Buddy Coaches
“Being a Buddy Coach gave me so much more than I ever gave to the Angels.”
Complete the Season 17 Buddy Coach application here.
A cornerstone of the AoS model, our Buddy Coach program engages typically developing volunteer peers to work and bond with our AoS participants. This highly successful approach provides participants with special needs an inclusive opportunity to connect and build relationships with typically developing peers as role models, friends, and supports.
Buddy Coaches receive professional training, as well as weekly individualized guidance throughout the season to equip them with the tools, strategies, and confidence to be successful in the AoS environment and beyond. Buddy Coaches work directly with individual participants to help them build skills in social interaction, blocking, lines, choreography, and much more, while they develop friendships with each other and their differently-abled peers.
“Saturday mornings with the Angels are the best day of my week—no matter what is going on elsewhere in my life!”
Expectations are High for Buddy Coaches
- Attendance is critical. There are at least 13 weekly Saturday program days, and we require Buddy Coaches to commit to showing up for a minimum of 10 of those days.
- We provide training sessions throughout the season, and request that you attend them to enhance your success as a Buddy Coach.
- You will be required to learn new things and step outside of your comfort zone.
- You will be challenged as a Buddy Coach and you will be given feedback and strategies to help you and the Angels be successful.
- You will be respected by your peers and staff, and trusted to advocate for the Angels and for yourself.
- You must bring a level of commitment and responsibility that will be required to work with the Angels and to manage the many other things going on in your life.
You will need to take initiative at certain times and take direction at other times.
“I came to AoS to get my community service hours. I go so much more than that.”