Mentor Guidelines

It is critically important to a parent or guardian that their child is with a responsible mentor. We conduct a thorough screening process which allows the parent guardian, mentor, and OSU Tour feel confident and safe when participating in outdoor activities with children.

OSU Tour’s certified mentors will play a very important role in the lives of children. Their mentorship will provide invaluable contributions to children in need and ensure their connections to nature and sports remains active. In addition to the screening process, mentors must complete our education and safety programs and pass certification testing prior to achieving OSU Tour mentorship status.

The OSU Tour mentorship process is highlighted below:

MENTOR APPLICATION: The first step in becoming an OSU Tour Mentor is the application. Once the application is processed, the prospective mentor will be notified to continue the selection process. Request the from at email address: office@OSUtour.org

DRUG TEST: Upon receiving notification that your application has received initial approval, you will need to make arrangements for a drug test. Results will remain on file with OSU Tour and results will be provided to the parent or guardian. Please contact your local health clinic to make arrangements. You are responsible for the drug test costs. If you fail either or both of these tests, your mentor certification process will end.

NATIONAL CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK AND SEX OFFENDER CHECK: After you receive passing results from your drug testing, you must pass a National Criminal Background Check & Sex Offender Check. Results will remain on file with OSU Tour and and confirmation will be provided to the parent or guardian. Please visit SentryLink to complete the background check. You are responsible for the initial cost of $19.95. If you fail either or both of these tests, your mentor certification process will terminate.

INTERVIEW: All potential mentors must pass a telephonic and in-person interview with a designated OSU Tour representative. When the application has been processed, an OSU Tour representative will call you to arrange your first interview.

CODE OF CONDUCT: Mentors must read and sign OSU Tour’s Code of Conduct. Violations will not be tolerated and will result in the immediate termination of an individual’s mentorship status. Code of conduct forms will be supplied on site at the event.

STANDARDS OF ETHICS: Mentors must read and sign OSU Tour’s Standards of Ethics. Violations will not be tolerated and will result in the immediate termination of an individual’s mentorship status. Standards of ethics forms will be supplied on site at the event.

MENTOR TRAINING PROGRAM AND CERTIFICATION: It is the goal of the OSU Tour to provide quality outdoor and sports mentorship to children. To optimize every outdoor opportunity and ensure safety in every activity, we require online training and certification for many of our events. Mentors will be notified through email which events apply. These tests present varying degrees of difficulty and are designed to ensure the safety of the child and mentor and to provide assurance for the parent or guardian.

E-mail: office@osutour.org