Mentors Make a Difference

Indy Chamber News Archives

Have you ever taken a step back from your life and thought about those people who were great influences to you and helped you become the person you are today? Maybe it was a high school coach, a dedicated teacher, or an older family member. The value of mentoring is almost immeasurable because it can touch on so many aspects of one’s life.

Did you know 55% of young people with a mentor are more likely to go to college according to The Mentor Effect, a study conducted in 2014 by the National Mentoring Partnership? Jameson Camp primarily serves disadvantaged youth and going to college could be a crucial step in ending the cycle of poverty for the youth they serve.

Although their programs are not academic driven, Jameson Camp’s Summer Camp and Youth Leadership programs are designed to teach character development and leadership skills which are essential for youth to succeed in school, the workforce, and more.

Sixteen year old, Richard, feels the Youth Leadership program has helped him become a better leader. “I’ve learned things about myself like how certain things affect me or how I need to be more organized.”

In 2014, Richard was paired with mentor John Jeanguenat as part of Jameson’s formal mentoring program for our teen Youth Leaders. Even though it has only been a few months, Richard already feels like John is impacting his life and helping him reach his goals. “I’m interested in engineering as a possible college major. John and I have talked about going to visit Rose Hulman [Institute of Technology] for a campus tour so I can learn more about their program.”

John feels he has taught Richard a few things, but also sees himself learning from Richard. “I’ve been so impressed in him and his drive to succeed especially in speech and in school, talking about college and what he wants to do with his life. I mean he’s so much more of a planner than I ever was at that point in my life.”

The two share a love of sports and have gotten to know each other while bowling, playing arcade games, and attending a Pacer’s game. Recently, John cheered Richard on while he competed in a Speech competition and placed 1st in poetry. “It felt great just to know that he’s another supporter in my corner. Sometimes just knowing you’ve got someone else to help you out and support you when you need it is a great thing,” said Richard.

Would you like to make a difference in the life of a teen like Richard? Jameson Camp is currently recruiting adult mentors to match with more of our teen Youth Leaders. Contact Ali Danforth via [email protected] or (317) 241 – 2661 for more information or visit our website, www.jamesoncamp.org/yl-mentoring.