Reprinted from the Health District's quarterly publication mailed to district residents (Spring 2003)

Brad VanHull and his buddy, Chad, balance on the snow at the top of Cameron Pass and strap into snowshoes. It’s one of those idyllic Colorado winter mornings — blue sky, dazzling sunlight, snow sparkling like jewels, views for miles around. In the beauty and solitude of the moment, conversation comes easy.

Even though VanHull and his friend hang out together each week doing something fun, today is special. This is the first time Chad, 13, has been snowshoeing. Excited and at ease, he grins, clearly enjoying this one-on-one time with his pal in a place where there’s not another soul in sight.
His adult mentor is smiling, too. “It’s really neat to see a kid experience something he’s never tried before,” VanHull says.

Now in his third year as a partner, VanHull can hardly imagine not having this experience in his life. He’d like to see others get involved with Partners and find out what it feels like to make a difference in someone’s life.

The small act of being a positive role model can improve a youth’s performance in school, develop his or her leadership abilities and increase the likelihood of graduating from high school and going on to college. Plus, being in Partners is just a lot of fun, says VanHull’s junior partner. “I get to hang out with really cool people,” says Chad. “It’s a great way for me to spend my time.”

Executive Director Dave Boon says Partners is always in need of more male mentors. “No special skill is necessary, just a desire to be a friend and spend time with someone.”

A Partners case manager reviews information about junior and senior partners to successfully match their personalities and interests. “After that,” says VanHull, “you just explore what you like to do together.”

Senior partners commit to spending an average of three hours a week with their junior partner for one year. The organization provides monthly recreational activities, and other times the junior and senior partners decide how they’d like to spend their time together.

Chad and VanHull have no problem finding things to do. “He’s a really fun, outgoing and caring kid,” says VanHull, “and athletic, too.” They enjoy shooting hoops, rock climbing, bicycling, working on school projects, and eating at Big City Burrito.

Time is the important thing, VanHull stresses. “Once you get involved, it doesn’t feel like you have to make the time, because you enjoy it so much.”