be a big
BECOMING A BIG IS EASY
1
BIG 101
Attend a 90-minute Orientation & Training session
2
APPLY
Submit an application at the orientation (including references)
3
INTERVIEW
Complete an interview and undergo a Level II background check
4
VISIT
Meet your new potential Little
5
CONFIRM
Let the fun begin!
BIG PROGRAMS
We understand that your time is valuable, so we’ve created two unique programs to become a Big in your community. Learn more about our Site and Community based programs to fit within your needs below.
SITE-BASED
In this program, volunteers meet with their Little Brother or Little Sister one hour a week at a nearby school or after-school site. (Check with your employer; some businesses encourage staff to volunteer by offering to pay for volunteer time.) We ask for volunteers to commit to at least 12 months in this program, but most stay in the program nearly twice that long!
Learn More
COMMUNITY
This program allows you the opportunity to pick up your Little Brother or Little Sister at the child’s home and spend time engaged in activities you both enjoy in the community. Outings can range from going for a walk, working on arts and crafts, taking a bike ride or watching a sporting event. Through partnerships, our agency also provides free or reduced-priced tickets to our Bigs and Littles to various events in the community. In the Community-Based program, volunteers spend at least eight hours with their Little each month, typically in the evenings or on the weekend.
- Big Couple: where a committed couple can mentor a Little Brother together, sharing the responsibilities and commitments while also serving as an example of a happy, healthy relationship.
- Sports Buddies: where we match a Big and a Little who share a love of playing and watching sports. We have great partnerships with our local teams and can often offer free tickets to our Sports Buddies.
- Foster care: where we match a volunteer mentor with a child who has been placed in foster care.
Get Started
Orientation and Training schedule in your county
Big Orientation & Training
Jan 5, 2019
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
pasco County
New Port Richey Public Library
New Port Richey Public Library
5939 Main Street
New Port Richey, FL 34652
New Port Richey, FL 34652
Big Orientation & Training
Jan 8, 2019
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
hillsborough County
Yogurtology Carrollwood
Yogurtology Carrollwood
12460 N Dale Mabry Highway
Tampa, FL 33618
Tampa, FL 33618
Big Orientation & Training
Jan 9, 2019
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
sumter County
Belvedere Library
Belvedere Library
325 Belvedere Blvd.
The Villages, FL 32162
The Villages, FL 32162
Big Orientation & Training
Jan 9, 2019
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
pinellas County
St. Anthony Carillon/BayCare
St. Anthony Carillon/BayCare
900 Carillon Parkway
St. Petersburg, FL 33716
St. Petersburg, FL 33716
Big Orientation & Training
Jan 9, 2019
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
polk County
Women’s Resource Center
Women’s Resource Center
165 Avenue A NW
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Big Orientation & Training
Jan 10, 2019
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
hillsborough County
USF Marshall Center (MSC3302B)
USF Marshall Center (MSC3302B)
4103 USF Cedar Cir.
Tampa, FL 33620
Tampa, FL 33620
Big Orientation & Training
Jan 12, 2019
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
pinellas County
BBBS Pinellas Office
BBBS Pinellas Office
918 W. Bay Drive
Largo, FL 33770
Largo, FL 33770
Big Orientation & Training
Jan 12, 2019
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
polk County
BBBS Polk Office
BBBS Polk Office
1231 E. Orange Street
Lakeland, FL 33801
Lakeland, FL 33801
Big Orientation & Training
Jan 14, 2019
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
pasco County
WellCare, Southgate Shopping Center Plaza
WellCare, Southgate Shopping Center Plaza
5113 US Highway 19
New Port Richey, FL 34652
New Port Richey, FL 34652
Big Orientation & Training
Jan 15, 2019
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
pinellas County
Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble
2501 Tyrone Blvd. N.
St. Petersburg, FL 33710
St. Petersburg, FL 33710
Big Orientation & Training
Jan 16, 2019
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
hillsborough County
Metropolitan Ministries
Metropolitan Ministries
165 E. Frances Ave.
Tampa, FL 33602
Tampa, FL 33602
Big Orientation & Training
Jan 17, 2019
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
citrus County
Citrus YMCA
Citrus YMCA
4127 West Norvell Bryant Highway
Lecanto, FL 34461
Lecanto, FL 34461
BIG PERKS
In order to take advantage of BIG PERKS, an array of discounts given our Bigs and Littles through corporate partnerships, you will need to bring your Match ID card with you and present it at the time of purchase. Discounts are subject to change and participation may vary.
