Our Programs
"This is a program that supports the whole family. The Buddy Program gives my children opportunities to know new things and places."
Margarita, parent to a current Little Buddy, and two former youth
in the School-based, LEAD, and Community-based Programs
About our Programs
Offered at NO cost to our communities
Programs offered from Aspen to Glenwood Springs, and Rifle
Collaborating with 16 participating schools
Working with youth ages 6-18
Connection, growth, and community impact.
“If kids are the future, then the future is surely brighter when those kids grow up feeling secure, feeling heard, and knowing that we care about them.”- Big Buddy Melissa
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For many young people, having someone they can trust and rely on makes a meaningful difference—a mentor who listens, offers guidance, and supports them.
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Who are our Little Buddies?Community-based Program Little Buddies are local youth ages 6-18, invited by teachers, counselors, parents, community agencies, partners, or themselves. They come from diverse backgrounds and are uniquely intelligent, strong, funny, resilient, passionate, and curious.
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Program Availability:The Community-based Program is available to youth, families, and volunteers from Aspen to Glenwood Springs.
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Monthly Buddy Pair Activities:Community-based Buddy Pairs meet one-on-one 3-4 times a month for activities they enjoy or participate in free Buddy Pair activities and special opportunities organized by Buddy Program staff. Additionally, the Buddy Program partners with local businesses to provide discounted products and services to our Buddy Pairs when they are out together.
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Ongoing SupportMentors, youth, and families receive ongoing coaching and support from our Mentoring Program Coordinating Team.
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Endless PossibilitiesThe possibilities are endless: share chats, explore local spots, or help each other achieve personal goals.
Community-based Program Goals:
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To increase a youth’s self-esteem
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Cultivate a youth’s enthusiasm, growth mindset, and active participation in school and community life
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Empower youth to make healthy, informed decisions
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Strengthen a youth’s ability to build positive and healthy relationships with peers and adults
It’s more than just pairing two people—it’s about building a relationship that inspires growth, and impact.
A connection created with care every step of the way.
More information:
For more information on this program please contact Ainhoa Bujan, Mentoring Program Director at ainhoa@buddyprogram.org or at 970.373.4850
Discover the power of mentoring.
Discover the
School-based Program
“This program is so impactful because it allows our Little Buddies to have a Buddy who makes them feel valued, and important and allows them to find their worth.”
Lisa Lowsky, BES Counselor
It's not just lunchtime – it's a fantastic opportunity to make a positive impact, boost confidence, and create meaningful friendships with local youth.
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Who are our Little Buddies?Community-based Program Little Buddies are local youth ages 6-18, invited by teachers, counselors, parents, community agencies, partners, or themselves. They come from diverse backgrounds and are uniquely intelligent, strong, funny, resilient, passionate, and curious.
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Program Availability:The Community-based Program is available to youth, families, and volunteers from Aspen to Glenwood Springs.
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Monthly Buddy Pair Activities:Community-based Buddy Pairs meet one-on-one 3-4 times a month for activities they enjoy or participate in free Buddy Pair activities and special opportunities organized by Buddy Program staff. Additionally, the Buddy Program partners with local businesses to provide discounted products and services to our Buddy Pairs when they are out together.
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Ongoing SupportMentors, youth, and families receive ongoing coaching and support from our Mentoring Program Coordinating Team.
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Endless PossibilitiesThe possibilities are endless: share chats, explore local spots, or help each other achieve personal goals.
School-based Program Goals:
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Provide youth with a positive role model to boost their self-esteem
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Inspire a positive attitude, engagement, and regular participation in school through weekly interactions
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Support youth in making healthy choices by fostering strong mentor relationships
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Build the foundation for positive and healthy relationships with peers and adults through consistent guidance
During this special time at the school, Buddy Pairs get to know each other, play games, dive into exciting books, and build meaningful friendships.
More information:
For more information on this program please contact Ainhoa Bujan, Mentoring Program Director at ainhoa@buddyprogram.org or at 970.373.4850
Discover the
Peer-to-Peer Program
“I applied to be a high school Big Buddy in the Peer-to-Peer program not knowing what to expect. My Buddy at first was very shy. Luckily, after a couple of weeks, my Buddy opened up and we could talk about anything. Doing this program was really for me to test out if I enjoyed teaching and being a mentor to young students. Thankfully, it has become a little clearer what I am meant to be in this world."
One High School Big Buddy, one Little Buddy once a week.
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Who are our Little Buddies?Community-based Program Little Buddies are local youth ages 6-18, invited by teachers, counselors, parents, community agencies, partners, or themselves. They come from diverse backgrounds and are uniquely intelligent, strong, funny, resilient, passionate, and curious.
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Program Availability:The Community-based Program is available to youth, families, and volunteers from Aspen to Glenwood Springs.
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Monthly Buddy Pair Activities:Community-based Buddy Pairs meet one-on-one 3-4 times a month for activities they enjoy or participate in free Buddy Pair activities and special opportunities organized by Buddy Program staff. Additionally, the Buddy Program partners with local businesses to provide discounted products and services to our Buddy Pairs when they are out together.
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Ongoing SupportMentors, youth, and families receive ongoing coaching and support from our Mentoring Program Coordinating Team.
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Endless PossibilitiesThe possibilities are endless: share chats, explore local spots, or help each other achieve personal goals.
Peer-to-Peer Program Goals:
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Younger students gain a caring, consistent mentor.
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High school students learn the importance of community stewardship.
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Build mentorship and friendship between different age groups.
The Peer-to-Peer Program empowers youth to build friendships and leadership skills by learning from and supporting one another.
Discover the
LEAD Program
“I can’t express how useful this program was for just getting to be outside and going places, It’s such an amazing experience and lots of fun. I will never forget all the adventures.”
Auryn, LEAD Program Participant
Every adventure is a lesson in growth!
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Who are our Little Buddies?Community-based Program Little Buddies are local youth ages 6-18, invited by teachers, counselors, parents, community agencies, partners, or themselves. They come from diverse backgrounds and are uniquely intelligent, strong, funny, resilient, passionate, and curious.
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Program Availability:The Community-based Program is available to youth, families, and volunteers from Aspen to Glenwood Springs.
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Monthly Buddy Pair Activities:Community-based Buddy Pairs meet one-on-one 3-4 times a month for activities they enjoy or participate in free Buddy Pair activities and special opportunities organized by Buddy Program staff. Additionally, the Buddy Program partners with local businesses to provide discounted products and services to our Buddy Pairs when they are out together.
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Ongoing SupportMentors, youth, and families receive ongoing coaching and support from our Mentoring Program Coordinating Team.
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Endless PossibilitiesThe possibilities are endless: share chats, explore local spots, or help each other achieve personal goals.
LEAD Program Goals
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Help teens develop life skills while exploring hands-on activities alongside peers and caring adults.
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Develop skills for successful travel and exploration in the outdoors
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Give back to and connect with their community through service projects.
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Develop teamwork, communication, decision-making, leadership, and planning skills applied in and out of the classroom
The LEAD Program’s Outdoor Leadership classes help participants build leadership skills while connecting with the outdoors through hands-on experiences.
Discover the youth experience
Mentoring and so much more...
Other services offered by the Buddy Program
Youth engaged with the Buddy Program have access to:
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Empowerment Scholarships: a twice-a-year opportunity to apply for $100 of support with extracurricular activity costs
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Counseling Fund: financial support for counseling and therapy sessions
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Partnership programs: Buddy Program staff refer youth and families for scholarships with Student Diplomacy Corps, Colorado Outward Bound School, and Holiday Baskets coordinated by St. Peters Episcopal Church