Save the Dates for Summer!
Sat Jul 24th & Sat Aug 21st
Time TBD
Past BC Buddies Reflections: click here
A concept inspired by Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech (“Clarke Buddies”), which is described as “a fun opportunity to meet, get to know, and connect on a regular basis with other kids who are deaf or hard of hearing!”
Participants will share experiences about being deaf or hard of hearing, participate in team building activities, and build a sense of community. They have an option of being paired with an older mentor or a peer close to their own age. Older students that choose to be mentors will gain leadership and community service experience while being a role model to a younger student.
Who? deaf and hard of hearing students between ages 6 and 12
What? BC Buddies gives students the opportunity to strengthen a connection with one other student. The event is led by experienced teachers of the deaf and deaf young adults. Meet-ups consist of organized activities and social time.
When and where? BC Buddies have 3 sessions across the Lower Mainland and the Okanagan Region held in February, May, and November of each year.
Why? The goal of the buddies program is to connect students who are deaf and hard of hearing and build a sense of community. By doing this, students can reduce feelings of isolation, create a sense of support and community among students with hearing loss, raise confidence, establish new friendships, share experiences, develop a sense of identity, develop leadership skills, and gain advice about situations relating to hearing loss.