4 Rivers Smoke House
14330 N. Dale Mabry & 623 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa
844-474-8377
FREE meals for Bigs and Littles.
Two meals per visit (one for Big and one for Little) with drinks and dessert.
Offer valid at both Tampa locations
Astro Skate
750 W. Robertson St., Brandon
813-681-3635
http://brandon.astroskatingcenter.com/
Big pays full regular admission & Little gets FREE regular admission. This includes skate rental for the Little. Only available during these skate sessions: Saturdays 12:30PM-6PM & Sundays 1PM-5PM
Beef O’Brady’s
4516 S. Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa
813-837-5200
https://www.beefobradys.com/SouthDaleMabry
10% off the purchase of two meals.
Bet You Can’t Escape
7901 Benjamin Road, Tampa
813-290-0009
https://www.betyoucantescape.com/
Big pays discounted price of $15 and Little gets in FREE
Dinosaur World
5145 Harvey Tew Rd., Plant City
813-717-9865
Big pays regular admission & Little receives FREE regular admission. This includes Fossil Dig for ages 3-12
MOSI – Museum of Science & Industry
4801 E. Fowler Ave, Tampa
813-987-6000
Big pays regular general admission & Little receives $4 general admission
Pin Chasers Midtown
4847 N. Armenia Avenue, Tampa
813-750-0524
http://pinchasers.net/locations/midtown/
Big purchases one bowling game, Little gets one round FREE
Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA
813-224-9622
FREE access to all Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA locations when you attend with your Little. You will have access to the swimming pools, water parks (at select locations), basketball courts, Kids Zone, Teen Center, wellness center, and more! An application can be obtained through your Match Support Specialist.
TreeUmph
21805 E. State Road 70, Bradenton
941-322-2133
Buy one get one FREE access. Limit one per person. Call the office & mention you are with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay to setup the excursion.
Wheel Fun
Hillsborough River State Park in Thonotosassa, 813-987-6771
Bigs and Littles can enjoy FREE unlimited rentals together through their new Biking Buddies program. Rentals include multi-passenger surrey quadricycles, cruiser bikes, pedal boats, kayaks, stand up paddle boards, and recumbent four-passenger Deuce Coupe bikes! Show your match ID card to receive your free ride vouchers, good for one rental per person per day. Not valid on holidays.
Airheads
12401 Belcher Road, Largo
727-953-7254
http://pinellas.airheadsusa.com/
Big pays full for a regular attraction & Little gets a FREE regular attraction. One slice of pizza and one small soft drink $2.50/guest
Astro Skate
875 Cypress Street, Tarpon Springs
727-938-5778
http://www.tarponsprings.astroskatingcenter.com/
Big pays full regular admission & Little gets FREE regular admission. This includes skate rental for the Little. Only available during these skate sessions: Saturdays 12:30PM-6PM & Sundays 1PM-5PM
Clearwater Community Sailing Center
1001 Gulf Blvd., Clearwater
727-517-7776
http://www.clearwatercommunitysailing.org/
Tandem kayak rentals for only $10/hour
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
249 Windward Passage, Clearwater
727-441-1790
Big purchases admission at full price and their Little gets in FREE
Great Exploration Children’s Museum
1925 4th Street North, St. Petersburg
727-821-8992
FREE entry to the museum for Big & Little
Liberty Lanes
11401 Starkey Road, Largo
727-397-3947
https://libertylanesbowling.com/
Bigs & Littles enjoy 2 hours of bowling for only $9.00. This includes: lane rental, ball, and up to 4 pairs of shoes.
