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Welcome to the Big Brothers Big Sisters Family!

I’m certain you will enjoy your new friendship with your Little Brother or Little Sister. We often hear

from “Bigs” that they get as much (if not more) our of their matches as their “Littles”. I’m sure you will

find your new volunteer commitment to be an experience that you both will find rewarding and fun-

filled!

As you begin your match, I know you have all kinds of ideas for activities with your Little Brother or

Little Sister. As your friendship grows, there undoubtedly will be some times when you just can’t think

of anything to do. Your plans can be disrupted by unexpected weather changes (this IS Wisconsin!) or

you may simply want to try something new!

As a service to you, we’ve developed this Match Activity Guide to help you think of new activities and

to help make activities “easier on the pocketbook”! You’ll find numerous ideas and projects that are low

cost and a list of discounts offered by several generous businesses in our community. These discounts

have been developed especially for Big Brothers Big Sisters and are only honored when you’re with

your Little. All you need to do is present your Friendship Card!

We’re delighted to have you on our team and hope you’ll find the Match Activity Guide useful and easy-

to-read. Please also follow us on Facebook, and Twitter for more activity ideas and agency updates.

Dawn Cherek, Executive Director

Table of Contents:

So Now You’re a Big……………....……………………………………………………………………………….3

Match Activity & Project Ideas………………………………………………………………………..4-10

Exploring Portage County……………………………………………..…………………………………11-12

Portage County Parks……………………………………………………………………………………………13

Exploring Wood County…………………………………………………………………………………..14-15

Wood County Parks………………………………………………………………………………………………...16

Match Discounts…………………………………………………………………………………………………17-18

Communication Card……………………………………………………………………………………….19-20

About Your Little……………………………………………………………………………………………...……21

Safety Notes:

• Please remember to always wear your seat belt, a life jacket, a helmet, and other protective gear when doing respective activities.

• Remember internet safety.

• It is the responsibility of parents & Bigs to restrain any child under age 8 in a booster seat while traveling in a vehicle.

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So Now You’re a Big... Many matches reach a point where they are unable to decide what to do together and how they will pay

for the activities. Here are a few thoughts and suggestions that may be helpful.

Activities

Big Brothers Big Sisters is philosophically based on the premise that the friendship relationship is

the most important aspect of the match. In other words...it’s not important what you do together as

much as that you are together. We encourage you to spend your time and attention on each other

(not your money). With that in mind, consider the following:

1. Set aside one match meeting where together you and your Little can come up with a list of

activities you can do together (homework, go for a walk, watch TV) and things you’d like to

do together (learn to bowl, visit the Big’s workplace). Remember to be realistic in your list.

2. Gather all available resources to help you prepare for your “planning session”. Refer to this

Match Idea Book, which lists all kinds of community resources and activities.

3. Ask your Match Specialist for suggestions.

Money

Big Brothers Big Sisters encourages all matches to concentrate on the friendship, not entertainment.

We also know that many enjoyable activities do cost money. When you and your match choose an

activity that costs money, please remember that it is essentially the Big’s responsibility to finance

the event. We encourage all Littles to contribute to at least some portion of the cost. (This helps to

reinforce the value of money while also giving the Little another avenue of input into the match).

Some of the best solutions for this issue have come from our matches who have successfully done the

following:

1. Use the community discounts offered on the Friendship Card.

2. Have the Little chip in part of their allowance to cover the cost. (It is very important that the

contribution come from the Little and their efforts, rather than the parent).

3. Your Little may not have an allowance, in which case you may have the Little “earn” some money

with you...doing dishes, raking the yard, etc. are excellent ways of helping your Little understand

the value of work while earning a little money to put toward the activity.

4. Make a “kitty”. (You might spend time together actually making your kitty from a jar or box).

Some matches keep a kitty each week and both people contribute. For example, the Big may

throw in $1.00, the Little 25¢. When enough money is saved, THEN the match does an activity to

spend the money on!

Good luck! Remember that the possibilities are infinite. Some things may work for you, others may not. But your efforts, on the behalf of a child, make a difference.

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Activities for All Seasons

Spring

• Plant a garden/start seeds.

• Go fishing (no license if under 16).

• Ride bike/tune up bike.

• Have your Little make a map. Follow it and

see where you end up.

• Go for a walk or jog, or attend an aerobic

class at the YMCA.

• Make wind chimes or a sundial.

• Play at KASH Park.

• Feed the Ducks at Pfiffner or McDill Park

Summer

• Pick flowers.

• Go swimming.

• Attend a band concert or outdoor movie.

• Wash & wax your car.

• Go to a county fair.

• Have a picnic in the park.

• Skip stones on a lake.

• Have a water balloon fight.

• Shop at the Farmers Market.

• Go canoeing or kayaking.

• Go to a parade.

Fall

• Play one on one football or go for a hike.

• Attend Art in the Park.

• Make a scarecrow.

