The Program

Welcome to the Littleton YMCA Adventure Guides. We are proud to have over
30 families participating in the Dads/Sons program.

One of the greatest gifts a father can give a Son is quality time spent
together. It is to this end that the Rocky Mountain Expedition Adventure
Guides program is dedicated. Fathers and their Sons (ages 5 to 12+)
throughout the south Denver area are participating in fun and exciting
activities together, creating life-long memories, and a bond that will make
them "Friends Forever". Below is a summary of what the YMCA Adventure Guides is all about. You and your Son(s) can share in this wonderful
experience.

WHAT IS THE Y-ADVENTURE-GUIDES?

Since 1926 YMCA Adventure Guide Programs have offered thousands of 5 to 12 year olds and their parents opportunities to laugh, love, grow, learn, and
bond together. Y-Adventure-Guide parent and child pairs gather in small
groups called "circles" to hold meetings and/or conduct outings that
incorporate a variety of recreational and educational activities. The
programs are built around an American Explorer theme that provides new and enjoyable experiences for parents and children through which their awareness of nature, community, friends, and family ties are reinforced.
Y-Adventure-Guide programs are ideal for parents who want quality, planned,
one-on-one time with their children in a fun-filled structure.
Participation in activities by both parents and child is a vital part of the
Y-Adventure Guides Programs. Parent and child share in events, games,
community service projects, crafts, outings, and campouts. The parent
observes his child's relationship in the group and sees the child's
strengths and needs, affording a basis for helping the child to grow.
Likewise, the child observes the parent commitment and involvement with
other parents and kids thus providing the child with an important role
model.

WHAT THE PROGRAM DOES
Y-Adventure Guide Programs are action-oriented. Members develop their own programs, elect their own officers, take turns hosting meetings, host
multi-circle Expedition events, and conduct the business of the circle.
Circles get together for Expedition and Circle outings such as campouts, hay
rides, movies, and bowling; create crafts; attend ball games; compete in a
pinewood car derby; play games, visit museums; and participate in community service projects including food drives and Salvation Army bell ringing. In addition, all participants, parent and child, receive various items for events and accomplishments including patches, beads, bear claws, and other trinkets which are typically sewed on vests or added to their necklaces
symbolizing early American explorers. Participation in these activities
subtly and effectively emphasizes the importance of the parent/child
relationship and the Y-Adventure Guides Program is just plain fun for both
parent and child!

BENEFITS
Through the Y-Adventure Guide programs, the YMCA provides the following
benefits to both parents and children:

Fosters companionship and understanding and sets a foundation for positive,
lifelong relationships between parent and child.
. Builds a sense of self-esteem and personal worth.
. Expands awareness of body, mind, and spirit.
. Provides a framework and commitment to spend enjoyable, constructive and quality time together that would not otherwise exist in our fast paced
society.
. Enhances the quality of family time.
. Emphasizes the vital role that parents play in the growth and development
of their children.
. Offers an important and unique opportunity to develop and enjoy volunteer
leadership skills.
. Opportunities to meet other families with children the same age.

ORGANIZATION
Parents and their children form Circles containing anywhere from 5 to 12+
families. One parent is elected as Navigator and the various positions are
delegated to the parents and to the kids.
The Circle schedules monthly meetings at one another's homes, special events or trips. The Circle meets once per month for about an hour. Each parent hosts a meeting. Hosting is rotated. Responsibility for the conduct of the meeting is shared by all circle members. The Circle meeting activity usually includes a craft, since the craft is displayed at the Base Camp Meeting. The host is responsible for the craft, and for providing a simple refreshment after the craft.
The Circle also participates in a monthly Expedition event. The Circle
plays host to at least one Expedition event each year.
Unlike other child development programs, the Y-Adventure Guides compels
parent and child participation together in the various activities.
There are a number of Circles participating in the Y-Adventure-Guide
(dad/Son) program at the Littleton YMCA. Circles are typically, but
not necessarily, organized based on school and geographic location of the
participants. This is done in an attempt to make it relatively easy for
Circle members to meet.
The Base Camp is the inter-council organization that meets once a month in
support of program planning for Circles and Expedition, coordination of
Expedition events, and establishment of policies and standards. Council
members are elected from volunteers each year.

Expeditions. Ours is the Rocky Mountain Expedition.

Y-Adventure Guides Circles are organized under Expeditions.