As the first rain bands of Hurricane Debby make their way across the Lowcountry, we hope this issue of The BIG News finds you and your families safe. While there is never an ideal time for historic rainfall, perhaps the uncertainty of the storm’s trajectory presents a teachable moment: learning to adjust.
With a new school year launching in less than a week, our Littles and children will face new challenges, evaluate new and existing friendships, form connections with school staff, and set their sights on new goals. As the water levels ebb, how can we raise up our Littles and youth? Consider the following tips:
đź’šAsk open-ended questions like “What are you most excited about accomplishing this school year?” or “Is there anything you’re concerned about and would like to discuss?”
đź’šHelp them establish BIG goals by breaking them up into smaller, manageable chunks. That way, big goals can feel less daunting and you can cheer them on as they reach critical milestones.
đź’šEncourage Littles/youth to frame goal statements using language that reflects not only what they want to move away from (e.g., spending less time on social media) but also what they want to move toward (e.g., spending more one-on-one time with great friends).
đź’šWork with them to develop a routine that empowers them and fosters personal responsibility, making sure to include time for activities that bring them joy and connection.
đź’šGive frequent positive reinforcement through affirmations like, “You have what it takes to succeed.” Your support and guidance can make all the difference in their educational journey!
đź’šReview this list of resources for more ways to engage with different-aged youth
As always, we’re here to support you in your efforts to guide our Littles/youth toward achieving their BIGGEST dreams! Keep reading for details regarding upcoming match activities, back-to-school community events, the BIG Raise annual campaign, new Program Director Ryan Vrba, and August/September match support reminders.
August 10
CHARLESTON RIVERDOGS Saturday Show at The Joe!
6:05 PM, 360 Fishburne St, Charleston, 29401
Giveaways, live performances, ridiculous promotions—when you come to a Saturday night RiverDogs game, everything is on the table! Presented by FOX 24, 101.7 Chuck FM & 92.5 Kickin’ Country.
August 17
DIY TERRARIUM WORKSHOP
With PlantHouse
10 AM to 12 PM, 832 Coleman Blvd, Mount Pleasant Participants will get to dive into the world of terrarium plants, creating a beautiful terrarium to take home with them. This event is currently SOLD OUT, but you can add your name to the waitlist below.
August 31
ADRENALINE MONKEY Adventure Park & Rope Course
10 AM to 12 PM, 4950 Centre Pointe Dr, N. Charleston Conquer ninja courses, climbing walls, aerial courses, and more! While this event is FREE, all participants will have to purchase AM socks at a discounted rate of $2/each. Signed waiver required.
September 14
IOP Fire v. Police: Experience Fun Drills, Tours, and Competitions!
Stay tuned for more details…
October 5
Boeing DreamLearners Factory Tour and Fun STEM Activities!
Stay tuned for more details…
Introducing our new Program Director, Ryan Vrba!
After returning to his home state of Illinois, Ryan took a job as an emergency room social worker. In this setting he completed assessments with patients presenting to the emergency room with behavioral health complaints or symptoms to assist in determining the appropriate level of care. While in this role, he began an M.B.A. program. Upon finishing this program, he relocated to the Charleston, SC area and took a job with Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach Services (located on Johns Island and in Downtown Charleston).
Ryan spent eight years with Our Lady of Mercy as their Program Director managing programs and staff. He is extremely excited to continue his career in the nonprofit sector with BBBSL and to continue service in the Tri-County area. He lives in Hollywood with his wife and two dogs and enjoys filling his free time with photography and playing tennis. Welcome to the team, Ryan!
Calling All Bigs! We’re thrilled to kick off our 2024 BIG Raise, our annual peer-to-peer fundraising campaign, and we hope to have your support! Our goal for the 2024 Big Raise campaign is to raise $55K+, which will help us expand our reach and serve more youth throughout the tri-county. By signing up for your very own fundraising page, you can help inspire your network (friends, family, colleagues) to help MORE Littles in waiting to gain Bigs like YOU.
The campaign will run October 1-31, it is SUPER easy, and we are recruiting participants NOW. By joining, you’ll be a part of our collective effort to build a stronger, brighter future for the youth in our communities! Let’s make a difference—one match at a time! Here’s how you can help:
💚 Become a BIG Raise fundraiser. Sign up to create your own fundraising page and share with your friends, family and network – Email grecia@bbbbslowcountry.org for more information.
đź’šSpread the Word:Â Use your voice to advocate for our cause. Share our mission on social media *include social media channels tags*
💚Donate: If you’re unable to fundraise, consider making a donation to support our mission.
SAVE THE DATE: 2024 BIG Lowcountry Boil
When: December 7, 2024
Where: Holy City Brewing, North Charleston
What: Enjoy delicious Lowcountry cuisine, live music, entertainment, a silent auction, and more to support Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lowcountry. Funds raised will help us to serve more Lowcountry youth. Bring your family and friends for this super fun event you will not want to miss! Stay tuned for more details!
📍MATCH SUPPORT REMINDER During your August-September match support calls, Dana and Avery will ask parents/guardians the following questions in addition to others to update family files: (1) Has your child’s school changed? (2) Has your home address changed? Thank you for helping us keep our records up-to-date so that we can share pertinent communication with Bigs and families!
🎒BACK TO SCHOOL ACTIVITIES Check out these community events designed to provide students with essential school supplies/clothes and get them excited for a new year!
