In today's world, a child and a father rarely have time together - to talk, to laugh, to really get to know each other and become friends.
Adventure Guides, sponsored by the YMCA, is a program designed to bring fathers and sons together to build strong, lasting relationships. They do this by spending quality time together doing fun activities. Fathers and children 5-8 years of age are eligible to participate.
Guides groups are "Circles" consisting of 8-12 father/son pairs that live in the same area. Circles meet once a month at members' homes on a rotating basis or community centers . Circles also participate in outings together such as picnics, field trips, campouts and more. Meeting dates, times and activities are determined by the tribe to fit into everyone's schedule. Circle meetings provide a forum for spending time together, telling stories, playing games, making crafts and other activities.
To enhance the experience for the child and the father, members usually take Indian names, many wear leather vests to display activity patches, the children perform services and crafts and tribes use drums and other items to create an atmosphere of excitement and enjoyment for everyone. The YMCA provides stories and activity suggestions that are inspirational and promote fun, fellowship and self-worth.
For more information about the history of the Adventure Guides Programs and articles about the use of the Native American theme (including the dangers of stereotyping), check out the many articles at the web site for the Santa Clarita Valley YMCA Alliklik Nation. Also visit the Orange County YMCA site about Indian Guides
The Rising Son Nation Adventure Guides Program is supported by the Saddleback Valley branch of the Orange County, California, YMCA. To find out more about the Saddleback Valley YMCA Parent-Child programs, call (949) 859-9622.
For the first 75 years of this program, members built activities around an Indian theme. Today, the program is based on the adventures of a parent and child and of their Circles and expeditions. At the forefront of the program are the Compass Points, which give members a sense of direction and an inspiration for activities. These points are broad enough in scope to allow for variety and creativity in designing activities.
The four main direction points on the compass are the essential components of the program.
- The Family is True North – the focal point of the program.
- Nature and the camping experience are integral parts of the program.
- The spirit of the program is experienced through belonging to a small Community, called a Circle.
- Fun is the magic of the program
About the Slogan "Pals Forever"
The slogan, "Pals Forever," does not mean that father and son relate to each other as equals, such as two boys who are pals. Rather, it means that father and son have a close, enduring relationship in which there is communication, understanding, and companionship. The Adventure Indian Guide Program encourages such a relationship by providing a means for father and son to share enjoyable experiences, to observe and learn about one another, and to develop mutual respect.
--From "Friends Always - The Adventure Indian Guide Programs Participant's Manual, Second Edition"
