TWINS BUS
When: Sunday, September 12th 1:10pm game
Where: Target Field - bus is provided and will leave Discovery Elementary at 11:00am
Who: Matches and Littles with their family. All Littles must be accompanied by an adult.
Cost: $5 per person - this must be paid ahead of time to hold your spot! Cash or check can be dropped off at or mailed to the BBBS office.
Limit: 29 people (18 seats left!)
HEY BIGS, EXPERIENCE AND EXPLORE
JA WITH YOUR LITTLES!
Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest is excited to offer a virtual programming experience for Bigs and Littles sponsored by Federated Insurance. Along with this fun, virtual opportunity, you will get a bag filled with swag, activities, and goodies to share with your Little!
JA VIRTUAL PROGRAM OPTIONS
(CHOOSE PROGRAM BASED ON YOUR LITTLE'S AGE)
JA BIZ TOWN ADVENTURES
Grades 4-6
 
In JA BizTown Online Adventures, students will explore aspects of running a business as they take on the roles of chief executive officer, chief financial officer, marketing director, sales manager, and consumer via five engaging online, self-guided adventures.
 
During each adventure, students will have an opportunity to solve problems, make business decisions, weigh saving and spending choices, consider risk management and insurance strategies, and make personal and business-related financial decisions. Each Big/Little team will receive a JA BizTown in a Box kit with hands-on activities and fun items for your JA BizTown Adventure.
 
JA FINANCE PARK VITURAL
Grades 7-12
 
In JA Finance Park Virtual, students will explore careers, develop personal money management skills, and prepare for financial decisions and challenges in their adult lives. During this virtual experience, students assume family and income scenarios and visit businesses to gather information for their personal financial decision-making. They use bank services; contribute to charities; purchase housing, transportation, furnishings, food, health care, and other expenses; and make investment decisions, while working to balance their budgets. This engaging virtual program is Adulting 101! Each team will receive a JA Finance Park kit with resources and a treat to share!
 
JA Bags will be picked up at your local BBBS Office. Once you register, your local BBBS Program Coordinator will be in touch with pick-up details.

Click here to see the welcome video from Julie Rethemeier, Director of Public Affairs and Advertising at our sponsor Federated Insurance.

SPONSORED BY
HELP US RECRUIT 100 BIGS IN 100 DAYS! SEND YOUR REFERRALS TO TINA@BIGDEFENDERS.ORG!
Marcus Elk River Cinema - Little is free with paid admission of the Big.
GREAT Theatre - Little is free with paid admission of the Big.
CURRENT COVID-19 IN-PERSON
MENTORING GUIDELINES
 
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) have updated their COVID-19 guidelines for in-person interactions, including recommendations for persons who have been fully vaccinated (defined as being more than two weeks out from receiving either the single-dose vaccine or their second dose of a two-dose vaccine). Accordingly, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central MN (BBBS) has updated its guidelines and recommendations for in-person match meetings. Please see our website to review updated guidelines.
St. Cloud Pride in the Park - This annual family friendly event features local food vendors, businesses, organizations, music, games and more! Join us September 18th from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm for the 12th annual St. Cloud Pride weekend! We invite YOU to come out and show your colors. Please click here for more information.
St. Cloud Crossroads Mall Fall Craft & Gift Show 2021 - This show features a fantastic combination of handmade arts & crafts, jewelry, bath & body products, home décor, gourmet food/concessions, glass/metal art, wood working, and so much more! Come support local small businesses. Shop local, shop small. Please click here for more information.
FALL PRESCHOOL - ST. CLOUD SCHOOL DISTRICT 
St. Cloud Rotary will cover the cost for families that cannot afford to pay for preschool.
For more information please call 320-370-8250.
FREE COMMUNITY EVENT: DOCUMENTARY FILM SCREENING

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month – a dedicated time to come together to talk about suicide. In the U.S., 20 young people die by suicide every day. By raising awareness for mental health and suicide prevention, we also celebrate life and promote hope.

CentraCare is proud to co-sponsor two free community events, featuring the documentary film, My Ascension. The film tells the story of 16-year-old Emma Benoit, whose suicide attempt left her paralyzed, but propelled her on a mission to use her painful experience to help others find hope. Each event includes a community resource fair, screening of My Ascension, and a panel discussion. Due to limited seating, registration is required (details and links below).

Sept. 20 at the Monticello Community Center (505 Walnut Street, Monticello)
5-5:30 p.m. – Doors open, Community Resource Fair
5:30-7:15 p.m. – Welcome, screening of My Ascension
7:15-8 p.m. – Mental health, suicide and stigma: How can we re-connect

Sept. 27 at the Great River Regional Library (1300 West St. Germain St., St. Cloud)
5-5:30 p.m. – Doors open, Community Resource Fair
5:30-7:15 p.m. – Welcome, screening of My Ascension
7:15-8 p.m. – Mental health, suicide and stigma: How can we re-connect
Please visit our BBBS Website to view resources and information for parents/guardians & Bigs including mentoring videos and parenting resources. We also have an extensive listing of community resources including tutors, food and housing assistance, and mental health resources. BigDefenders.org

In addition, we also list past issues of the Big Happenings on our website. Please click here to access past issues.
LITTLE BIG VIRTUAL ACADEMY
Welcome to a whole world of fun, learning, and resources - The Little Big Virtual Academy!

The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota team has compiled a list of fun and interactive activities and resources for Littles and Bigs to do together (either in-person or virtually) click here to check it out!
AROUND CLOUD TUTORS PREPARES STUDENT FOR YEAR AHEAD!

As the school year begins to come around the corner, it’s crucial we set students up for success. Around Cloud Tutors will continue to provide free, virtual tutoring services to all K-12 students in the greater St. Cloud region through the remainder of the summer and throughout the coming school year. Please click here for link.
UPDATE YOUR FACEBOOK PROFILE PIC!

Are you a current Big? Do you stand with youth? Let everyone know! Go to your Facebook profile and click to change your profile pic. Then click on frames, search BBBS of Central MN and add it to your profile pic!
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central MN | 320-253-1616 | BigDefenders.org