The activities below are sponsored by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota
and are open to all matches. School- and site-based matches may attend these activities,
but must meet at the activity location or bus pickup/drop-off location. | | Stuck on what to do with your match? The BBBS Match Partners site is packed with discounts and activity ideas. Take a look at April’s picks for a dose of inspiration: | | Stearns History Museum offers free admission for all Bigs and Littles. | | St. Cloud Area Family YMCA offers free admission for all Bigs and Littles. No membership for either is necessary, but check-in at the front desk and a Match ID card is required. | | The activities listed below are open to community-based matches
but are not sponsored by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota. | | |
Sign up by email and indicate you are with Big Brothers Big Sisters to receive free registration.
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Main Street Family Resource Center Family Camps
Unplug, get outside, and make summer memories together! Family Summer Camp invites families to play, explore and create through outdoor adventures, crafts and STEM fun, all designed for every age. Learn more here.
Camp dates:
Register by emailing shari.ley@mainstreetfamilyservices.org and let her know you’re with Big Brothers Big Sisters to sign up for FREE!
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SCSU Summer Esports Camps
St. Cloud State University is offering summer esport camps for middle and high school students. Visit the SCSU esports page for more information.
10% Discount for BBBS Youth
Youth involved with BBBS may receive a 10% discount code to use for esports camp registrations. Contact Ann Matvick to get a code.
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Summer Camp Overview for Students in Grades 3—12
St. Cloud Technical and Community College is offering hands-on summer camps—with several new options this year—in a variety of focus areas:
- Robotics
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Transportation
- Healthcare
Camps are offered June through August, with dates varying by camp, on the campus
of St. Cloud Technical & Community College. Some camps include off-campus field trip opportunities.
Registration Information
Advance registration is required and space is limited. Camps fill up quickly. Culinary and STAR 1 camps are already full, but your student may be added to a waitlist. Families may view available camps and register online at SCTCC Youth Programs & Camps.
Questions?
Contact camps@sctcc.edu
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The Metro Bus U-Go Free Summer Youth Program is gearing up for summer! Kids ages 17 and younger enjoy free, unlimited rides on all Metro Bus fixed routes from June 1 to August 31 with valid identification. Learn more.
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SUN Bucks provide families with a one-time benefit of $120 per eligible school-aged child to purchase nutritious food, such as fruit, vegetables, meats and other protein sources, whole grains and dairy. New SUN Bucks cards will be mailed at the beginning of May and can be used at grocery stores, farmers markets and other retailers that accept EBT cards. Learn more.
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Try It Yourself Kits at the Library - Test out new hobbies without any monetary investment by checking out a Try It Yourself Kit from the Great River Regional Library! Fifteen kits represent a variety of hobbies so anyone can try out a new activity. Kits include activities like baseball, Frisbee golf, knitting, bird watching, Dungeons and Dragons, paper crafts and more. Access a list of kits and check them out online.
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Tri-CAP Help for Families - If you or anyone you know is struggling to fulfill basic needs like transportation, paying bills, finding food or more, Tri-CAP (Tri-County Action Program) may be able to help. They provide assistance for basic needs, to build self-sufficiency and stability. Learn more.
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Parent to Parent Connect - The Arc Minnesota facilitates a monthly networking group called Parent to Parent Connect. This group creates an inclusive and supportive space that offers opportunities for parents, guardians and caregivers of children birth to 22 years with disabilities to connect, support one another and find resources. Contact Anne Redetzke-Perry for more information.
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QueerConnect Monthly Meetups - QueerConnect Youth events are designed to help connect people in the LGBTQIA+ community. On the last Monday of every month, local middle and high school students are welcome at the Youth QueerConnect Monthly Meetup. The meetup takes place from 5:30—7:30 p.m. at the Great River Regional Library in St. Cloud. Follow St. Cloud Pride on Facebook or check out the website for more info.
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Free Meals for Kids - Free, nutritious meals for kids 18 and under are just a click away. Download the Free Meals for Kids mobile app to find free meals at schools and other sites around Minnesota. Learn more.