• Take a scenic drive...enjoy the changing

colors.

• Carve a pumpkin.

• Rake leaves and jump in the piles.

• Make a Halloween costume.

• Help your Little set up a study schedule.

• Go hunting (call your match specialist first!).

Winter

• Make a snowman or sculptures.

• Visit art galleries or museums.

• Go sledding in Iverson Park.

• Attend UWSP sporting events.

• Have a snowball fight.

• Make your own cookie cutters, bake and

decorate cookies.

• Study or read with your Little.

• Make holiday decorations.

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Educational/Practical Ideas

• Visit your bank and show your Little how to write a check, make a deposit/

withdrawal, balance an account, or open/close an account.

• Choose a book you are both interested in...read a chapter or two together or read

when you’re apart and discuss during your next visit.

• Have a grooming lesson on hand and foot care. This is important for both boys and

girls.

• Make a list of possible careers...then interview people who work in the fields your

Little is interested in. Help them complete a job application.

• Explore different types of music...classical, opera, jazz, rock, blues, country, folk, etc.

• Write songs, poetry, or skits and then perform them.

• Visit the library. Help your Little obtain a card, check out materials, and return

them on time.

• Learn to read a map, use a globe, and understand an atlas.

• Learn to use a camera, microscope, or telescope.

Games

• Crossword puzzles, word finds, or Mad Libs.

• Card games like Go Fish, Uno, or Cribbage.

• Jump rope, hopscotch, jacks, marbles, or

make a backyard obstacle course.

• Checkers, Chess, Backgammon, Monopoly or

Clue.

Animals

• Visit Schmeekle Reserve and observe wildlife. • Wisconsin Rapids Municipal Zoo. • Go to Petco and look at the animals. • Visit a local Human Society and volunteer as

a match or spend time with the animals.

Shopping

• Find a recipe and make a shopping list for

items needed. (For younger kids, create a

picture list.)

• Take your Little to the grocery store. Teach

them to look for bargains, read nutritional

information, find a food neither of you have

tried before, or plan a meal together.

• Shop flea markets or garage sales. Look for

inexpensive games, puzzles, or toys to keep

at your house for when your Little visits.

• Pick up broken tools, sports equipment, or

furniture and enlist your Little’s help in fix-

ing it.

• Window Shop.

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Meals & Other Food Ideas

• Send your Little a special invitation to dinner. Ask him/her to bring two activity suggestions

and what they did on his/her two favorite outings. Discuss these over dinner and plan a month

of activities together.

• Plan, prepare, and serve a formal dinner. Dress up and talk about table manners.

• Pack a picnic and head for the beach, park, woods, country, or your living room.

• Prepare a meal from a different country/culture. Talk about the history and traditions of that

country/culture.

• Make a pizza from scratch. Make or buy pizza dough, then add sauce and cheese, and experiment

with toppings.

• Make attractive vegetable trays with carrots, celery, radishes. Talk about the importance of

making healthy food choices when possible.

• Make a loaf of bread. Start with a simple white bread recipe and then try more complicated kinds

as you go. Have plenty of butter ready!

• Attend the Portage County Cultural Festival at SPASH (May) and try new foods.

• Bake a cake, cupcakes, or cookies and decorate.

• Make fruit animals or find a way to “play” with your food.

Computer Fun

When you are stuck indoors, try one of the following websites. They range from crafty to educational & informative to interactive.

Please practice internet safety! Be sure your Little is supervised at ALL TIMES while using the internet. Talk to your Match Specialist about any concerns.

www.dltk-kids.com www.kidsrcrafty.com www.foodnetwork.com

www.kidzone.ws www.wisp.k12.wi.us www.britannica.com

http://pbskids.org www.allrecipes.com www.parents.com/fun

www.nick.com kids_cooking.htm http://kids.nationalgeographic.com

www.dnr.wi.gov www.uwsp.ed./cnr/cwes www.si.edu (Smithsonian Institute)

www.crayola.com www.fitforafeast.com/ http://animal.discovery.com

www.scholastic.com/ispy/games/index.htm

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Activity & Project Ideas

Match Treasure Box Use an old shoe box to your advantage. You and your little can decorate it to reflect what the two of you like. Then as your match goes on, collect items from outings you go on (photos, drawings, etc.)

and put them in your treasure box. It’s a great keepsake for your Little.

Knit, Crochet, Sew

Look for projects on YouTube to make with your Little.

Puffy Paint a T-Shirt

With parental permission, buy a t-shirt or have your Little bring an article of clothing they don’t

wear much. It doesn’t have to be more than three colors of paint. Get creative!

Thumbprint Art

Using a stamp pad, press your thumb into the ink and make a print on paper.

Use a marker to add details to make different creatures and designs.

