Pamlico  Pals was originally established as an individual mentoring program in 1984 under the Governor’s One-on-One initiative, which ended in 2009. From 2009-2015, Pamlico Pals operated as a combined individual and group mentoring program. In response to the changing needs and program requirements in 2016, the program transitioned to an Interpersonal Skill Building program to better fit the community and the youth that it serves.

Pamlico Pals is designed to grant juveniles in Beaufort County ages 7-17 the opportunity to become successful by using the Arise curriculum to help participants learn social skills, conflict resolution, and decision-making skills, which will improve their behavior and promote positive interaction with peers. Referrals to the program can be made by Juvenile Court Counselors, School Resource Officers, schools and other community agencies.

• To provide structure for youth through the use of adult role models which they can rely upon.
• To prevent juvenile crime in local communities by mentoring youth who are at risk of delinquency.
• To teach better social and coping skills.
• To improve school attendance and performance.
• To reduce juvenile delinquency and undisciplined behavior in youth involved in juvenile court.
• To increase the county’s awareness of and involvement in the problems of youth served in the juvenile justice and school system.