Children today go through so many challenges and transitions. At times it may be challenging to
navigate through those difficulties. Some children may not have that older sibling or person who they are
able to talk to to guide them through those difficult moments. Thankfully, there are mentorship
programs that bridge the gap and allow children to have a safe space to talk to someone who has been
through a similar situation. One of those mentorship programs is Wyldlife.
Recently, I had the privilege of speaking to Lisa, who is the director of Wyldlife. Wyldlife is a
ministry that introduces middle school children to the ministry of Christ. Wyldlife allows 11th and 12th
graders to work with middle school children. This simultaneously allows the middle schoolers the safe
space to talk to someone who has been in their shoes not too long ago, while also allowing the high
schoolers an opportunity to lead before they head to college. When asking Lisa what does mentorship
mean to her she stated: “Mentorship is pouring out as much as you’re pouring into it. It’s a side by side
relationship.” The mentorship process is about trusting each other. Both the mentor and mentee have to
trust so that they can help each other out and learn from each other.
Wyldlife truly makes a difference with their mentorship program. It allows middle schoolers a
safe space to be themselves. Wyldlife provides many avenues to connect with the middle schoolers.
“Club talk” allows children to have fun and play games. After the children unwind, the leader gets up and
does a 5 to 10 minute testimony. These club talks are very relevant to the children. The leader’s job is to
give the children a little perspective of who the speaker is, something the leader is dealing with now, or
something the leader went through at their age. “Campaigners” are smaller groups. It allows the children
to dig a little deeper and ask bigger questions. It’s where they bring their thoughts and conclusions as
they navigate through life. With all of the negativity in the world, this group allows a place to share
positivity. “Camping” which is another way to connect to middle schoolers, gives children the
opportunity to get away. It’s a different space away from home. Camping gives the children a different
environment where they can get out of their bubble and open up a little more.”Contact work” is more
personal. This is where the mentor meets the child in their world. Whether it’s walking on the beach,
sitting with them at a park and just having real life conversations with each other. These different
opportunities give the children the comfort and space to be open and learn about God and also find
themselves.