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The Mentoring Program
Camp is an unparalleled week of concentrated learning and growth. Mentoring is its’ antithesis; as the mentor, through their weekly times together, gently inscribes a silent theme of hope deep in the child's heart. The theme sounds something like: “I’m fun to be with,” “I matter,” “if I fail I will not die, I will still be loved,” “I can succeed,” and “I can trust.”
We believe so strongly in mentoring that in the Spring of 2011 CDO made a bold move and hired an additional staff person to make it happen. This program is for children of prisoners who have participated in Camp David’s summer camp program. To launch the program each participating camper was matched with counselors or staff who they met during their time at camp. They are now spending time together for one to two hours a week. We anticipate expanding the mentoring program to other caring adults in the community in the not to distant future.
How does the program work?
The first step is a training session with mentors, using the “One 2 One” mentor training from Angel Tree. Next, the mentor leader meets with the mentor, the camper, and their guardian to go over the expectations for each participant. The three make a commitment to be part of the program for one year. Throughout the year, this pair will meet up on a weekly basis and do a variety of things such as hanging out at a park, going to the library together, calling each other on the phone, etc. Our Mentor Supervisor also checks in on the mentors, mentees, and mentee’s parents monthly to ensure the match is working well. The goal is not to do a program but build a relationship. It is through these relationships that growth becomes permanent and truly life-changing!
How much does this cost?
For Mentors and Mentees: There is no financial cost to be part of this program. For activities we encourage our mentors to choose activities that are free or low cost. The mentee and mentor are expected to pay for their part of the activity or select a different activity. CDO sponsored events may also be provided free of charge.
For Supporters: While the mentoring program is free of charge to its participants, there is an expense incurred by the camp for the Mentor Supervisor’s salary, transportation, phone, and other expenses. To keep the mentoring program going in 2012 we need to raise $12,000.
The Value of Mentoring
At its most basic level, mentoring helps because it guarantees a young person has someone who is there for them. This gives the child the security to face the day-to-day struggles of life. The mentor is there as an experienced friend to help in any number of situations which could include:
- Encouraging the student to stay in school.
- Believing in the student and building his or her self-esteem.
- Teaching the student how to relate to all kinds of people and helping them strengthen communication skills.
- Showing the student how to seek and keep a job.
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How do I get involved?
For campers: You are invited to sign your child up for the mentoring program. Because this is still a start up program we have a limited number of mentors. We cannot guarantee we will be able to find a mentor for you, but we will do our best. To download a mentor request form click mentor request form. You may also call 573-364-2786 or email to request a form.
For mentors: We are grateful for each person who is interested in mentoring a child. For former staff you may download a form by clicking Mentor Application. You may also call 573-364-2786 or email to request an application.
Because this is still a start up program at this point we are only selecting mentors from Camp David’s former staff. We do plan to open this up to non-staff in the not to distant future. If you are interested in mentoring a child and are not a former staff person you may send a letter of inquiry to our office at
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or CDO, PO Box 1607, Rolla MO 65401.
Statistics and Research
Research confirms what we knew intuitively before — mentoring works. A Research Brief published by Child Trends and titled "Mentoring: A Promising Strategy for Youth Development" found that youth who participate in mentoring relationships experience a number of positive benefits.
- In terms of educational achievement, mentored youth have better attendance; a better chance of going on to higher education; and better attitudes toward school.
- In terms of health and safety, mentoring appears to help prevent substance abuse and reduce some negative youth behaviors.
- On the social and emotional development front, taking part in mentoring promotes positive social attitudes and relationships. Mentored youth tend to trust their parents more and communicate better with them.
Children ages 9 - 15 face important turning points in their lives. It is during this time that they may permanently turn off from serious engagement in school life and turn to a variety of risky behaviors that can limit their chances of reaching productive adulthood. Encouragingly, this is also the age bracket during which preventative intervention is most successful and youth are most capable of envisioning a positive future and plotting the steps they need to take to reach their goals. They are at the right stage of development to best absorb and benefit from the skills of a strong mentor (Rhodes and Lowe, 2008).
Guidelines & Ground Rules
FAQ's
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