Youth Programs
The BCBB mentoring program serves youth age 8 to 18 whose parents have graduated from the Breaking Chains Building Bonds program as well as youth who currently have an incarcerated parent.
The BCBB mentoring program aims to interrupt the cycle of youth violence, substance misuse, and trauma by providing youth with a skills based mentoring program designed to increase emotional regulation tools, provide a trusted adult to support the youth as they grow and heal from the experience of having an incarcerated parent, help the youth to set goals, and offer opportunities for the youth to explore their hobbies and interests.
Youth Mentoring and Leadership
We believe…
When youth have trusted and positive adult role models, they can navigate challenges better and seek support when needed.
When youth have emotional regulation skills, they can avoid discipline issues at home, in school, and in the community.
When youth set goals and are exposed to new opportunities and experiences, they can develop a future orientation and achieve their goals despite the inevitable obstacles they may face.
When young people are supported in a holistic way by their families, schools, and communities, they experience a greater sense of belonging and responsibility.
Comfort Kits
Youth Leaders created the kits based on their personal experience as a way to help support other youth who have an incarcerated parent.
“This isn’t just a kit it is a reminder for children that they are not alone. It gives them comfort when they are hurting, ways to stay connected to their parent, and tools to express what they are going through.”
$15 donation = 1 kit for a child you know.
$30 donation = 1 kit for a child you know + we donate 1 kit to a child impacted by incarceration.
Each kit includes:
Journal
Mindful coloring book
Set of colored pencils
Fidget
Pen
Deck of playing cards
Envelopes
Stamps
Sheets of writing paper
Letter for my Care-taker
Positive Affirmation Cards
Stickers
Outdoor Adventure Camp
“This summer would have been so boring if all I did was stay at home!”
The Storytellers Project Outdoor Adventure Camp is a summer camp for the youth of BCBB families and children of incarcerated parents. Youth have the opportunity to explore the outdoors through hiking, fishing, rock climbing, archery and so much more.
Throughout their camp experience youth learn the 7 leave no trace principles and explore careers in the outdoors. The Outdoor Adventure Camp is designed to increase youth mental and emotional well-being through physical activities in nature, a sense of belonging, and increased self-confidence. Youth ages 14 and older may earn a stipend as a summer intern.