Menchies Frozen Yogurt
196 37th Ave. North, St. Petersburg
727-329-8822
http://www.menchies.com/frozen-yogurt-shops/frozen-yogurt-northeast-park-fl
Bigs & Littles receive 20% off each purchase
Subway
33338 US Hwy 19 N., Palm Harbor
312 East Lake Rd., Palm Harbor
2610 Bayshore Blvd., Dunedin
Purchase one 6” sub & 21oz drink for Big and receive a FREE 6” sub for Little. Available at the location listed ONLY.
Sunken Gardens
1825 4th Street North, St. Petersburg
727-551-3102
http://www.stpete.org/attractions/sunken_gardens/index.php
FREE entry for Big & Little
Wheel Fun
Fred Howard Park in Tarpon Springs, 727-709-3610
Lake Seminole Park in Seminole, 727-709-3322
Honeymoon Island State Park in Dunedin, 727-260-5503
Best Western Yacht Harbor Inn in Dunedin, 727-733-4121
Safety Harbor Resort & Spa in Safety Harbor, 727-726-1161
Magnuson Hotel Marina Cove in St. Petersburg, 800-227-8045
Merry Pier in St. Petersburg, 727-360-1400
Bigs and Littles can enjoy FREE unlimited rentals together through their new Biking Buddies program. Rentals include multi-passenger surrey quadricycles, cruiser bikes, pedal boats, kayaks, stand up paddle boards, and recumbent four-passenger Deuce Coupe bikes! Show your match ID card to receive your free ride vouchers, good for one rental per person per day. Not valid on holidays.
X-treme Fun Center
13211 93rd Street N, Largo
727-584-9876
Big pays full regular price for laser tag or batting cage tokens & Little gets FREE laser tag or batting cage tokens. One slice of pizza and one small soft drink $2.50/guest
YMCA of the Suncoast
727-467-9622
FREE access to all YMCA of the Suncoast locations when you attend with your Little. You will have access to the swimming pools, water parks (at select locations), Kids Zone, Teen Center, wellness center, and more! A member engagement form can be obtained through your Match Support Specialist.
CiCi’s Pizza
4271 Florida Ave. S., Lakeland
863-644-4477
https://www.cicis.com/locations/fl-lakeland-4271-s-florida-ave
When Big buys a meal and drink the Little receives a FREE meal and drink.
Denny’s
Any Location
Purchase one entrée for Big & Little under 10 years old will receive a free meal.
Only available on Tuesday from 4PM-10PM
Explorations V Children’s Museum
109 Kentucky Ave., Lakeland
863-687-3869
FREE entry for Big & Little
Family Fun Center
4825 Florida Ave. S., Lakeland
863-644-1728
http://thefamilyfuncenter.com/
Buy one get one FREE on mini golf, laser tag, or Vault Assault laser maze. Discounts for Funtasia Play Area.
Palace Pizza
114 S. Kentucky Ave., Lakeland
863-688-0045
http://palacepizzadowntown.com/
Bigs & Littles receive 10% off their meal.
Theatre Winter Haven
210 Cypress Gardens Blvd., Winter Haven
863-294-7469
http://www.theatrewinterhaven.com/
Buy one ticket for a Big and your Little gets in FREE. To redeem, simply select seats to a TWH event online and prior to checkout apply code: BBBS
YMCA of West Central Florida
863-644-3528
FREE access to any YMCA of West Central Florida location when you attend with your Little. You will have access to the swimming pools, racquetball courts, and wellness equipment (depending on the age of your little and upon completion of our youth certification class.) The guest waiver form can be obtained through your Match Support Specialist.
