YMCA Adventure Guides

 Frequently Asked Questions

This program is for children (grades K-3) and their fathers. This program is designed to foster understanding and companionship between father and his child, and as this relationship grows stronger, to strive to be “Friends Forever.”  For the first 75 years of this program, members built activities around a Native American theme. Today, this program is based on adventures of the father and child, and their group (Expedition). Expeditions meet monthly throughout the school year, and families in the Expedition take turns hosting the meetings. Activities include songs, games, stories, skits, and crafts. Expedition events during the year include an Induction Ceremony at Callaway Gardens, fall and spring cabin and/or tent camp outs, Pinewood car derby races, a Valentine dance, and an overnight weekend trip at YMCA Camp High Harbour, and more.

Trailblazers & Trailmates (Grades 4-6)

Similar to Adventure Guides, the Trail program offers father and child an opportunity to work together and enjoy more challenging and adventurous activities. The children play an active role in determining the group’s activities for the year. Activities include such outings as outdoor rock climbing, cave exploring, and much more. Members are also encouraged to participate in community service projects and to develop leadership skills.

Extreme Guides (Grades 7-9) To be introduced Fall 2004!

As the newest program in Adventure Guides, this program is designed to engage father and middle school aged youth in “extreme challenges” as they continue to explore their environment, community, and lives together.  Activities for the year may include white water rafting, outdoor rock climbing and repelling, team building events, and other activities designed for young teens. Members will continue to develop leadership skills and to grow in

mind, body, and spirit as they create memories and “adventures to last last lifetime”.

What happens when I join?   New members are placed into one of the above groups, which have 8-10 father/child pairs.  The groups are near where the families live and the schools the children attend. Father/son pairs are called "Explorers" and Father/Daughter pairs are called "Adventurers".  

How much time will it take?   Groups usually meet about once a month for an hour or two at member's homes on a rotating basis, plus any Expedition Events attended.

When do Adventures and Explorers meet?   All meeting dates and times are chosen by the individual groups so as to fit into the father's schedule.  Most groups meet on a weeknights around 6:30pm or on Sunday afternoons. 

What kinds of activities are involved?   Group meeting activities revolve around Activity and Adventure themes and can include games, songs, stories, crafts, and refreshments.   In addition, each group may plan special activities such as hiking, campouts, community service, cookouts and family outings.

Are there other activities involved?   Yes.   Expedition Events, when all the groups get together, for weekend outings.  Some are day activities, others are overnight.  They are all optional, typical past activities include:  Stone Mountain campout, Calloway Gardens Induction Ceremony/cabin camp out, Pinewood Derby, Chattanooga Choo-Choo trip, Valentines Day Dance (Princesses), Thrashers hockey outing, YMCA Camp High Harbour weekend at Lake Burton, and more!  There are about 6 Expedition events throughout the year, held every month or two.

My schedule is jam packed, what if I miss some events?  The program is set up to be flexible and to provide fun events to share some “quality” time with your child.  There are no minimums, no merit badges and no pressure!

How do I join?  Fill out the registration form and mail or fax to the YMCA.  If faxing, please call to confirm receipt.  Once your child is placed in a group, you will be contacted by the Tribal Chief.

How much does it cost?   The fee is $48 for father w/1 child, $53 father w/2 children.  New Member kits are $20. Financial Assistance is available.    Fees include YMCA Adventure Guides Guide book, an Adventure Guides patch for father & child, and a compass.

When is Registration?  Registration for last year’s participants begins on July 26, 2004. Open registration for new members begins August 9.  For additional information about these programs, please contact Lisa Brasher at the Alpharetta YMCA @ ext. 121. 

Click here to get the 2004-2005 Adventure Guide Registration Form. >>

What if I'm a single mom?  No problem, your child can still participate in the program with a close male relative (Grandfather, Uncle, etc.) or a friend.

Can we join a friend’s group?  Yes, as long as the children are close to the same age.  Be sure to request the group on the registration from under “Special Request”.

How do I find out if there are any groups in my area or get more information?  Please contact Lisa Brasher at our YMCA Adventure Guides office at  (770) 664-1220, ext. 121, email LisaB@ymcaatlanta.org.  General YMCA info: http://www.ymcaatl.org/ or http://www.ymca.net/

Ed Isakson/Alpharetta YMCA    3655 Preston Ridge Rd Alpharetta, Georgia 30005

Phone (770) 664-1220  Fax (770) 664-0337

Home   Welcome   Nation News  Cave Paintings (Nation Photos)  Nation Directory  Tribal Web Sites
  Nation Schedule  Trading Post and Other Resources   Articles   About Our Site  Longhouse Meetings