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The Buddy Program strengthens our community by guiding and inspiring youth through mentoring.

Buddy Program Newsletter  
August 2010 Issue

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IN THIS ISSUE
THANK YOU
BACK TO BUDDIES
D.R.E.A.M. DAY CAMP
AUGUST ANNIVERSARIES
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Buddy Program Waitlist
Name: Axel Q.
Age: 8 years old
Favorite part of school: Lunch and recess
Favorite Animal: Pterodactyl dinosaur
Favorite things to do: Football and skateboarding
When I grow up:
"I want to be a pro football player - the quarterback!"
 
While children are on the Buddy Program's wait-list, they are still able to access our additional services which include counseling and scholarships. However, what they want most is a Big Buddy! Call us today at 970-920-2130 to find out how you can guide and inspire a young person. 
"I benefited from the Buddy Program (TBP), as it was my Big Buddy who inspired me to go out and travel the world. She made me more outgoing and was a good friend. I'm very grateful to have been part of TBP, and I wish to contribute back to others someday."   ~Yessy C., Little Buddy

According to a new study by Search Institute and Best Buy, only one out of five 15-year-olds has the kind of meaningful relationship with adults--outside of their family--that helps them to succeed in life. All kids are more likely to get better grades in school, have a better outlook about the future, and become more actively engaged in their communities when they have caring adults involved in their lives.
 
To all of our dedicated, volunteer Big Buddies: thank you for making a difference in the lives of our youth! 
Back to school = Back to Buddies!
Believe it or not, many of the youth at the Buddy Program actually look forward to returning to school! It is an exciting time to be back with their peers, have structured days, and reunite with their Big Buddies! As fall approaches and school starts up, the Buddy Program is looking forward to reuniting Big and Little Buddies at Aspen Middle and Elementary schools as well as Basalt Middle and Elementary Schools in our School-based programs and Peer-to-Peer programs. While many of our Buddy Pairs are returning, there will be new matches made as well! New this year: we are piloting a School-based and a Peer-to-Peer Program in the Carbondale schools. For more information on how you can make a difference in the life of a child in Carbondale, Basalt, or Aspen, please contact us at our office in Aspen at 920-2130 or Mid-Valley office at 927-1001 or visit our website
Wish List for our School-based & Peer-to-Peer Programs
~New or slightly used board games with all pieces included
~Packages of construction paper
~New or slightly used markers
~Art supplies such as glue, scissors, tape, etc. 
~Complete decks of cards (including Uno)
~Poster board
~New or slightly used puzzles & lego sets with all pieces included

If you are able to donate any of the items listed, please contact Lindsay Lofaro at 927-1001. Thank you!

SAVE THE DATE: Our annual "Celebrate Your Buddy" Dinner will be on Friday, October 15th, 2010 at Bumps Restaurant. Stay tuned for more information in upcoming emails.

Dare to D.R.E.A.M.
Dare to dream; Restructure your thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes; Engage your mind, body and emotions; Act Now! Step outside your comfort zone.  Confront your fears; Maintain a positive attitude. Select realistic & achievable goals.
 
24 local youth took part in this year's 5-day experiential group mentoring camp held at the Basalt Middle School in July. Participants strengthened their communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills through a series of teambuilding activities throughout the week. The group explored the connection between mind & body in a yoga session; celebrated their "Rock Star" status by producing colorful beaded bracelets representing all their positive and admirable qualities; and enjoyed an afternoon at the Basalt Pool allowing participants to cool off and have a great deal of pure fun!
 
The group then stepped outside their comfort zone by challenging their fears of heights at No Name through a climbing and Tyrolean site organized by Amos Whiting. Their ability to work as a team was tested at the Colorado Mountain College ropes course where participants continued to improve their life skills as well as their ability to set and achieve goals. The week ended with a series of closure activities designed to highlight their short-term goals and take stock in what they had learned through out the week. Everyone enjoyed the generous BBQ fare donated by Alex & Scott Kendrick and grilled by Basalt's own Mayor, Leroy Deroux.
 
Fun was had by all - a few participants expressed a desire to not only attend the camp next year but also make it longer! A sincere thank you to John Speers and the Little Nell, Maria Maniscalchi, Mark Leydecker, Mark Kavasch, Michael Carter, Jeremy Graham, David Wiedinmyer, Chad Yates, Pam Schilling, Amanda Schmitt, and Kathryn Brown for going above and beyond to make camp special for all of our youth in our experiential programs!
August Anniversaries
David Bach & Morgan R. 2003
Erik Berg & Armando T. 2009
Bill Boehm & Daniel B. 2002
Alicia Chiu & Isabella A. 2009
Julie Goldstein and Tony O'Rourke & Aaron L. 2009
Nick Massie & Luis A. 2008
Nancy Nelson & Sami A. 2009
Chris Tedstone & Chris D.C. 2008
Patrick Vaughan & Jose C. 2003                Pictured:Julie Goldstein and Tony O'Rourke & Aaron L. 2009
Mike Waters & Alejandro O. 2005

Thank you for your continued support. We would love your feedback on this newsletter. Please email rebecca@buddyprogram.org with any comments or suggestions.
 
Sincerely,
 
The Buddy Program
110 East Hallam Street, Suite 125
Aspen, CO 81611
P: (970) 920-2130 
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