The Young Man's Christian Association (YMCA) Adventure Guides, sometimes called Y Guides, is a program established in 2003 to strengthen the bond between fathers and their children. Originally based upon the Y Indian Guide program, which was limited to fathers and sons, the program now includes mothers and daughters.

Not every YMCA location or branch has an Adventure Guides program. The branches that do have a program organize their own program activities. Many retain the focus on fathers and sons. However, as the Adventure Guides program gains acceptance, many Y branches will likely adopt the all-encompassing approach of the Y Guides.

The philosophy of the Adventure Guides is built around the four major points of a compass rose. Traditionally, of course, these points represent the four principle directions: North, South, East, and West. In the Adventure Guides, these points represent community, nature, family, and fun. The goal is to build strong relationships and memories between father and child through group outdoor events.

Parents of children age kindergarten to 3rd grade may enroll in the program. Enrollment is typically in the neighborhood of $100 per year, per child. All of the participants in a given program are called the "Circle". The parent (typically fathers) and their children meet together in this Circle for monthly meetings. The goals of the meetings are to strengthen the relationships between the members, foster learning, and build skills of mutual understanding. As YMCA is a faith-based organization, issues of religion are an inevitable part of the program.

In addition to Circle meetings, the participants engage in special activities. All activities are done within this Circle or group, but the activities of each Circle vary according to the particular YMCA branch. Examples of typical activities include campouts, banquets, "rituals," "turkey shoot," "derby day," cookouts, parades, "ceremonies" and similar events.

Parents participating in the program may be provided with training materials, or such training may occur ad hoc as the Circle forms and meets. YMCA prints a leadership manual entitled Friends Forever Leading the Way and a training video titled Friends Forever, Y Adventure Guides. The program was designed to include 8 hours of adventure guide training, presumably using the previously mentioned materials and "on-the-job" guidance. As the program is new, this "training" is still in its infancy.

The Y Guides is a more inclusive effort to bring families together, using group meetings and outdoor adventures as the medium. As it does involve religious undertones, including acknowledgment of God, the program may not be for everyone. If you are interested in learning more, you should contact you local YMCA branch or visit the program online at:

http://www.ymca.net/adventure_guides/ag_about.htm l

Learn more about this author, Joseph Hazelbaker.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about YMCA: Adventure guide training?
We want to hear your view. Write now!