MENTORING BY VETERANS
Buddy-up mentors
Mentors are matched with participants for the day
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Buddy-up Mentors are often veterans, but can be adults or children, military or civilian, able-bodied or disabled. They are matched one-on-one with new participants for a day of surfing and/or land based activities.
They share their knowledge, experience and skills while cultivating a relationship that is fun and rewarding to both themselves and the participant. They are typically individuals that Ricochet has surfed with, or worked with previously. But, can also be newcomers who are inspired by the program and want to volunteer. In addition, veterans have the opportunity to continue their life of service, and find new purpose through this program. |
10 year old West has autism and was a mentor to Jim
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And, sometimes a child with special needs who has surfed with Ricochet in the past becomes a Buddy-up Mentor to an adult who is surfing with her for the first time... as you can see in the picture above, to the right.
We also encourage children of all abilities and backgrounds to help the next wave of surfers get on board with Ricochet. In the video below, Hunter has spina bifida and is surrounded by kids, veterans and our water team as they cheer him on.
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Kids helping kids!
The environment we provide is safe, and all participants and volunteers are embraced with an abundance of compassion, joy and positivity. They are able to turn personal challenges to triumphs through the healing power of the ocean, and the healing power of dogs. Kids experience an anti-bullying environment first hand, and learn to be advocates of compassion, empathy, teamwork, bonding and inclusion.
The focus is on facilitating engagement and building new relationships among kids with special needs, people with disabilities, wounded warriors and veterans with PTSD. We strive to renew their spirits and give them a sense of productivity as they continue their progression in day-to-day life.
If you'd like to become a Buddy-up Mentor, volunteer, or if you have a disability, PTSD or a child with special needs that would like to surf with Ricochet, please complete this registration form.
The focus is on facilitating engagement and building new relationships among kids with special needs, people with disabilities, wounded warriors and veterans with PTSD. We strive to renew their spirits and give them a sense of productivity as they continue their progression in day-to-day life.
If you'd like to become a Buddy-up Mentor, volunteer, or if you have a disability, PTSD or a child with special needs that would like to surf with Ricochet, please complete this registration form.
Benefits of becoming a buddy-up mentor
- Fosters a sense of belonging
- Eases the symptoms of stress, anxiety, etc.
- Enhances compassion and empathy.
- Gives a renewed sense of purpose.
- Helps veterans reintegrate into the community through a fun, safe environment and activity.
- Fosters camaraderie.
- Improves relationships at home, work, school, etc from the positive interactions they experience on the beach.
- Improves self-esteem through leadership roles and responsibility.
- Expands relationships in the community.
- Provides a sense of accomplishment from helping others.
- Decreases emotional detachment by cheering on individuals in the surf which requires a display of positive emotions like excitement, encouragement and reassurance.
- Helps volunteers forget about their own issues because they have to focus on the surf participants instead of themselves.
- Reduces isolation and gets individuals out of the house as they connect with people and become part of a team.
- Progressive transformations are experienced through the healing power of the ocean and the healing power of a dog.
- Fears and hypervigilance are conquered by giving reassurance to the individuals who may have apprehensions about surfing.
- Anxiety is reduced with Ricochet and other therapy dogs being on site offering human/dog interaction.
- New friendships are established.
- A better perspective and meaning to life is gained by helping others.
Register to be a buddy-up mentor
If you'd like to join us as a Buddy-up Mentor, or are interested in other activities, or you'd like to surf with Ricochet, please complete this registration form.
Volunteer with us
In addition to our veteran and special needs volunteers, we are always looking for water men and women, photographers, videographers, cheerleaders and friends! Just visit our volunteer opportunities page. We have opportunities both locally and globally, so it doesn't matter where you live... you can still get on board!
