Buddy is a guy word. It's a word most often used by guys to refer to other guys. Even so, The Buddy Program, an Aspen-based nonprofit that pairs children with adult mentors, faces a shortage of male big buddies.

Of the 44 children waiting to be paired with a mentor through The Buddy Program, 37 are waiting for a male big buddy, so the program has launched a recruiting drive this week to recruit more male mentors.

"I don't want to knock all guys, but we definitely get more female volunteers," program coordinator Cathy Fisher Gruter said. "Men just don't seem to be stepping up to the plate."

Started 31 years ago in Aspen, The Buddy Program pairs volunteer mentors between Aspen and El Jebel with children, ages 4-18. Boys are paired with men, girls with women. Volunteers are screened, trained, and then paired with a child with similar interests. Most of the children come from broken or impoverished homes. Mentors must commit to the program for one year and see their buddies at least two to three times a month.

Mentor Chad Yates, 30, said he has no explanation for why more guys don't sign up. Yates said the time he spends with Logan Garrison, his 11-year-old buddy, is fun for the two of them.

"I include him in a lot of my normal activities," Yates said. "We ski and snowboard, play tennis, go climbing - it's fun for both of us."

Yates was partnered with his buddy two years ago, shortly after Garrison had moved to Snowmass Village from North Carolina. Garrison's parents are divorced and his father works in Central America.

"I tried to help him settle down in the beginning. But we don't really talk about the serious stuff much," Yates said. "Mostly we just hang out and have fun. I really believe there is stuff that goes on between us that is intangible and will benefit him in the long run."

The Buddy Program offers more than 25 free activities per year, according to Fisher Gruter. Events include an evening at The Cooking School of Aspen, bowling, a ski day, and a party at the Hotel Jerome. Buddies are also given free admission to the Snowmass Club gym and spa.

"There's so much to do in the valley," Fisher Gruter said. "It's an ideal place to share activities with a little buddy."

Yates said the buddy program plays an important role in and around Aspen, fostering relationships and bridging the gap between generations.

"This is something kids need because otherwise our community would become disjointed," Yates said. "These kids have to interact with adults, otherwise they are on their own. I just try to be a good role model and a friend."

Adults interested in becoming a mentor can call The Buddy Program at 920-2130.

Eben Harrell's e-mail address is eharrell@aspentimes.com