GOLD STAR GAMER MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
LEVELING UP MORE THAN JUST GAME SKILLS
The Gold Star Gamers Mentorship Program connects children who have lost a military or veteran parent with trusted adults who understand the value of consistency, encouragement, and shared experience.
Gaming gives mentors and kids a natural way to connect. Relationships grow through regular play, group activities, and time spent together in spaces created specifically for Gold Star and surviving military children.
Our mentorship program offers two ways to participate: group mentorship within our youth programs and dedicated one-on-one mentorship.
Two Ways to Mentor
Group Mentorship
Group mentors support Gold Star Gamers youth programs, including our moderated Discord community, game nights, clubs, workshops, and other virtual activities.
They help create a welcoming environment where kids can make friends, participate at their own comfort level, and spend time with adults who are dependable and invested in their well-being.
Group mentors may:
- Join scheduled gaming sessions and community activities
- Encourage teamwork, healthy communication, and good sportsmanship
- Help kids feel included in group conversations
- Share gaming, technical, creative, or professional knowledge
- Support a safe and positive online community
- Serve as a consistent presence kids can trust
Group mentorship is a strong option for volunteers who want to support several young people through structured community programming.
One-on-One Mentorship
Our dedicated mentorship option pairs an eligible child with a carefully vetted adult mentor for regular one-on-one connection.
Matches are made thoughtfully, considering shared interests, gaming preferences, personality, availability, and military background when appropriate. Mentors and mentees spend time gaming, talking, working toward personal goals, and building a relationship grounded in trust and consistency.
A one-on-one mentor may help a mentee:
- Build confidence and communication skills
- Develop healthy gaming habits
- Explore educational and career interests
- Set goals and recognize personal progress
- Work through challenges with encouragement
- Stay connected to the military and veteran community
- Have something positive and dependable to look forward to
Mentors do not replace parents, guardians, counselors, or mental-health professionals. Their role is to listen, encourage, share their experience, and keep showing up.
What Mentorship Looks Like
Every mentorship relationship develops differently, but each one is built on consistency, respect, safety, and connection.
Mentorship activities can include:
- Playing age-appropriate games together
- Participating in Gold Star Gamers programs
- Talking about school, hobbies, and future goals
- Exploring careers in gaming, technology, and other fields
- Practicing teamwork and problem-solving
- Celebrating milestones and achievements
- Providing encouragement during difficult weeks
A mentor does not need to be an elite gamer. Patience, reliability, good judgment, and a genuine commitment to supporting young people matter far more than a win-loss record.
A Safe, Moderated Program
The safety of every child comes first.
Mentors complete an application, screening, background check, and program onboarding before working with participants. Gold Star Gamers establishes clear communication standards, program expectations, and oversight for both group and one-on-one mentorship.
Parents and guardians remain informed and involved throughout the process. Online activities take place through approved platforms and established Gold Star Gamers safety procedures.
Who Can Become a Mentor?
We welcome responsible adults who want to support Gold Star and surviving military children through gaming, encouragement, and meaningful connection.
Strong mentors are:
- Dependable and able to honor their commitments
- Patient, respectful, and comfortable working with young people
- Willing to follow all safety and communication policies
- Open to training, guidance, and feedback
- Interested in gaming or another area that can benefit our youth
- Committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment
Military service or professional gaming experience can be valuable, but neither is required. The ability to be present, listen, and build trust is what makes mentorship work.
Help a Surviving Child Build Their Next Chapter
A few consistent hours, a shared game, and an adult who keeps showing up can make a lasting difference.
Join the Gold Star Gamers Mentorship Program and help a child build confidence, strengthen connections, and know that their military community still stands beside them.