Bike riding, reading, manicures and pedicures, movies, swimming and trips to the beach those are just a few of Lindsay Hrobak and Kerstyn Dom's favorite things to do together.

Hrobak, 25, has been a Big Sister to 10-year-old Kerstyn for the past two years through Big Brothers Big Sisters of York and Adams Counties.

The program is professionally supervised and works to help children and teenagers make wise decisions and reach their full potential.

When Hrobak graduated from York College she continued living in York Township. She missed her own sister and family in New Jersey and decided to try Big Brothers Big Sisters.

"I did not know what to expect when I started volunteering, but my experience ...

has been one the best things I have done," Hrobak said. "I learned how important it is to be a positive role model. I learned that we don't have to always go and do something big to have a great time."

She said their relationship has developed into a big sister/little sister relationship.

Waiting list: About 55 children are waiting to be matched with a mentor, said Michael Smith, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters in York and Adams counties.

"We have a tremendous need for volunteers," Smith said.

The group asks mentors to make at least a one-year commitment to meeting with their little sibling about three to four times a month.

Activities are sponsored by Big Brothers Big Sisters at least quarterly, he said, and the group sometimes provides free tickets for activities like amusement parks and zoos.

"Most activities are on their own, as the goal is for the pair to develop a solid mentoring friendship," said Smith.

Orientation sessions begin this month for volunteers who are interested in becoming a mentor for a child.

The sessions last about an hour and will be held in the Big Brothers Big Sisters York office, 227 W. Market St. Background checks are completed after orientation and followed by more training.

The sessions are scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday, noon Tuesday, May 8, and 10 a.m. Saturday, May 19. To register or for more information, call the office at 843-0051.

-- Reach Chelsea Shank at 505-5432 or cshank@yorkdispatch.com.