Murphys, CA…The Calaveras Youth Mentoring Program is pleased to announce Murphys resident Gary Olson as the October 2017 Mentor of the Month. Gary has been matched with his mentee Jacob for just over two years. “Gary is a steadfast and passionate supporter of the Mentoring Program and has always been very modest about the value of his contributions. We are very lucky to have him in our program,” said Katie Lackler, Calaveras Youth Mentoring Program coordinator for the Calaveras County Office of Education.

Gary and Jacob love hiking, kayaking at New Melones, swimming in the Stanislaus River and playing basketball. “These two are very athletic and outgoing. They are also such jokesters with each other; they are hilarious!” said Jacob’s mom, Bernadette.

Gary is a longtime supporter of the Mentoring Program and advocate for young people to enjoy the beauty of nature. He retired last year after an 18-year career in California’s State Park system, starting as a park ranger and culminating as superintendent of regional state parks including Calaveras Big Trees and Indian Grinding Rock. To celebrate his retirement, he recently started his own business doing home inspections for homebuyers.

Gary and his wife Valerie have lived full time in Calaveras County for eight years and have been involved with the Mentoring Program almost that long. The couple both applied to become mentors in 2010; Gary was matched with his first mentee for three years, and Valerie was matched with her mentee for two years. They continue to support the Mentoring Program with their experience and ideas, contribute every year to the Calaveras Mentoring Foundation, and help with fundraisers and the Calaveras Youth Mentoring Program Holiday Party.

“Participating in a young person’s growth, learning, and discovery of who they are or will become is truly a gift,” said Gary. “Mentoring is a great way to give back to the community and have a great time with a young person. Spending time with a mentee is full of laughter and great experiences, and may lead to a long-lasting relationship.”

When asked what he would tell prospective mentors, Gary said, “Jump in and do it!”

The Mentoring Program is always seeking volunteers, and particularly needs mentors for boys in the Angels Camp and Murphys areas. There are many ways to support the Mentoring Program aside from being a mentor, including helping coordinate fieldtrips, supporting fundraising efforts, or helping with outreach. For more information about the Calaveras Youth Mentoring Program, call Mentoring Program Coordinator Katie Lackler at (209) 736-6078 or visit the program online at www.calaverasmentoring.org.
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