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Show THE THUNDERBIRDDSOUTHERN UTAH UNIVERSITYDMONDAY DECEMBER 2, 1991 Big buddy program Cannondale Specialized to simulate siblings BY T1 I y- KATHLEEN CLOVE - 586-424- I V 2 Thunderbird Editor Surrogate families have taken on a new twist with SUUs new big buddy program. Students seeking a younger sibling will now have the chance to experience one. Program coordinator Kim Beck said big buddy is designed to bring special friends together. We can touch you and you can touch us, she told a room full of North Elementary students on Tuesday, Nov. 19, during a press conference explaining the program. Big buddy was organized to bring children, from ages five to 14, together with bigger kids so that the duos can gain something from each other. This gives you another big brother or sister to learn from, coordinator Gordon Birch told the students. Boys are matched with boys and girls are matched with girls, Beck said. Students meet with each other once per week for two to three hours to do activities to build a friendship to last forever. Beck, who was president of the same program at Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho, said she has been a big buddy to same girl for four years. Shes seen me grow and Ive seen her grow, she said. Only those students sincerely interested in participating should apply, as the program selects only the most responsible big buddies we can, to ensure the safety of the kids involved, said Tracy Clark, program organizer. She said the appliants are closely screened, and must go through several interviews before they are selected. A committee interviews the applicants as an initial screening, said Clarke, while the childs parents have the final say in the selection. The length of the companionship depends on those involved. Beck said, Matches last as long as you stay close. (Partners) are changed when you want. Applicants are asked why they want to be a big buddy, what experience they have with children, and what interests they have. SU students will be matched up with North Elementary students with common interests. Big buddy coordinator Ben Blackburn said he has already talked to some organizations on campus who are excited about getting involved with the big buddy program. However, any student who is interested in participating may pick up an application in the Student Government Offices. Beck said she would like the applications to be submitted before students leave for Christmas break so the program can get under way by the beginning of January. Applicants are continually sought, however, as there are always more elementary children who decide to join the program, she noted. Birch said financial support is needed from the community, but noted that the program will work for itself as well. As the first activity, each big buddy and little buddy enter a contest to showcase a part of southern Utah you really enjoy. The winners to sell in the community. get their design placed on a Beck said she would like to see the program continue, even after students graduate from the university. Big buddy will work through the Student Government Offices, she said, so it is likely that the program will continue into future student administrations. T 70 W. Center Snow is HERE!!! Cross Country Ski Rental & Snow Board Rentals and Sales only at the BIKE ROUTE your action sport headquarter Whopper Sandwich and a Bag of Fries $1.99 with coupon Limit 2 Per Coupon Please present coupon to cashier before ordering. Limit one coupon per customer. Not valid with other COUPONS or OFFERS. Void where prohibited by law. Cheese may be added for a nominal charge. Good only at: 1215 West 200 North, Cedar City Expires December 31, 1991 rt (gOMLE o)0MDKI suu STUDENT DAY is back Every TuesAll $1 Washers are 12 price Laundry Deluxe Cheeseburger With Fries ' 32 Oz. Drink $235 Dry Cleaning Drapes Professional Leather Cleaning Pillows Main St 586-140-5 Open Daily 8 am to 10 pm Last Load by 9 pm Current Student ID Required 1117 N. PAGE 7 "A" 5W |