Tie Dye a T-Shirt Get your groovy on and make shirts that you can wear on your outings. For ideas and tips, go to:

https://www.parents.com/fun/arts-crafts/kid/tie-dye-with-kids

Make Musical Instruments out of Recycled Materials

Check out the website below for ideas or create your own. https://www.cbc.ca/parents/play/view/activity_musical_instruments

Paint Rocks Littles can paint a rock to look like a sunset and give it to their parent/guardian as a paperweight.

Find the perfect rock while on a hike in the woods.

Crayon Stain Glass Windows

For a how to, check out the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5JBy0cLwTU

Scrapbook Make a scrapbook of all your adventures.

Slime / Homemade Playdough Make a batch of slime of homemade play dough! Check out YouTube for recipe ideas.

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More Activity & Project Ideas

Make an Obstacle Course Take turns going through it. Time yourselves and see who gets through the fastest.

Scavenger Hunt Be creative! There are a lot of possibilities for this. One way could include a list of items you and

your Little can collect throughout an afternoon together. The list can include items like a smooth stone, a red leaf, an acorn, etc.

Make a Bird Feeder This can be as simple as a pinecone slathered in peanut butter & birdseeds, making birdseed

ornaments to hang on trees, or a handmade structure out of recycled objects from your home. (hollowed out orange peels, milk jugs, etc.)

Plant a Garden

You can either plant seeds in a garden at your house or plant seeds in terra cotta pots. Have

fun decorating your pots with paint or markers.

Make a Hot Dog Cooker / Solar Oven

Check out this website for solar cooking fun: https://www.instructables.com/id/Hot-Dog-Cooker-Solar-Oven/

Construction Paper Mosaics Tear the colored paper into a bunch of different shapes and sizes. Piece them to make your mosaic. Use colored tissue paper and clear drying glue to decorate a washed out glass jar. Put a candle in it

and it makes a great gift for Little’s parent/guardian.

Sports Attend or watch a Sporting Event with your Little. Don’t be afraid to check out something new.

Send Letters of Postcards Teach your Little how to write and mail a letter or postcard. Help them write a letter or postcard

to their parent/guardian and mail it to them.

Taste Test Have a blind taste test with your Little using various drinks and food.

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Be creative and provide opportunities for relationship development. This is important to

focus on early in the match relationship. Yes, going to the movie theater is a lot of fun, but

doesn’t leave a lot of face time for you and your Little. Find activities where you and your

Little get to talk or bond in an experience like baking cookies, shooting hoops, etc.

Always remember to include your Little’s parent or guardian in the match. Give a report

about the fun things you did together, how your Little behaved, and at least one detail

about the day. This can create an atmosphere of openness between you and your Little’s

parent/guardian. If any challenges develop down the line, you will already have a more

open relationship to discuss the good, the bad, and everything in between.

More Activity & Project Ideas

Go Fishing Littles 15 and under fish for free every day during the season.

The DNR has an equipment loaner program. Check out more details at: http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/fishing/anglereducation/loanerequipment.html

Attend a Car Race Check out Marshfield Motor Speedway or Golden Sands Speedway!

Hike or Bike Plan a route around your neighborhood or find a trail. (Remember bike riding safety.)

Visit a Skate Park Please make sure your Little has proper safety equipment before you go!

Bukolt Park - stevenspoint.com/780/Skatepark-Rules

Volunteer Introducing your Little to a new volunteer experience can be a bonding opportunity and a great way to teach your Little about giving back to the community. This is also helpful for Littles who

need to complete service learning hours to graduate.

To find volunteer opportunities visit: volunteersrock.org/need co.portage.wi.us/department/health-care-center/volunteer-opportunities

Show Support Kids love to show off their skills! If your Little is involved in a sport, dance classes, plays an

instrument, etc...find time to see them perform. Whether it’s practicing at their house or an organized performance, it’s a good way to make your Little feel special.

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UW Stevens Point Activities

All UWSP sporting events are free to Bigs and Littles, just show your Friendship Card.

https://athletics.uwsp.edu/

Allen F. Blocher Planetarium, 715-346-2208, UWSP Science Building

UWSP Museum of Natural History, 715-346-2540, located in LRC

Outdoor Edventure, 715-346-3848, Lower Level of the Allen Center Room 002,401 Reserve Street. Rent

canoes, kayaks, paddles, bikes, tents, snow shoes and ice skates!

Carleston Art Gallery, 715-346-4797, UWSP Noel Fine Arts Center. Exhibits of contemporary artwork

by students, faculty and guest artists. Open when school is in session.

Health Enhancement Center (HEC), 715-346-3147, 2050 Fourth Ave. A multi-activity center, strength

center, aquatic pool, racquetball courts and climbing wall.

Learn Something New Together

Many area hardware stores, craft stores, UWSP and other local businesses offer “mini sessions” and

workshops year round. Many provide the materials or offer rental equipment. For schedules and

registrations contact or look on their website:

Michael’s

1210 Commons Cir

Plover, WI 54467

715-344-7476

www.michaels.com/classes

Restaurants where Kids eat FREE!

