5 Questions with Alan Henry, an Outdoor Explorers Mentoring Program ‘Big’

What is the Roanoke Outside and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Virginia Outdoor Explorers Mentoring Program all about? Alan Henry served as a “big” in Year 1 of the program and found it to be a great experience on mentorship and personal levels. 

Mentors, or “bigs,” are paired with a child from an underserved community and have opportunities to participate in outdoor group activities together once a month for a year. But it doesn’t stop there for everyone; Henry said he’s going to keep working with his little and planning activities together after the program officially ends.

You can sign up to volunteer in Year 2 or learn more here.

5 Questions with Henry

1. What prompted you to get involved in the Outdoor Explorers Mentoring Program?

Involvement with Roanoke Outside was the first step to getting involved. After seeing an email about the program, it just seems like a great collaboration and opportunity to work with underserved youth.

2. What are your favorite activities within the program?

Hiking and canoeing on the James River (pictured) have been highlights. Everything we do is something that the “littles” have never done before. They are so wide-eyed. Exposure to a part of life here in the Roanoke Valley they would not see if not for this. That’s the best thing for me.

3. What are your favorite outdoor activities?

I do a lot of hiking and biking. I got my little involved in cycling outside the program as well and hooked him up with the Star City Cycling Team.

4. How did you develop your love of the outdoors?

From birth, really. I grew up hiking and camping. Having these opportunities as a kid can develop into a lifelong love of the outdoors as an adult, and hopefully, kids will see that though the outdoor mentorship program.

5. What would you tell someone who is interested in getting involved?

Just do it. It’s really rewarding, and the group activities are a lot of fun. And the bigs get to know each other well and do things outside the program. Plus, the kids are so excited. They love this, and the structure helps in knowing how to navigate the Big Brothers Big Sisters program with a focus on things to do together.