Whether you are closing your match for good or just for the summer, closure activities can be a great way to create special memories. We’ve compiled a list of closure activity ideas below for your convenience. If nothing on this list feels like a good fit for you and your mentee, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your Mentor Director to brainstorm more ideas.

• Create a Memory Book together that you can gift your mentee when you are finished. Craft stores like the heavily discounted Austin Creative Reuse should have everything you need! Start with a blank book, add stickers, photos, quotes, school memorabilia, anything that represents your time together as mentor and mentee.
• Write a poem together about your friendship. This can be silly or inspirational.
• Write a letter to your mentee and express positive and confident hopes for their future.
• Give an age-appropriate book to your mentee; something you know they will enjoy. You can make a special bookmark featuring a picture of you and your mentee.
• Give your mentee a letter describing these 5 things: your favorite memory of your time together, what you noticed when you first met, what you see in them today, your hopes for them, and what you admire most about your mentee.
• Take a picture of the two of you and frame it. Give it as a sweet memory for your mentee to take with them. You could also draw portraits of one another if you are feeling artistic.
• Give a journal and encourage your mentee to record their summer adventures or do some creative writing over the summer months.
• Fill an inexpensive bag with summer items such as sunscreen, lip balm, a water bottle, crossword puzzle, or frisbee. If you are unsure about a certain item, check in with your Mentor Director.
• Decorate a box together with pictures from magazines or just create wonderful art using markers. Fill the box with slips of paper where you have written ideas for summer activities. For example: watch fireflies, listen to crickets, run barefoot in the grass, learn to juggle, etc. (No Bummer Summer has a great list of free activities). Or, fill it full of your favorite motivational quotes and ask your mentee to read one each day.
• Treat your mentee to their favorite food at your last visit and talk about the highlights of your year together. This could be a slice of pizza, hamburger or just dessert!
• Having a meaningful conversation about your mentee/mentor relationship is a wonderful way to say goodbye if crafting something does not sound appealing.

The most important message is that they are special, you’ve enjoyed your time together, and you wish them the best. Remember, closure conversations are important for EVERYONE even if you intend to return. This way if something unexpected occurs, nothing positive has been left unsaid and everyone has a good sense of closure.