Grazies, 5327 Hwy 10 E, 715-345-7808 Wednesday & Sunday’s kids 10 and under eat FREE with purchase of adult meal.

Fazoli’s, 5665 Hwy 10 E, Stevens Point, 715-344-8739

Tuesdays from 5pm-8pm kids 12 and under get a Kids Meal for .$1 with purchase of adult entrée.

Pizza Ranch, 1300 Commerce Place, Plover, 715-544-1644 Tuesdays kids 10 and under get a free buffet with purchase of adult buffet.

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Exploring Portage County

Annette & Dale Schuh Riverfront Arts Center, 715-343-6251, 1200 Crosby Avenue, Stevens Point, stevenspoint.com/170/Riverfront-Arts-Center, The Riverfront Arts Center’s gallery hosts art exhibits and workshops in a variety of media. Breakpoint Escape Room, 715-204-1600, 3256 Church St, Stevens Point, pointescaperooms.com Ages 9 and up. $15 for child and $25 for an adult. A puzzle that you have to put together and beat the clock and “escape” the room. Pricier activity, but could be fun for a special occasion. Bucks and Bulls Archery, 715-341-2825, 3296 Church St, Stevens Point, bucksandbullsarchery.com/ An indoor archery range. $10 per hour. Instructor will fit you for bow and assist you in shooting. Contact MS prior to activity. Casey’s Orchard, 715-344-6814, 2829 Burbank Rd (follow signs on Hwy 10 E near Fleet Farm) Facebook.com/caseysorchard, Open Labor Day to Thanksgiving. Apples, cider, honey, jellies, maple syrup and pumpkins. No pick your own. Central WI Area Community Theatre, 715-314-6744, cwact.org, All performances at Sentry Theatre. Central Wisconsin Children’s Museum, 715-344-2003, 1100 Main St, Stevens Point, childrens-musuem.org, Museum promoting early learning through an array of hands-on exhibits & music, art & STEM programs. Central Wisconsin Water Ski Show Team, 715-693-5495, cwwaterwalkers.org/schedule Free family orientated themed water ski show at South Bay Beach, Lake Dubay. Feltz’s Dairy Store and Farm Tours, 715-344-1293, 5796 Porter Dr, Stevens Point, feltzsdairystore.com, 35-45 minute tour includes viewing robotic milking, baby calves and receive a small scoop of ice cream in the store. Tours by appt only on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Walk in tours on the hour on Saturdays. Adults $8 and kids 12 and under $6. Galaxy Comic and Games, 715-544-0857, 925 Clark St, Stevens Point, galaxycomicsandgames.com Comics, board games, card games, and limited dining menu. Log onto galaxycomicandgames.com for special weekly pricing. George Mead Wildlife Area, 715-457-6771, S2148 Hwy S, Milladore, meadewildlife.org. If you like hunting, fishing, hiking, biking and wildlife activities and watching this is the place. Check their website for seasonal special events! Granite Peak, 715-845-2846, 3605 N Mountain Rd, Wausau, skigranitepeak.com. If you are a seasoned skier or snowboarder or new to the sport, Granite peak offers many levels of ski runs. Green Circle, 715-346-4992, 2419 Northpoint Drive, Stevens Point, greencircletrail.org Unique 27-mile trail linking scenic natural areas that follows along the Wisconsin and Plover Rivers and winds its way through forests, parks, and wetlands. The trail is composed of 12 distinct segments.

