Frequentyly Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is CAM?

A: CAM stands for "Community Access Mentoring" and "Cool Afterschool Moves". CAM provides mentors in the middle schools to build relationships with youth and connect them with after school programs and activities.

Q: Why was CAM created?

A: CAM was created to increase after school program participation for middle school students because research shows a variety of positive emotional, social, behavioral, and academic benefits for students who participate.

Q: What is an Access Coach?

A: An Access Coach is a well-screened and well-trained mentor who volunteers his/her time to work with students in the CAM program. They are called "Access Coaches" because they coach the student and family on ways to effectively access after school community programs and services.

Q: How are the Access Coaches selected and screened?

A: In order to be an Access Coach, an initial application is completed. Information on the applicant's background, education, work history, legal history, and references is provided. CAM staff interviews each applicant to determine if they would be a good fit for the program. In addition, criminal background checks are completed. Only strong candidates that meet high program standards are selected.

Q: How can I learn more about being an Access Coach?

A: In addition to researching the information provided on the BVSD/CAM web site http://mentor.bvsd.org/mentorrecruitment.html community members interested in becoming Access Coaches, can contact CAM directly by calling 720-203-6844.

Q: Who qualifies to be a part of CAM in terms of students?

A: Any middle school student can participate in CAM. Students who are not involved in after school programs are the target group that CAM serves. If you or someone you know would benefit from participation in the CAM program, you can obtain an application on line http://mentor.bvsd.org/forms.html or by calling 720-203-6844.

Q: Where and how frequently do the Access Coaches and students meet?

A: Access Coaches meet with students at their middle school, during the school day. Efforts are made to coordinate the meeting time around the student's school schedule. Access Coaches typically meet with students weekly.

Q: How long does a student stay in the program

A: Students are encouraged to participate in the CAM program throughout their middle school years. When they go up to high school, efforts are made to continue contact with their Access Coaches to ensure that they continue to pursue after school program participation in high school.

Q: What are the benefits of CAM for students?

A: After the school day has ended, it is estimated that 40 percent of young people's time is often unstructured, unsupervised, and unproductive. Several studies have documented increased engagement in a variety of at-risk behaviors for youth during the hours immediately after school, especially between 3:00 and 6:00 P.M. By participating in CAM, students reduce these risks.

Q: What are the benefits of CAM for Access Coaches?

A: Access Coaches have an opportunity to positively impact the lives of youth in their community. Committing to just a few hours per week, Access Coaches are provided with in-depth training and ongoing support to ensure an effective and satisfying experience.

Q: How can a student get involved in CAM?

A: There are a variety of ways that a student can be referred to CAM; students can refer themselves, parents, teachers and other school staff can recommend students. Application/referral forms are available in the school office, online http://mentor.bvsd.org/forms.html or from CAM staff (720-203-6844).

Q: Who can I contact to get more information?

A: For more information about CAM, please contact Dr. Patti Ashley, CAM Program Coordinator by email patti.ashley@bvsd.org or phone (720-203-6844).

Q: Who pays for CAM?

A: CAM is funded through a grant from the United States Department of Education Office of Safe and Drug Free Schools. The grant covers the operating expenses necessary for salary and supplies for the program, but there are no funds for after school program participation. Consequently to effectively serve low-income youth, CAM secures additional grant funding and donations to help offset the costs of after school and summer programs.

Q: What if my child is uncomfortable with his/her Access Coach?

A: It is to be expected that students will initially feel somewhat uncomfortable with their Access Coach. The mentors are trained to minimize the awkwardness of this new relationship. If after several weeks the student feels uncomfortable with their Access Coach, it would be helpful to contact the CAM staff. Every effort will then be made to address this challenge.

Q: How are community programs that students are referred to selected?

A: All community programs listed in CAM's resource directory have been researched by our Community Outreach Coordinator and have verified that they maintain the following criteria within their organization: a high level of ethical, legal and programmatic standards in serving youth, including background checks and letters of reference and/or a board of directors; a commitment to serving the interests of youth, families and the community by demonstrating sensitivity to individual differences and needs; and diligence in their efforts to work closely with BVSD/CAM.

Q: What are the costs for families?

A: While the CAM program itself is free to all BVSD families, there are often costs associated with after school community programs. While many of these programs are affordable to our families, it is a challenge for others. Most community programs offer some scholarship funding for families in need. In addition, CAM continuously is working on acquiring additional scholarship funding.

Q: What are the expectations of parents?

A: Parents are integral members on the CAM team. Upon receiving a student referral, parents are contacted by program staff and educated about CAM to determine if they would like their child to participate. Access Coaches maintain ongoing communication with parents and assist in coordinating the steps necessary to connect youth with after school programs and maintain their successful participation.

Q: How can I support CAM?

A: There are two ways that you can support CAM:

1. Volunteer to become an Access Coach. In addition to researching the information provided on the BVSD/CAM web site (www.mentor.bvsd.org/mentorrecruitment), community members interested in becoming Access Coaches can contact CAM directly by calling 720-203-6844.
2. 2.Make a donation. CAM needs to raise funds to help scholarship low-income students into after school activities, as well as provide supplies for CAM meetings and events.