Become a Mentor

BYEP’s powerful mentorship program relies on an exceptional group of people: our volunteer mentors.

BYEP mentors are relatable, passionate young adults, typically ranging between 21-35 years old, but not limited to these ages given the right fit. They bridge the gap between adolescence and adulthood, and support teen participants in grades 7-12 through a strength-based approach. Collectively throughout the year our volunteer mentors give over 13,000 hours of their time to BYEP's programming!

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THE MENTOR RUNDOWN

A BYEP mentor and participant sit on a bench in Bozeman, Montana

Young adults are encouraged to apply to volunteer (~21-35)
We ask for a commitment of 10 hours per week for one season (12-13 weeks). Multiple season volunteers are welcome and encouraged!
Introduce teens (7th-12th grade) to and join on outdoor adventures you love.
All skill levels welcome! Learn new activities and skills together.
We support you along the way! You receive training, and are always with your group and BYEP staff.
Get access to pro discounts on select outdoor gear.
A rewarding and unique chance to volunteer with teens who commit to empowering themselves. Your support changes lives, both the teens’ and your own.
Experience growth, connection, inspiration, and challenges while supporting vulnerable teens in Gallatin Valley!

“Being a mentor has taught me the importance of listening and being present for others, as well as the power of positive reinforcement and encouragement.
”

— Josie Savage, BYEP Mentor

Ready to apply? Fill out your application below

HOW IT WORKS

BYEP participant and mentor visiting a goat farm

Our mentorship program is divided into three seasons of 12-13 weeks each: Winter (Mid-January - Mid-April), Summer (Mid-May - early August), and Fall (Mid-September - early December). We ask mentors to commit to a full season, about 10 hours per week in total on two separate days. We've found this volunteer experience is mutually rewarding for mentors and the youth we serve — mentors often come back for several seasons in a row!

Each 10 hour week is divided into a weekday workshop between Monday and Thursday from 4-7pm, and a Sunday outdoor adventure (between 5-8 hours) that takes you skiing, snowboarding, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, paddleboarding, gardening, hiking and everything in between. Mentors are assigned to a BYEP staff Program Manager and a group of 6-8 teens that they will work with for the entire season.

BYEP participant and mentor snowboard together at Big Sky Resort

Mentors play a crucial role in the program’s success, and we offer support to our volunteers along the way. Every mentor receives training at the start of each season, and during weekday workshops they are accompanied by BYEP’s Program Managers who facilitate a wellness curriculum. During weekend adventures Program Managers guide the larger group while mentors may spend intentional time with smaller groups of teens, such as picking participants up for programming in our BYEP vehicles, or accompanying a group of teens on the bunny hill! Mentors support curriculum facilitation, while also receiving support from the Program Manager and their fellow mentors.

How do you become a mentor? If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer mentor, simply fill out an application below. We’ll review your application, then reach out to schedule an interview.

Is mentoring not your jam? Learn about other volunteer opportunities at BYEP here.

Already a mentor, looking to fill out your required paperwork? Click here! And click here to fill out your MVR.