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Ice Age Trail, 715-570-6370, portagecoiat.org Portions of this continuous 1,000 mile walking foot path travel through Portage County through diverse landscapes that provides outdoor recreation experiences and preserves geological features. Portage County Public Library, 715-346-1544, 1001 Main St, Stevens Point, pocolibrary.org/calendar/events, The library offers many different events throughout the year, including weekly story times, Tai Chi classes, family movie nights, puppet shows, teen specific events and much more. Check out their website for most up to date events. Putt-N-Play, 715-544-1902, 701 2nd St N, Stevens Point, puttnplay.today Indoor mini golf course, outdoor laser tag, RC Track and arcade. Stevens Point Swimming Pool & Waterslide,715-346,1226, stevenspoint.com/departments/parks/pool-slide. Open early June through early August. Stevens Point Disc Golf, stevenspoint.com/departments/parks/parks and facilities/discgolf Go and enjoy the world class Yulga Disc Golf course located in Mead Park. BBBS has disc golf to check out, course is free to play! Stevens Point Farmers Market, stevenspointfarmersmarket.com Open Monday’s from 3-7 and Saturdays 6:30-5pm. Vendors sell out fast, so if you have your heart set on something go before noon! Schmeeckle Reserve, 715-346-4992, 2419 Northpoint Drive, Stevens Point, uwsp.edu/schmeeckle Five miles of trails and boardwalks for hiking, walking and biking. Fish, canoe or watch wildlife on Lake Joanis. Visitor Center open daily 8am-5pm. Skate City, 715-423-4040, Hwy 54 &36th St N, Wisconsin Rapids, skatecityfamilufun.com Enjoy skate rentals, arcade and bounce house. Stevens Point Sculpture Park, 900 N Second St, Stevens Point, stevenspointsculpturepark.org Features artwork from local, regional and national artists on 20 acres. Check website for seasonal events and activities. Sunrise Raspberry Farm, 715-572-5381, 3692 Sunset Dr, Stevens Point, sunriseraspberryfarm.com All organic pre-picked or pick your own raspberries, asparagus and rhubarb. Tactical Escape 101, 715-418-0012, 23 Park Ridge Drive, #2K. Stevens Point, tacticalescape101.com Escape room center in Park Ridge. The Tech Lounge, 715-544-4800. 1036 Main St, Stevens Point, techloungesp.com A coffee shop and gaming center with next-generation and retro game systems all available for play. Rudolph Grotto Shrine Wondercave, 715-435-3120,695 Grotto Ave, Rudolph, rudolphgrotto.org A variety of shrines, outdoor flower and rock gardens, picnic area & man made underground cave. Free Admission to gardens, cave has a small fee. Willett Ice Arena, 715-346-1576, stevenspoint.com/departments/parks/willetticearena Enjoy ice skating for $3.50 per person, skate rentals additional. Check out their scheduled ice shows!

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Portage County Parks

Bukolt: Located at the end of Bukolt Ave, on Wisconsin River. Water access, ball diamond, horse-

shoes, shelters, parking, picnic area, playground, restrooms, swimming beach, skateboard park and

access to Green Circle Trail.

Dewey Shooting Range: Willow Springs Dr, 6 miles north of Stevens Point. Adjacent to the

Wisconsin DNR Resources 6,000 acre Dewey Marsh. Provides safe facility for firearms target

practice. Contact MS prior to activity.

DuBay: 4501 Cty Rd E to Lake Dr, just West of Amherst Junction. Water access, swimming beach,

picnic area, lodge, playground, restrooms, ball diamond, campground.

Easlan-Weslan Complex: Located off Cedar Ave, between Post Rd and Hoover Ave. Parking, tennis,

playground, ball diamonds, picnic area, basketball, shelter, restrooms, ice skating, hockey.

Iverson: On Hwy 10 E between 1-39 and Park Ridge. Water access, ball diamond, basketball,

horseshoes, outdoor ice skating, sledding hill, shelter, picnic area, parking, playground, restrooms,

swimming, access to Green Circle Trail.

Jordan: Co Hwy Y, 2 miles northeast of Stevens Point off Hwy 66. Water access, picnic area, lodge,

showers, playground, nature center & trail, small swimming beach, ball diamond, fishing,

campground.

Kash/Mead: Located on the corner of West Clark St and West Whitney St. Water access, ball

diamond, basketball, horseshoes, shelter, parking, picnic area, playground, swimming beach,

restrooms, disc golf.

Lake Emily: Hwy 10 to Lake Dr, just west of Amherst Junction. Water access, swimming beach,

picnic area, lodge, showers, ball diamond, nature trails.

Little Plover River: Located off Hoover Ave. 52 Acres offering jogging, cross country trails, ski trails,

paved pedestrian and handicap walkways, tennis, volleyball, picnic area, playground, ball diamond,

bleachers, shelter, restrooms, parking.

Pacawa: Located off Hoover Ave, behind Menards. Ball diamonds, soccer fields, beach area, shelter,

restrooms, picnic area, Veterans Memorial, parking.

Pfiffner: Located on Crosby Ave, along the Wisconsin River. Water access, bandshell, formal garden,

shelter, parking, picnic area, playground, restrooms, River Arts Center, Veterans Memorial, and

access to Green Circle Trail.

Sunset Beach: Sunset Lake Rd, 5 miles north of Nelsonville. Boat landing, fishing, huge swimming

beach.

Zenoff: Located on 2nd St North near I-39/Business 51 Interchange. Ball diamonds, restrooms,

parking, picnic area, playground, volleyball, access to Green Circle Trail.

