BBBSNEW Blog

Each month, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Wisconsin shines a light on the relationships that we are helping build within our community. Please help us congratulate Bigs Scott & Sue Hultman of De Pere and their Little Brother Griffin (13) of Green Bay — our Brown County Match of the Month for February.

Where did you hear about Big Brothers Big Sisters?

Scott and Sue Hultman: We saw ads on TV for Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Why did you want to become involved?

SSK: We wanted to be a positive influence in a young child’s life.

What do you do when you spend time together?

SSK: We go to our house and play board games (Griffin’s favorite thing to do), go to movies, the NEW Zoo, Gambler Hockey games, Bay Beach and Packer games. We went on an overnight trip to our cabin, where Griffin got to shoot with a bow and arrow. But at each event we always make sure to ask Griffin what is going on in his life and how he is doing in school.

Griffin:  My favorite board games are The Game of Life and Monopoly.

Is there something in particular that stands out as a memorable time with your Little?

SSK: We’ve done big outings and simple outings, but what stands out the most is every time we get together he has a joke to tell us. We always look forward to hearing what his next joke will be.

Griffin: My favorite thing to do is to go to Gamblers hockey games.

Is there something in the future that you would like to do together, or that you look forward to experiencing together?

SSK: We’d like to take Griffin fishing. He also likes to do crafts, so we’re hoping to get to Paintn’ Pottery soon.  However, we always look forward to the simple outings at our house playing board games, having pizza and telling jokes, even if most of our jokes aren’t that funny.

Griffin: I hope that we go to more hockey games, and I really want to go camping.

What have you enjoyed about being a Big?

SSK: Seeing the change in Griffin. We’ve mentored him for three years and we’ve had a chance to see him grow and open up more. He is more confident and willing to try new things. We’ve also enjoyed giving Griffin the opportunity to experience the things he may not have been able to do.

What have you learned from your Big?

Griffin: I learned how to play pool.

In what way has being matched with your Little affected you and your life?

SSK: Even though we are parents to two beautiful children, becoming a mentor has been a positive influence on us. There is just something special about volunteering to help a child. We have a lot of fun at our outings and each time we are done with an outing and drop Griffin off at home, we feel like we are making a difference in his life. This is our first experience with BBBS and being a mentor to a Little. We didn’t realize the joyful and rewarding experience it would be.

How has being matched with a Big made a difference to you?

Griffin: I get to go do things a lot more than I used to.

What would you say to others about Big Brothers Big Sisters and to others who are thinking about becoming a Big?

SSK: If you have the time and want to commit to making a difference in a child’s life, it is definitely worth it! You will not only give a child an opportunity to learn and do new things, but you’ll get a chance to grow as well. Just spending a small amount of time each month can have such a positive influence on you and your little. When you join BBBS, not only are you a mentor but you also become a friend to your little. Many times, littles just need to know they have a friend they can talk to.