FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
DOES IT COST MUCH MONEY?
It doesn't need to cost a cent. Many activities can be done with little or no cost. Sometimes you may want to go bowling or out for ice cream, but mostly, the children just want to spend time with you!
AM I TOO OLD AT 40?
You're not too old at 80. The kids want a friend, not a peer. They will also be matched to you based on interests. You may not be able to hike Devil's Lake, but you might be the best cookie maker in the country.
HOW MUCH TIME AM I REQUIRED TO GIVE?
We ask that you volunteer one hour per week. The main thing is having a regular schedule. For some, that's one hour a week and for others that's two hours every other week.
DO I STAY PAIRED WITH MY CHILD UNTIL AGE 16?
No. You make a one year commitment. More is up to you. Most of our companions have been together over 3 years - some for 9 years, but each individual situation is different.
HOW OLD ARE THE KIDS AND WHERE DO THEY LIVE?
The children are between 6 and 16 and reside in the Sauk Prairie School District. The companions do not need to reside in the district.
WHAT DO COMPANIONS DO TOGETHER?
They might just...
Take a hike at Devil's Lake or down by the river.
Visit someone in a nursing home.
Pick berries.
Go bowling.
Put a puzzle together.
Change the oil in your car.
Look to see how many birds you can identify.
Make up a new dance.
Try a new kind of fruit that you've never tasted before.
Bake and decorate cookies.
Paint a room together.
Make and send a card to a soldier.
Visit the Sauk County Humane Shelter and walk their dogs.
Play a board game or cards.
Make a list of 20 things you'd like to learn how to do - okay - at least 10 things.
Jump rope.
Clean out a garage, a basement or kitchen cupboards and donate extra "stuff" to St. Vincent de Paul.
Volunteer with 6:8.
Make ice cream or just make ice cream sundaes with lots of good stuff on top.
Go swimming.
Try fishing - contact your support person if you need fishing poles.
Go to an art fair.
Go to a county fair.
Visit the capitol building in Madison.
Visit the zoo in Baraboo or Madison.
Start a rock collection.
Fly a kite or play frisbee.
Feed the ducks by the river.
Go to a free concert.
Learn to knit or crochet.
Go to the library, read a book together.
Plant flowers or a garden and watch it grow.
Explore a new park.
Cook meals together.
Take a ride on the Ferry and get ice cream.
Go sledding or make a snowman.
Build a birdhouse.
Participate in the Kids Companion Quarterly group events!