Big, Little Pals go ice fishing

The Saint Mary’s Big and Little Pals Club went on a field trip to the Ike’s Family Fishing Derby on Feb. 22. Big and Little Pals is a long standing example of how Lasallian values are lived out in genuine community engagement. SMU students bundled up to ensure wax worms remained on hooks and area youth enjoyed themselves. Fish were not caught, but many good times were the catch of the day.

Soccer teams work with Winona youth

The Saint Mary’s soccer teams helped organize and run a special day of fun and games on the soccer field for Winona youth. The soccer mini-camp was sponsored by SMU’s Big and Little Pals program, which matches college students with at-risk second- through fifth-graders from Jefferson Elementary School. About 50 Saint Mary’s students participate in the Campus Ministry service program in collaboration with Winona Area Public Schools. The Big Pals develop positive relationships with their Little Pals through activities and by nurturing their academic, social and emotional stability.

Soccer teams host camp for Big, Little Pals

The men’s and women’s soccer teams hosted a soccer camp for the Big and Little Pals program at Saint Mary’s. More than 100 people were involved in the event, which combined service, justice and athletics.

Big, Little Pals host end-of-the-year picnic

Big and Little Pals tested their skills on the inflatables.

A Big and Little Pal having fun

The Big and Little Pals Organization at Saint Mary’s enjoyed an end-of-the-year picnic last week. About 50 SMU students meet once a week with at-risk second- through fifth-graders from the Winona community. On April 26, their “little pals” joined them on campus for a barbecue, inflatable toys and games. The program is a collaboration with Winona Area Public Schools. Throughout the year, SMU students develop a positive relationship with their pals by nurturing their academic, social and emotional stability.

Hockey team hits the nets with Big and Little Pals

Approximately 50 youth and Saint Mary’s students involved with Big & Little Pals enjoyed an evening of hockey at SMU Friday, Feb. 18.

The group teamed up with members of the SMU Men’s Hockey team for some off-the-ice hockey training. The Pals had dinner on campus before enjoying obstacle courses, stick handling and shooting pucks. The evening concluded with an SMU Men’s hockey game vs. Gustavus Adolphus. Big & Little Pals pairs SMU students with first- through fourth-graders from the Winona community for a year. The pairs meet once a week for a fun mentoring activity.