For Aviation Structural Mechanic 1st Class Joe Napier, it means getting to do “guy stuff” again.

For Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Jacob Brooks, it’s a chance to feel like being at home again.

All it takes for both of the NAS Whidbey Island Sailors is giving up two to four hours a month. 

During that time, both Napier and Brooks have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of young boys and in turn feel very enriched being a part of Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Island County.

BBBS came to Whidbey Island in 1999. And according to Peggy Dyer, executive director of BBBS, the Navy is a huge help.

“They make up 35-40 percent of our community-based program volunteers,” said Dyer. That adds up to about 50 volunteers.

Brooks came from a family-oriented home in Wake Forest, N.C., and he wanted to experience that family feeling again. When he applied, he said Big Brother Big Sister did a thorough background check on him but they were friendly and it was easier than he thought. He’s been a Big Brother to Brandon for about a year.

“We play sports, basketball, go to the beach, go fishing or to the movies,” Brooks said. “At first Brandon was pretty quiet but after a few times he started opening up about his home, his friends and school. We hang out every other week.”

Both men see their little brothers about every other week.

These volunteer mentors offer guidance, somebody that the “little” (that’s how the organization refers to the child) can call up any time. When they get together the “bigs” can offer new activities and things to do. Dyer says time spent together can also make a big difference in the children’s academic success.

Napier needed to do guy stuff.

“I have two girls and I love them to death,” Napier said. “But sometimes a guy needs to do guy stuff.” He and Robert go to the batting cage, ride bikes and hike at Fort Casey and Ebey’s Landing National Historic Reserve.

Napier, who was recently named Community Connections’ Volunteer of the Year in October, also said that Robert likes to play video games.

“But I like to keep him outdoors and active,” he said.

Napier said he wants people to understand that BBBS is not adoption and is not intended to make a child his child.

“I’m his mentor,” he said. “I’m just trying to give him a little guidance as a young man.”