HEROS participants identify their goals, required actions and achievements to record in a HEROS Behaviour Journal. They then share these journal entries with their peers and teachers in round-table discussions.

The Vancouver School Board officially recognized the HEROS “PosivicationProcess.” This unique process rewards positive behaviour with verbal and written positive reinforcement.

They promote goodwill on the ice at all times. And by their example, they teach our HEROS participants the "golden rule" – that your peers will treat you with respect if you demonstrate respect towards them.

The HEROS Mentor Program is made up of teens who, preferably, have already completed the HEROS Program.

Our mentors’ help with the weekly sessions on and off the ice. They must work towards a Mentorship Diploma consisting of seven steps of certification:

1. St. John's First Aid
2. School Board Leadership Program
3. Drug Awareness
4. Power Skating
5. Coaching Level One
6. Referee School
7. Speak Out Program

Mentor Selection Criteria

To be selected as a mentor, applicants must:

• Be capable of volunteering two hours per week of on- and off-ice time during the season
• Be 14 years or older (exceptions made in extraordinary cases)
• Be responsible and patient
• Demonstrate commitment to the program
• Demonstrate respect for their elders and peers
• Never use foul language
• Maintain good grades and attendance at school

Mentor Responsibilities

Two mentors are named as assistant coaches and are put in charge of 4 – 6 players in groups with varied skill levels.

Each week when all the players are dressed and ready, mentors lead their groups onto the ice. Mentors help in whatever manner is required to make the whole event as fun and engaging as possible for HEROS participants.

Mentor Activities

• Help out in the dressing room, with equipment and maintain control
• Discuss HEROS Behaviour if there is misbehaviour or quarrelling among the players.
• Teach participants that being part of a team and respecting teammates is a positive part of life and can actually be fun.
• Teach, through actions and words, that using appropriate language and doing well at school is cool.
• Help set up the equipment on ice – nets, dividers, cones, etc.
• Help keep an eye on individual players, especially smaller ones who frequently fall.
• Ensure players undress, pack up every piece of equipment, and load it into storage.
• Ensure that the dressing room is clean and doors are locked.

Mentor Dos and Don'ts

• Never use foul language.
• Anger is not an acceptable response.
• Respect others at all times.
• Take charge when necessary.
• Ensure players accept responsibility for their own actions.
• Teach players that the team loses if they mess up.
• Inform an adult or coach if there is something that they can’t handle, or don’t think is appropriate.
• Lead by example.
• Help players when they need it, and always remain patient.
• Praise players when they do things right.
• Compliment players for a job well done.

Mentor Benefits

• HEROS Mentor Diploma
• HEROS Warm-up Tracksuit
• Post-Secondary Scholarship availability