ABOUT ADVENTURE GUIDES
YMCA Adventure Guides is a program designed to strengthen the relationship between a parent and a child. Originally created in 1926 as a father-son program, it was based on the American Indian tradition to support the father's vital family role as teacher, counselor, and friend to his son. The program spread like wildfire across the nation in the 1950s and became known as the Y-Indian Guide Program. As years passed, the program evolved and today, Y Adventure Guides captures the intent and the magic of the original program - a deepening bond between a parent and a child.

During their elementary school years, children learn rapidly, becoming much more aware of the world around them. They begin to see things differently and ask questions about who they are, where they came from, and why things are as they are. During this time, children tend to see their parents as guides, teachers, and heroes. They start to understand that parents protect and nurture them. Ideally, during this period, we learn how to talk with our children more than at them. A strong relationship is based on our ability to ask open-ended questions that help our children think and move beyond simple yes or no responses. During these years, we strive to invite our children to accept challenges and opportunities, celebrate accomplishments, and face fears.

We have designed the YMCA Adventure Guides program to assist you and your child on your journey of discovery. While activities with the whole family are important, we see tremendous value in supporting and strengthening the ability of a parent and his or her child to communicate at an early age in ways that are caring, honest, respectful, and responsible. We seek to encourage you as a parent to "get to know your kid while your kid is still a kid."

Greenwich Y Adventure Guides Program
One of the gifts a father can give a child is quality time spent together - and that's just what Y programs provide. The Y Adventure Guides programs are for dads and children grades K-3. The goal is to develop the foundation for a life-long relationship between a father and his or her child. Y Adventure Guides provides opportunities for fathers (or guardians) and children to spend time together, having fun and sharing new experiences.

The Greenwich Y Adventure Guides program is made up of small groups of parent-child pairs called Circles who meet on a regular basis in each others' homes, usually biweekly or monthly. Occasionally, several Circles come together to participate in larger activities such as campouts, parties, or parades. These outings are called Expeditions. The core of the YMCA Adventure Guides program is these Circle and Expedition meetings and adventures. Typical activities include ceremonies, games, crafts, songs, stories, skits, and outdoor pursuits such as camping, hiking, and swimming.

The Greenwich Y Federation main expeditions include:

• Induction Ceremony
• Winter Camp Out
• St. Patrick's Day Parade
• Spring Camp Out
• Other Special Events

The entire program runs during the months that the schools are in session, generally from September through June.

A Message from the Founding Nation Chief Wild Eagle
As we know all too well, ours is a busy lifestyle. Parents work long hours. Children race home from school to after-school programs and weekend activities. The time we as parents actually spend one-on- one with our children seems all too precious, particularly for the Dads. That's why we developed the Adventure Guides Program.

Each father/son and father/daughter pair gets together with their assigned Circle about once each month to participate in a group activity. The selection of activities is largely determined based on the interests of the group. From hikes in the woods to arts and crafts, sporting events to singing Christmas carols; if it's fun and kid-oriented, it's up for consideration for a Circle activity.

Most importantly, the Y Adventure Guides Program is about making the time to be with our most cherished possession, our children. This is what our program is all about - providing a plan for dads to be with their kids on a regular basis.