Waiting for a Mentor-Kinship: Pine River boy waiting for attentive male role model

After a long winter or even an extended period of rainy days, we look forward to getting outdoors to savor our yards and gardens.

Imagine what it is like for a young fifth-grade boy living in a cramped home with a large family and limited play space to unwind and find calm.

Travis, an 11-year-old from Pine River, needs the chance to relax and recharge after time spent indoors with school or family. The quest for a Kinship mentor began over seven months ago and it is top priority to find Travis an adult companion by school vacation.

A perfect day for Travis would involve sports of any kind and hunting of any species. Finding an attentive man who may have the experience of raising boys of his own is what Travis needs.

He needs a mentor who might even join him in a firearms safety course and encourage positive behavior while setting consistent boundaries. Travis needs guidance in learning how to work out daily stress in a productive manner.

Boys learn best when working alongside a nurturing adult. Travis needs a strong and understanding man who will help him approach situations in positive ways combined with physical activity and skill learning.

With summer approaching, consider making Travis part of your plans.

With offices in Pequot Lakes, Brainerd, Crosby and Staples, Kinship Partners serves families by providing positive role models to youth from the ages of 5 to 14. Mentors can be individuals, couples or families.

For more information about Travis or any of the kids waiting for a Kinship mentor in the Pequot Lakes and Pine River-Backus areas, call Katie at 218-454-8016, or visit www.kinshippartners.org .