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Exploring Wood County

Alexander House, 715-887-3442, 1131 Wisconsin River Drive, Port Edwards, alexanderhouseonline.org The Alexander House, a Center for Art and History, is a combination of art gallery with frequently changing displays, and historical museum which emphasizes local lumbering and papermaking exhibits. Chestnut Center for the Arts, 715-389-8999, 208 S Chestnut Avenue, Marshfield, chestnutarts.org The Chestnut Center is Marshfield’s venue for performing arts, visual arts and literary arts. Located in a historic church building in downtown Marshfield, it’s a great place to enjoy concerts, plays, poetry readings, recitals, art gallery shows and workshops. Escape Room Marshfield, 108 E 4th Street, Marshfield, escaperoommarshfield.com Escape rooms are hour-long, theme-driven puzzle challenges. Our rooms are designed for 4-6 players but can accommodate as few as 2 players and are always private to your group. Various locks, riddles, physical puzzles, and secrets make for an exciting and interactive experience. George Mead Wildlife Area, 715-457-6771, S2148 Hwy S, Milladore, meadewildlife.org. If you like hunting, fishing, hiking, biking and wildlife activities and watching this is the place. Check their web-site for seasonal special events! Granite Peak, 715-845-2846, 3605 N Mountain Rd, Wausau, www.skigranitepeak.com. If you are a seasoned skier or snowboarder or new to the sport, Granite peak offers many levels of ski runs. JuRustic Park, 715-435-3120, M222 Sugarbush Lane, Marshfield, jurustic.com, This site documents the efforts of amateur paleontologist Clyde Wynia to excavate and recreate as best as possible the now extinct creatures that inhabited the large McMillan Marsh near Marshfield, Wisconsin during the Iron Age. Lest We Forget Military Museum, 715-384-5867, 211 E. 2nd St, Marshfield, marshfieldmuseum.com/ This military exhibit is now open to the public Wednesdays and Saturdays from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Marshfield Skatepark, 715-4642, 905 N Cedar Avenue, Marshfield, ci.marshfield.wi.us/departments/parks_and_recreation/skatepark.php Come ride the ramps and rails at the Skatepark! Located at Braem Park on the corner of Ives and Cedar, the Skatepark is the place to be if you're into skateboard-ing, rollerblading, and BMX biking. Melody Gardens, 715-384-3326, 1200 S Oak Ave, Marshfield, melodygardensmarshfield.com Both the Restaurant and Skateland continue to be a Marshfield tradition with great food and fun entertainment. New Visions Gallery, 715-387-5562. 1000 N. Oak Ave, Marshfield, marshfieldclinic.org/locations/marshfield-center/new-visions, Visit New Visions for a series of dynamic exhibitions displayed in a 1,600 square foot, secure, climate-controlled gallery. Exhibits change every 6 to 8 weeks. Each features a variety of art forms including national traveling exhibits, significant works on loan from private and public collections and quality regional art.

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Power Bluff Park & Winter Recreation Area, 715-421-8422, 6990 Bluff Dr, Arpin, co.wood.wi.us/Departments/Parks/PowersBluff.aspx Located 2 1/2 miles southwest of Arpin; or 17 miles northwest of Wisconsin Rapids; or 15 miles southeast of Marshfield. There is a 1.5 mile self-guided nature trail. Winter sports include downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and tubing. Rose Bowl Lanes, 715-387-1114, 1600 N. Central Avenue, Marshfield, rosebowllanes.com This family-owned 24-lane center offers tournaments and leagues for all ages and skill levels. Families and groups are welcome and free parking is available. Rudolph Grotto Shrine Wondercave, 715-435-3120,695 Grotto Ave, Rudolph, www.rudolphgrotto.org. A variety of shrines, outdoor flower and rock gardens, picnic area & man made underground cave. Free Admission to gardens, cave has a small fee. Skate City, 715-423-4040, Hwy 54 &36th St N, Wisconsin Rapids, www.skatecityfamilufun.com. En-joy skate rentals, arcade and bounce house. South Wood County Historical Museum, 715-423-1580, 540 3rd Street South, Wisconsin Rapids, swch-museum.com, On the site of Isaac’s boyhood home, Anton Billmeyer built Shadowlawn for Isaac Witter in 1907. The house was built on grounds consisting of 230 feet of frontage on Third Street and 230 feet of frontage on the Wisconsin River. Stierle Bird Exhibit, 715-387-8494, 211 E. 2nd Street, Marshfield, visitmarshfield.com/business/stierle-bird-exhibit/, Everett Roehl Marshfield Public Library has a unique exhibit for area visitors in the li-brary’s downstairs. The Stierle Bird Exhibit consists of about 400 birds representing 140 species, plus a collection of approximately 2,000 bird eggs. Upham Mansion, 715-387-3322, 212 West Third Street, Marshfield, uphammansion.com A restored home of former Wisconsin governor William Henry Upham, this house represents mid-Victorian, Italinate architecture. The House is the site of the annual Pie and Ice Cream Social held dur-ing Marshfield's Dairyfest. It is also open to a festive Christmas Event on the first Saturday and Sunday in December from 1:30 p.m. through 4:00 p.m. Wildwood Park & Zoo, 715-384-4642, 1800 S. Roddis Ave, Marshfield, ci.marshfield.wi.us/visitors/wildwood_zoo, Come visit and enjoy your time with the animals. Admission is FREE, but donations are always welcome! Wisconsin Rapids Municipal Zoo, 715-421-8200, 444 West Grand Avenue, Wisconsin Rapids, wirapids.org/municipal-zoo.html The Wisconsin Rapids zoo is a small zoo but great for everyone. During the summer months the petting zoo is lots of fun for small children's adults alike. Wisconsin River Papermaking Museum, 715-424-3037, 730 First Avenue South, Wisconsin Rapids The Wisconsin River Papermaking Museum features a pictorial history of the 100-year old mansion that houses the museum as well as photos and history of the development of the dam on the Wisconsin River at Grand Rapids/Centralia and the beginnings of Consolidated Water Power & Pa-per Company. World’s Largest Round Barn, 715-387-1261, 513 E. 17th Street, Marshfield, centralwisconsinstate-fair.com, The World's Largest Round Barn, come take a look at this magnificent building for yourself!

