Transcription
ADVENTURE GUIDESParticipant’sManualBe Adventurous,Making Moments CountYMCA las.orgYMCA Mission: To put Christian valuesinto practice through programs that buildhealthy spirit, mind and body for all.
PURPOSEY Adventure Guides leads a parentand a child on a journey of discovery and uninterrupted time togetheras members of a larger group, buildinglifelong memories and bonds. Throughactivities such as monthly group meetings,weekend camping trips, games, ceremoniesand family adventures, parent and child willcreate memories that neither will ever forget.ADVENTURE GUIDESHISTORYThe father and son Y-Indian Guide programwas developed in 1926 to support thefather’s vital family role as teacher,counselor, and friend to his son. AfterWorld War II, the success of the father/changes in order to remain relevant to theircommunities. From late 2000 to mid-2003YMCA staff and volunteers from across thecountry met on several occasions to crafta parent/child program that had a broader appeal. In the summer and fall of 2003,YMCA Adventure Guides was launched inYMCA communities everywhere.PROGRAMDESCRIPTIONPreschool Program (3 & 4 year olds):This program also builds relationshipsbetween parent and child (son or daughter.)Parent/child pairs are invited to all theprogram events including camp-outs.This is a great way to get started in theAdventure Guides program.son program nurtured the development ofother parent-child programs.AdventureGuides-ExplorersandPrincesses (K-3rd grades):For 89 years, the program was the cornerstone for family programs in YMCAs acrossthe country. However, it is a different worldtoday. The YMCA’s commitment to being aParent and child participate together in thisrelationship-building program. Small groupsmeet one to two times per month and haveone big program event each month.caring, honest, respectful, and responsible organization, and an evolving culturalsensitivity of Native American historyprompted YMCAs across the country tore-evaluate their parent/child programs.One of the strengths of YMCAs is that theyhave adapted and responded to societalTrail Blazers (4th grade and older):For those parent/child pairs that desireto continue on the journey, Trail Blazersexplore the great outdoors with camping,hiking, canoeing trips, etc.*Please Note that age ranges servedvaries by Branch. Please contact yourlocal YMCA for more details.
PROGRAM OVERVIEWAdventure Guides is a program built entirelyto foster the relationship between a parentand child. Every activity or event is designedto make memories that will last a lifetime andensure a lasting bond between parent andchild. This requirement of 1v1 interactionat all times is what sets the AdventureGuides program apart from other similaryouth programs.Event per month that the small groupsare encouraged to participate in. Theseevents include Campouts, Derby Day,Father Daughter Dances, Rocket Launches,etc. A group of current participants actingin a volunteer leadership role will work withthe YMCA staff to plan and execute allNation Events. Events can vary dependingon which Nation you are a member of andthe only requirement is that parent andchild are always participating together.Once enrolled in the program everyone isassigned in to a small group of parents andkids. These small groups are made up ofparent/child pairs within the same community and are of similar age. Each group isled by a parent or guardian of a child who isin the group. Within these small groups theYMCA encourages monthly participation inmeetings that are planned and implementedby the group themselves. These eventscan include crafts in the home, outings tolocal parks, swim parties, attending localsporting events etc. While the YMCA doesnot plan or host any of the small groupmonthly meetings it is a great resource forideas if a group is in need.Each of these small groups are part of thelarger program and when gathered together make up the Adventure Guides Nation.The YMCA aims to sponsor one NationAIMS To be clean in body and pure in heart. To be friends forever with my parent/son/daughter. To love the sacred circle of my family. To listen while others speak. To love my neighbor as myself. To respect the traditions and beliefs ofall people. To seek and preserve the beauty of OurCreator’s work in forest, field, and stream.
