January is National Mentor Month

January is National Mentor Month which is a good time for the Litchfield Area Mentorship Program to spread the word about what it does in the community. The organization officially formed back in 2007.

LAMP board member Jo Carlson says it had its beginnings in 2005 with the influence of Kiwanis members like Jim Ellingson and Judge Steve Drange. She says they are always looking for adults who are willing to be mentors and provide a little extra support for some of the children in the county.

Carlson says if anyone would like more information, they may call 320-699-1616 or email info@lampkinship.org. She says there may be some people who are not as comfortable with a one-on-one situation so they are forming a LAMP 4-H club which may be a good way for adults to get involved in the program with group mentoring.

Judy Hulterstrum says the 4-H club will meet on the last Monday of each month, and it will be a way for children who’ve signed up for LAMP, but haven’t been matched yet to be involved in the program. She says she’s heard from several adults who want to help with the 4-H club.

Hulterstrum says the 4-H ambassadors – the older kids in 4-H – will be helping with the new club. She says LAMP is open to children ages 5-to-17, but most of the kids are in the 10-to-15- year age group which will fit in well with the parameters of 4-H membership.