Excited children ran rampant yesterday at the University Sports Coliseum as the University Big Sibs celebrated the end of a semester-long community involvement experience with a party for all of the program's participants - big and small.

The program, similar to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, is run through the Psychology Outreach Project and gives undergraduate students a unique experience to teach, learn and become involved in the community while working every week with a local child between the ages of 5 and 15.

"The University students gain the knowledge of a child, possibly from a different socio-economic background and how to be a mentor to someone who might be in need of one," said undergraduate group leader Brad Spiegel, a Kinesiology junior.

"They show the little siblings that it's a good thing to work hard and study."

University students and little siblings agreed that while involvement in the program is a big commitment, the benefits are large and lasting. LSA senior Julie Ponitz and her little sibling Precious Houston, a freshman at Huron High School, reflected on their two-year involvement in the Big Sibs program.

"You first meet somebody and get to know them and trust them and become good friends. You're never bored and always having fun," Houston said.

Ponitz also expressed a great appreciation for her experience as a Big Sib.

"Being able to develop a relationship with someone you would never have the chance of meeting has definitely been a benefit. It's a real change of pace from other University classes - plus I've been able to watch Precious grow up and change so much. My mom asked me if I was going to cry when the party was over and I said I probably would," Ponitz said.

Participants in Big Sibs are required to spend at least 40 hours with their little brother or sister over the course of the semester.

In addition to tutoring and taking trips to local museums, the students are encouraged to spend free time talking with their little siblings to serve as a positive example.

"(The program) is geared toward getting the little sib out of the house. Usually the activities involve one-on-one contact as opposed to something like going to the movies and just sitting," Spiegel said.

Big Sibs functions as a section of Psychology 211 and offers participants two credits and gives undergraduate group leaders a unique opportunity to head discussion sections.

Additionally, students are required to attend an hour of lecture every week to learn about the psychology of children.

"Lectures are centered around child development issues and risk factors such as media violence, foster housing and other potential development problems. The discussions give group leaders some experience in teaching and leading a group," Cynthia Ramirez, a graduate instructor said.

Participants commented with enthusiasm on the benefits of the unusual program.

"I've already done it twice and I plan to do it again in the future," LSA sophomore Bill Begeny said. "It gives you a great chance to work with young people, to have a lot of fun and to learn about the future."