Program leadershipAll campouts and special events must beThe program is run by YMCA staff mem-paid in full by the deadline. Late registra-bers and program volunteers. Volunteerstion may incur a late fee per pair. No re-are recruited or elected by group membersfunds will be issued once camp event num-and assume a variety of offices and re-bers are provided to the host camp venue.sponsibilities for different roles.Campout DutiesSmall groups are led by a parent/partici-Campouts can only function like a well-pant who is active in the small group.oiled machine if everyone pitches into takeCAMPOUTSon a campout duty. Duties might includecleaning the mess hall after a meal or leading chapel on Sunday morning. Each dutyGeneral Overviewis important to the overall flow of our cam-Your group may participate in campoutspout. Your group will sign up for a dutythroughout the year at various times.at the Base Camp (leader meeting) meetingCampouts are the highlight of the Adven-preceding the campout. If your group isture Guides program. Most campouts arenot represented at the Base Camp meeting,held at campsites within a couple of hoursyou will be assigned a duty.of the metroplex. Each campsite providessleeping quarters and dining facilities ifPROGRAM SAFETYyou choose not to cook your own meals.Most campouts start on Friday eveningMany of the adventures found within theand end on Sunday morning.Adventure Guides program have inherentrisks and parents have accepted theseRegistrationrisks with the understanding and appreci-Once camp reaches it occupancy limit, reg-ation that children and adults alike benefitistration will close for that campout. Cam-from age-appropriate events and activitiespouts are conducted regardless of weath-that challenge their limits by heighteninger conditions unless determined by YMCAawareness and building confidence andstaff and local authorities there is a healthdiscipline.or safety concern.There is a place in Adventure Guides forPayment/Refund Policyage-appropriate events that push youth
beyond their normal comfort level andAlcohol, Tobacco and Illegal Drugstretch their abilities. This is appropriatePolicy-ZERO TOLERANCEwhen risks are identified and mitigated butIn keeping with mission and spirit of theis not prudent if the risks have not beenYMCA and for the safety and security ofconsidered or are ignored. The Adventureall Adventure Guides participants, the pos-Guides program is designed with parentsession or consumption of alcohol, tobac-leadership and supervision in mind. Par-co or any illegal or illicit drug is prohibitedents are the navigator to their child andwhen participating in any YMCA Adven-should exercise good judgment at all timesture Guides meeting, event or activity. Letwhen leading their child through programYMCA events be the time you leave alcohol,activities.tobacco and illegal drugs at home. If weTo ensure the safety and success of theconfirm the presence of alcohol, tobacco orAdventure Guides program, we must workillegal drugs you will be asked to the leavetogether to:the event. This may also include suspen- Know, understand, and comply with allsion or removal from the program.rules, policies, and procedures. Model safe behaviors when participatingin Adventure Guides events and activities. Encourage staff, volunteer leaders, andyouth members to share in the management of safety. Promote, provide, and, when appropriate,require health and safety training. Follow all guidelines related to archeryand riflery and fire. You are responsible for the supervision ofyour child at all times.
Child SupervisionAquatic SafetyThe goal of the Adventure Guides program Swim only in designated areas duringis for parents and children to be togetherdesignated times. If lifeguards are notin an engaged manner; the importance ofavailable – NO Swimming.parental supervision cannot be stressed Swimming is only allowed when a certifiedenough both for the safety of your childlifeguard is present in a designated swimas well as the quality of your programarea only.experience. Lifejackets must be worn by children andadults for all boating activities.During all Adventure Guides activities par-Every parent signs a Code of Conduct forents are expected to directly supervisethemself and their child(ren) when theytheir own child. Do not allow children toregister for the Adventure Guide program.wonder away from you and the group orThe Circle Leader helps ensure that all par-self- explore. Parental supervision is im-ticipants have the best experience possi-perative to protect children from unsafeble by making sure the Code of Conduct isactivities, other people or simply gettingfollowed.lost. Parent should participate with childin activities. Do not send one or two dadswith the rest of the children to an activity.
YMCA OF METROPOLITAN DALLAS 214-880-YMCA-(9622) www.ymcadallas.org YMCA Mission: To put Christian values into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. AD