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Wisconsin Rapids Parks Ben Hansen Park: Ben Hansen Park is an urban park located in and administered by the city of Wis-consin Rapids, Wisconsin. The park has an area of 18.4 acres. It is adjacent to Lyon Park. 1885-2031 2nd Ave S Gaynor Park: Gaynor Park is 4.64 acres in size. This passive park is located in the east central down-town section of Wisconsin Rapids. Gaynor Park offers nice landscaping to those who want to get away from the busy downtown area to relax or to stroll through. Baker Street & 5th Street North Henry Demitz Park: Demitz Park is a secluded park 3 acres in size that is nestled along the east bank of the Wisconsin River at the corner of Third Street South and the Riverview Expressway. Demitz Park is one of the more tranquil parks in the Wisconsin Rapids community. This enclave offers a serene view of the river. 1050 3rd Street South Lyon Park: Lyon Park is 6.18 acres in size. The Lyon Park facility is connected by a strip of land along the river to Ben Hansen Park to the south. Large tree growth and a well-developed playground have made this park a popular neighborhood getaway. The picnic facilities are regularly used and the river offers a touch of natural beauty. Local fishermen frequently visit the park. 2nd Avenue S & Riverview Expressway Mead Athletic Field: Mead Field is rated one of the best athletic facilities in the area offering a diversity of recreational activities. The park is 19.35 acres in size and houses the west side swimming pool. 311 17th Avenue Nepco Lake County Park: Located 1 mile south of Wisconsin Rapids, the 125 acre park is situated on the 494 acre Nepco Lake. The park features a beach area, boat launch, picnic area, playground, small open shelter, enclosed shelter, fishing access for disabled and hiking/cross-country skiing trails. 1410 Griffith Avenue Poplar Springs Park: Poplar Springs Park is 4.26 acres in size and is a relatively quiet area located on Spring Street just west of Highway 54. It offers a small sledding hill, play equipment, and an undevel-oped ball field. Spring Street Robinson Park: Robinson Park is a community park that is 25.5 acres in size on the northeast side of the city. This park is one of the most popular parks in Wisconsin Rapids. 1150 17th Street Sand Lot Park: Sand Lot Park is 9.87 acres in size and is situated in a residential area located in the south central portion of the city. There are two Little League ball diamonds, a basketball court and two sand volleyball courts in the park. 453 Goodnow Avenue South Wood County Park: South Wood County Park is located 5 1/4 miles east of Wisconsin Rapids on CTH W. The park is located on 332 acres around Lake Wazeecha, which is the Indian name that means "lake of the land of the pines." The lake is 148 acres. 6411 South Park Road Veterans Memorial Park: Located in the heard of downtown Wisconsin Rapids on the east bank of the Wisconsin River. The Veterans Memorial Park is dedicated to the veterans of Central Wisconsin. 112 2nd Street South

17

Match Discounts

Area businesses have generously offered the following discounts to Big Brothers Big Sisters matches. Please use as directed and thank the

business for supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters.

5 Star Lanes 1960 Post Road, Plover

For each gamed bowled & paid for by the Big, the Little may bowl for FREE. Offer good Monday through Friday before 6pm.

Buffalo Wild Wings 5370 Hwy 10 E, Stevens Point

When Big purchases a meal, Little gets a FREE kids meal.

Burger King 1750 County Hwy B, Plover

Matches receive a 10% discount.

Campus Cycle 1732 4th Ave, Stevens Point

Big pays for cross country ski equipment by the day and Little receives same package for FREE.

Central WI Children's Museum 1100 Main St, Stevens Point

Bigs entry fee is $5, Little is FREE.

Cold Stone Creamery 101 Division St, Stevens Point

Big buys one Love It Creation and Little receives one for FREE!

Digi Copy 428 Division St, Stevens Point

Big and Little receive 25% off entire purchase.

Domino’s 3033 Church St, Stevens Point,

Big & Little receive free large pizza with purchase of large pizza and side item.

Dunkin Donuts 3005 Village Park Dr, Plover

Bigs purchases anything and Little receives FREE donut and beverage.

Erberts & Gerbert’s 812 Main St, Stevens Point

Big purchases a meal and Little receives meal for FREE.