YMCA Par 3, Home of The First Tee of Lakeland
1740 George Jenkins Blvd., Lakeland
863-577-0236
http://www.thefirstteelakeland.org/
FREE access when you attend with your Little. You will have access to the nine-hole golf course. The guest waiver form can be obtained through your Match Support Specialist.
YMCA of the Suncoast
727-467-9622
FREE access to all YMCA of the Suncoast locations when you attend with your Little. You will have access to the swimming pools, water parks (at select locations), Kids Zone, Teen Center, wellness center, and more! A member engagement form can be obtained through your Match Support Specialist.
YMCA of the Suncoast
727-467-9622
FREE access to all YMCA of the Suncoast locations when you attend with your Little. You will have access to the swimming pools, water parks (at select locations), Kids Zone, Teen Center, wellness center, and more! A member engagement form can be obtained through your Match Support Specialist.
Florida Hospital Center Ice
3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd., Wesley Chapel
813-955-4840
http://www.floridahospitalcenterice.com/
Big pays for themselves and the Little receives free admission and skate rental
Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA
813-224-9622
FREE access to all Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA locations when you attend with your Little. You will have access to the swimming pools, water parks (at select locations), basketball courts, Kids Zone, Teen Center, wellness center, and more! An application can be obtained through your Match Support Specialist.
YMCA of the Suncoast
727-467-9622
FREE access to all YMCA of the Suncoast locations when you attend with your Little. You will have access to the swimming pools, water parks (at select locations), Kids Zone, Teen Center, wellness center, and more! A member engagement form can be obtained through your Match Support Specialist.
GatorWorld Parks of Florida
492 W. Highway 44, Wildwood
352-462-9500
https://www.gatorworldparks.com/
FREE admission for Little when Big purchases regular adult admission
FAQs
How much time does it take to be a Big?
4 to 8 hours a month, depending on the program. In our Site-Based program, you visit your Little for one hour each week during the school year, typically during his or her lunch hour. To realize all of the positive impacts our relationships can incur, we ask for a 12-month minimum commitment in this program. In our Community-Based program, we ask for a minimum of 8 hours a month, which typically equates to two outings each month taking your Little outside their home to engage in some type of activity, typically in the evenings or on weekends. We also offer a Sports Buddy program, which centers around watching and participating in sports, and a Big Couples option, where you and your spouse or significant other share the mentoring experience. We ask for a minimum 15-month commitment in all of our community-based programs.
What’s required to be a Big?
You must:
- Agree to honor the minimum commitment (12-15 months, depending on the program) and have the time each week/month to see your Little.
- Successfully pass a Level 2 background check (including fingerprints and driving record.) There is no cost to applicants for the background check.
- Have a valid driver’s license, auto insurance and appropriate transportation for children (for Community-Based volunteers.) For Site-Based you must have reliable transportation to get to your mentoring site even in inclement weather.
- Present a Social Security card or W2 tax form.
- Complete the enrollment process, which includes attending an Orientation & Training session (for the schedule in your county, got to bbbstampabay.org and follow the “Volunteer” links). At the end of the orientation, you will be asked to complete an application (including three references). Approximately a week later you will be asked to participate in a one-on-one personal interview.
What kind of kids do we help?
We initially match children between the ages of 5 and 13 (although once matched they remain in the program through high school graduation). Most of our Littles come from families living below the federal poverty line, while many come from single-parent homes, or have a parent incarcerated or a parent in the military who is deployed elsewhere. We work hard to match you with a child within 15 minutes of where you live that shares your interests and hobbies.
Will I have help?
Absolutely. Every Big and Little “match” is assigned to work with one of our professional staff members, called a Match Support Specialist, who is there to help you overcome any challenges, answer any questions, help you with ideas on match outings and otherwise support the match in any way possible. We host many events for our matches that are free to attend, and we will work with you to help develop skills to become a more effective mentor.
So what is the first step?
Check out the Orientation & Training schedule for your county and just show up. No RSVP required. You’ll learn all about our programs, commitments, expectations and our kids.
