Operation Bigs, Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County

Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County's Operation Bigs is a one-to-one mentoring program for military children ages 7-14, the first of its kind in the nation. Mentoring provides an extra layer of support to local military families whose lifestyle often presents many challenges for children and families.

The military children often face frequent relocations, separation from extended family, school transitions, and increased responsibility coupled with a sense of loss when a parent deploys. The individual attention that the mentors provide in this program makes a huge difference in supporting our youngest service members. Youth enrolled in Big Brothers Big Sisters improve in school and in relationships with their peers and parents. The need for caring, committed mentors to support the children of those who defend our country remains urgent. Our focus is for the match to develop a one-on-one friendship and for the Big Brothers and Big Sisters to provide the children with positive role models and mentors.

Operation Bigs provides mentors to children of military families through our school-based program. Volunteers meet with their Little Brother or Little Sister for one hour one day a week (times and dates are the same every week) at the child's school. During that hour the volunteer and child play games, sports, and do other fun activities together, while building a friendship. The support and encouragement these children receive help them cope with the challenges military families face.

As a volunteer you can choose a site and time below that suite your schedule:

San Diego:

•Tierrasanta: Mondays 2:15-3:15 p.m. or Thursdays 12:20-1:20 p.m.
•Point Loma: Tuesdays 3:30-4:30 p.m.
•Coronado: Tuesdays 1:05-2:05 p.m. or 1:40-2:40 p.m.

Contact the San Diego Operation Bigs Hotline: 858-746-9161 or KimberlyG@SDBigs.org 

Camp Pendleton:

Camp Pendleton Front Gate Sessions:

Contact the Camp Pendleton Operation Bigs Hotline: 858-746-9173 or MeganH@SDBigs.org

Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age and able to commit to the program for one calendar year. We are currently recruiting civilian, retired, & active military adult volunteers - come join us! It's a great way to make a difference in a child's life while having fun at the same time!