"(The Brave Buddies mentoring program) is something we will always hold," said Karla Beiler, director of Pequea Valley (PV) elementary advocacy with The Factory Ministries. "The neat thing is we get to impact more kids (with mentors)," Beiler explained. "When there are 12 kids ... with just me, there's only so much impact."

Students who take part in the mentoring program, traditionally held three times a year at The Factory, 3293 Lincoln Highway East, Paradise, are in third, fourth, and fifth grades at PV School District elementary schools. The spring session, which will be held on Tuesdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m., will begin on March 28. Each session begins with a snack and a game, followed by a half hour of buddy journal time. Students meet one-on-one with a mentor to read a story. Each week, the story has a theme such as "Believe in Yourself," "Be Persistent," or "Effort Is Key." At the end of eight weeks, there is a closing event for students' families to attend.

Volunteer mentors must be age 16 or older and must have completed all their background clearances. Beiler provides training to help mentors feel more comfortable taking part in the program. Beiler noted that mentoring is a great opportunity for high school students looking to go into education or work with children in other capacities.

The mission of Brave Buddies is "to offer a safe and positive environment ... where learners will benefit from ... mentoring with a caring adult, focused on gaining a growth mindset and increasing self-efficacy." Weekly surveys gauge progress for the mentor and mentee and let Beiler know whether extra help or resources are needed. Beiler witnesses the progress students make during each session. "I see (the mentees) grow and be empowered (by mentors)," she said. "(They) learn what they are gifted in, and they are redirecting their behavior in a positive way." She added that she also sees students develop skills and learn what it means to be part of the local community. "They feel a part of who we are," she said. Participants take growth mindset evaluations both before and after the program, and in 2021, 82% of the students who took part showed improvement in six of seven growth mindset indicators.

Children in the program are referred by teachers, but parents register the children with Beiler. Individuals interested in serving as mentors may contact Beiler at 717-687-9594, ext. 206, or email karla@thefactoryministries.com.