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Knowing Where To Go For Help Is The First Step - If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health and/or substance use concerns, help is available. Learn about resources, find services and get connected to care. Help is just a click away.
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Working Together
Matches may help BBBS with various volunteer opportunities that offer young people the chance to give back, develop leadership skills and build confidence. If interested, please reach out to Mary.
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A Little Time, A Big Difference Challenge
We are excited to launch our A Little Time, A Big Difference Challenge with a goal to recruit 100 new Bigs by September 18.
As a valued partner and community member, you understand the importance of investing in the next generation. Perhaps you're already a Big, former Big, Little, former Little or a Little's parent or guardian. In any case, you know that a caring mentor can make a lasting difference in a young person’s life. No matter your connection to BBBS, you play an important role in helping us expand impact across Central Minnesota.
Here's how:
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Start a conversation with a coworker, friend or family member you believe would make an outstanding Big. A casual conversation may be all it takes to encourage someone to learn more about BBBS and volunteering as a mentor. Your support and example could be the motivation a potential Big needs to take the next step.
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Like and share BBBS’s posts to help us reach people who may be looking for a meaningful way to give back. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota has pages on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
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Tell your story. If you or someone you know has been a Big, we would love you to share with others why you became a mentor and what the experience has meant. Personal stories are one of the most powerful ways to inspire others to get involved.
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Refer someone. If a potential Big comes to mind, refer them to BBBS and we’ll reach out.
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Invite BBBS to speak about youth mentorship to a group you belong to.
Together, we can help ensure more young people across Central Minnesota are matched with the caring mentors they are waiting for.
Thank you for helping us spread the word about our agency’s life-changing work in our community. With your help, we can reach our goal of getting 100 Bigs to volunteer by September 18!
Need more information or have questions? Reach out to us by email.
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BBBS'S NEW WISHLIST ITEMS
BBBS of Central Minnesota has updated our Amazon wishlist to include many items that support youth, whether an item that helps make match activities possible, or resources to keep our office running smoothly, we are grateful for any donation that furthers the impact of mentorship. Thank you for your support!
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Visit the BBBS website to view resources and information for parents, guardians and Bigs—including mentoring videos. There is also an extensive listing of community resources that includes tutors, food assistance, housing assistance and mental health support. In addition, new resources were recently added to support conversations about bullying and bullying prevention.
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2026–27 FASFA FORM NOW AVAILABLE
The 2026–27 FAFSA is ready for all applicants.
Any student, regardless of income, who wants to be considered for federal, state, and school financial aid programs should complete the FAFSA. This includes grants, scholarships, work-study funds and loans.
Apply today.
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GET READY FOR BIG FUTURES
If you're a student looking ahead to the future or a parent with a student getting ready to graduate, check out the new Big Futures page on the BBBS website. Find guides and resources for youth who want to attend college, enter the workforce or enlist in the military. Discover scholarship information and where to find financial literacy information.
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GET READY
Get Ready is a program that partners with K12 schools, higher education and community-based organizations to collectively advance access to essential information and resources that help students and families make an informed decision about life after high school. Get Ready commits to students' progress by devoting resources that support their first year of college success. Learn more about the Get Ready program.
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YOUR COMMUNITY NEEDS YOU
Do you wish you could do more to support your local community and neighbors? United Way of Central Minnesota has a variety
of volunteer opportunities in the area! From working with animal shelters to assisting the elderly, there are many ways to give back to your community.
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BECOME A JUNIOR VOLUNTEER
Are you interested in a career in health care, or just looking to give back to your community? If you are 14-years-old, you may become a Junior Volunteer at CentraCare. You will learn about career options, meet new people and gain valuable skills, all while helping patients at the St. Cloud Hospital. Learn more.
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JOIN JOB CLUB
If you've got big goals and you're looking for the right job to achieve them, consider joining Job Club. Job Club meets every Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to noon and is open to job seeker. Registration required. Learn more.
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NEED JOB SEARCH HELP?
Career Solutions helps Central Minnesotans find a job or career that's right for them. The WIOA Young Adult Program assesses future careers, skills, interests and assists with job searches. Learn more.
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