their students.
FAQ - Mentoring
Mentoring: Frequently asked questions with Mountain Mentors:
What qualifications do I need?
Your interest in sharing your friendship and role modeling with a teen is all you need. One-on-one time spent with your student – getting a burger, checking in by phone, or biking – depends on what you both enjoy.
How much time am I committing?
Mountain Mentors is based on a year’s program for students and mentors. Your primary commitment is about 5 hours monthly. This includes a weekly phone calls, a monthly get-together in a flexible schedule that works for you and your mentee, a monthly gathering of the MM mentors and teens, and a curriculum session for the teens and parents. Each team’s summer week in New Hampshire is coordinated with school and work responsibilities. Lasting relationships beyond the program year often form but are at the discretion of both the teen and the mentor.
Do I need hiking and camping experience?
Training and equipment are supplied for the White Mountains hiking for both mentors and students; however, excellent physical health and conditioning are necessary for participation in this strenuous week.
What is the matching process with the teenagers?
Mentors and the case manager share in decisions about matching mentors and mentees. Personalities, interests, same gender, and diverse backgrounds are all considered.
How do I become a volunteer?
Start by contacting Mountain Mentors at 419-481-3606 with your questions, or by completing the online application. The application process will include an interview with references and criminal background checks. These are necessary for our commitment to the students’ safety and for a positive experience for both mentors and teens. We look forward to talking with you!
