There’s no better way to start the day than by immersing ourselves in nature—especially when the weather is this perfect! In February, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona hosted our quarterly Mentor Meet-Up at Piestewa Peak Nature Trail in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, bringing together dedicated Bigs for a refreshing and inspiring hike.
These mentor meet-ups provide a valuable space for Bigs to connect, share experiences, and build a stronger sense of community. This time, we took two intentional pauses along the way, inviting our mentors to reflect, recharge, and support one another in their journeys. With meaningful conversations flowing, scenic views, and great company, the experience was truly special.
One Big Brother shared a powerful takeaway:
“Many people use college as an icebreaker when networking, but an even deeper connection is found in volunteer work. Being part of Big Brothers Big Sisters has not only shaped my life, but it’s also been a conversation starter that leads to genuine connections. If you’re ever looking to build rapport, check out someone’s volunteer experience—it often says more about their values than where they went to school.”
For our staff, these events are always a highlight because, like our Littles, our Bigs also deserve opportunities to have fun and connect. With hikers of all experience levels on the trail, it was incredible to see mentors not only enjoying the moment but also coordinating joint outings with their Littles by the end of the hike.
As we wrapped up the mentor meet up hike, the group left feeling reenergized and excited to return to their matches—already looking forward to hitting the trails again with BBBS. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us! If you’re interested in becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister, reach out—we’d love to welcome you into this amazing community.