K.B. Willett Ice Arena 1000 Minnesota Ave, Stevens Point

Little receives FREE admission with purchase of Bigs admission.

McDonalds (6 locations) 127 N Division St, Stevens Point

5625 Hwy 10 E, Stevens Point 2601 Plover Rd, Plover

1205 Commons Circle, Plover 110 Market St, Nekoosa

2128 8th St S, Wisconsin Rapids

When Big purchases a meal, Little receives their meal FREE.

Noodles & Company 101 Division St, Stevens Point

When Big purchases an entrée, Little receives entrée of equal or lesser value for FREE.

18

Point Bowl 2525 Dixon St, Stevens Point

When Big pays for their bowling, Little bowls FREE . Call ahead for open bowling times. Offer is good Monday –Friday and Saturday mornings.

Putt-n-Play 701 2nd St North, Stevens Point

Bigs receive 20% off regular price and Littles are FREE.

Rogers Cinema (2 locations) (Campus Cinema, & Cinema 7)

1601 6th Ave, Stevens Point, 2725 Church St, Stevens Point

Sunday-Thursday when attending together both Big and Little will be admitted for the price of the Bigs Ticket. Tuesdays are $5 movie nights. Exception: Not valid when the film is advertised as “Pass List Suspended Film.”

Skipps Bowling 2300 Strongs Ave, Stevens Point,

Big pays for their bowling, Little bowls for FREE until 5pm daily. Call ahead to verify open bowling times.

South Wood County YMCA 601 W. Grand Avenue, Wisconsin Rapids

Both Big and Little admitted for FREE.

Stevens Point Area YMCA 1000 Division Street, Stevens Point

Both Big and Little admitted for FREE. Big and Little must complete a YMCA membership form and must be together to use the discount.

Subway Stevens Point Locations only

BOGO 99: Purchase any one 6” sub and medium drink and receive 2nd 6” sub of equal or lesser value for $.99. Not valid with any other coupon or offer. Limit one discount per visit. Not valid with double meat, double cheese. Not valid on value meals or daily meal.

UWSP Athletics 2100 Main St, Stevens Point, WI

FREE admission for Big and Little to any UWSP sporting event. Big can be UWSP student or not and still get in for FREE.

Wild West Trails 9495 Hwy 54, Amherst,

Big and Little receive $5.00 off any trail ride when at-tending together. Call ahead to schedule a ride.

ALWAYS PRESENT YOUR BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS FRIENDSHIP CARD!

Match Discounts Continued...

19

Communication Cards Cut apart cards and put them in a container. Have your Little choose a card and take turns

answering the questions. Encourage your Little to really think about his/her answers, and don’t

feel afraid to come up with follow up questions to the answers they give.

What makes

you laugh?

If you could be any

animal, what would

you be and why?

What makes you

angry? How do you

respond when you

are angry?

What is your

favorite color?

What is your

favorite food?

If you could have any

super power, what

would it be?

Why?

What was the best

thing that happened

to you today?

If you could change

one thing about

yourself, what would

it be and why?

What’s a skill or

talent you wish

you had?

Why?

If you saw a friend

steal something,

what would you do?

Where would you go

if you could travel

anywhere in the

world?

If you could go back

in time and live in

any other era, what

would it be?

Why?

How important are

someone’s looks?

Why?

What do you want

to do when you

grow up?

Would you rather be

rich or famous?

Why?

What does

success mean

to you?

20

Listen so your Little will talk; talk so your Little will listen.

Avoid talking at your Little, make a point of identifying with the feeling instead. If your Little tells

you they got in trouble for talking back to the teacher, how you respond will determine how deep

your words sink in. “I remember how stressful school was, especially when I had a teacher I didn’t

like...How do you feel about what happened?...What else do you think you could have said to your

teacher?...How do you think the outcome would have been different?...Is there anything you can do

about it now?...”

Listen to them and allow them to get their feelings out without judgement. Using humor prior to get-

ting serious can help your Little feel less defensive and more open to your words of wisdom. Depend-

ing on the situation, sometimes the very best support one can give another person is to listen without

saying a thing.

Vision: All youth achieve their full potential.

Mission: Create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.

21

About Your Little Match Date: ___________________

Little’s Name: _________________________________ Birth Date: _________________________

Address: __________________________________________________________________________

Little’s Phone #: _____________________________________ Parent/Guardian Name(s):___________________________________________________

Phone #: ___________________________________________

Email address: ______________________________________

Employer: _________________________________________

Additional Contact Person: ____________________________________

Phone #: ___________________________________________

Siblings: _________________________ ________________________

_________________________ ________________________

_________________________ ________________________

Match Specialist: ________________________________________

Phone #: _______________________________________________

Email: _________________________________________________

Office phone: 715-341-0661 Office hours: 8 am - 4 pm

www.bigimpact.org