OXFORD – “Bigs” and “Littles” from the Child Health Center’s Big Brothers Big Sisters Program gathered for an a day full of fun and adventure recently. The day began with a tour of antique cars followed by pizza, miniature golf and go-carts at the Family Fun Park.

About five matches from Androscoggin and Oxford counties met with Jeff Orwig to view the Bahre collection of antique cars. After that the matches met up with fellow Big Brothers and Sisters and their Littles at the Family Fun Park. They had pizza then had a few rounds of miniature golf and the go-cart course.

There are more than 50 matches who participate in the Child Health Center’s Big Brothers Big Sisters Program throughout Oxford, and Androscoggin counties. Bigs, who are adults from the community, spend a minimum of six hours a month with their Little, a child between the ages of 7 and 12. During this time they have a wide range of activities, including attending movies, hiking, going out to eat and sitting and talking.

Many children benefit from the support of a caring adult as evidenced in improved grades, social skills, self-esteem and confidence. The adults watch the growth of the children and feel good about themselves as they see their “Little” improve in school.

Betsy Easton, a fairly new Big Sister, said, “Being a Big Sister has given me a chance to make a difference in India’s life and she has given me the opportunity to do things I have never done, like drive a go-cart. It is a wonderful experience.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters is a mentoring program under the Child Health Center, a nonprofit organization seeking to improve the lives of children and their families throughout Oxford, Androscoggin and southern Franklin counties. To learn more about mentoring programs, call 743-7035 in Oxford County and 782-5437 in Androscoggin County.