Join us on a journey of learning and discovery with your child! In YMCA Adventure Guides, parents and kids participate in dozens of activities such as camping, games, outings, and family adventures that foster understanding and companionship. And with the addition of the Adventure Guides Moms program in 2008, there are opportunities everyone to enjoy this incredible experience.
The Adventure Guides program was originally conceived as the father and son Y-Indian Guides program in 1926 by Ojibwa Indian Joe Friday and YMCA Director Harold S. Keltner. The program is based on dignity, patience, endurance, spirituality, feeling for the earth and concern for the family. In keeping with this legacy, the YMCA is proud to offer Adventure Guides. This program is one of the fastest growing programs in the YMCA, with a membership at more than 500,000 participants nationwide.
The Adventure Guide program is designed to foster companionship and understanding between father and child, in a wholesome atmosphere that emphasizes fun, adventure and a shared sense of discovery.
Adventure Guides for Dads
The program is available to fathers (or any male role-model) and their children in kindergarten through 3rd grade. An average of 10 Dads and their children form a circle. There are 55 circles in the Somerset Hills Expedition. There are Expedition events on a regular basis, such as camp outs, skating and swimming parties, participation in local parades and special ceremonies. In addition to Expedition events, each circle meets once a month, and circle navigators attend a monthly "Base Camp" meeting to keep up on all that's happening. Registration is open so if you are interested please call Mary McCabe at 766-7898 ext. 120 or email
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Adventure Guides for Moms The Adventure Guides program has expanded to include moms and sons. The purpose of this program is to strengthen the mother-son bond. The program runs exactly like the dad's program but has different campout dates. Registration for this first year is free. Registration is open so if you are interested please call Mary McCabe at 766-7898 ext. 120 or email
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New! Trailblazers for fathers and boys in grades 4, 5, and 6 An exciting program for fathers and their sons. Enjoy outings such as camping, horseback riding weekend, and overnights! Free for members/$15MUJC members/$20 potential members. For more information call Mary McCabe at 766-7898 ext. 120 or email
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Registration is open! If you have a Full Family YMCA Membership – the registration fee is waived. If you have an adult or youth membership or are a non-member, then both you and your child will need to pay $45 each. Youth, Adult Memberships and Non-Member additional children are all $20. This year, dads will be registering themselves in the program and on all the campouts. If your child has an ID number, but you do not, you will need to get one; please contactMary McCabeat 766-7898 ext. 120 or email before you attempt to register your child.
Besides the registration fees there are additional fees for the camp-outs. They typically cost between $180-$200 total for both you and your child Friday night through Sunday afternoon. Adventure Guides manuals, patches, t-shirts, and magnets are all available for an additional price.
F R I E N D S F O R E V E R
Aims of YMCA Adventure Guides:
To be clean in body and pure in heart
To be friends forever with my dad/mom/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 of all people
To seek and preserve the beauty of Our Creator’s work in forest, field, and stream
Join us on a journey of learning and discovery with your child! In YMCA Adventure Guides, parents and kids participate in dozens of activities such as camping, games, outings, and family adventures that foster understanding and companionship. And with the addition of the Adventure Guides Moms program in 2008, there are opportunities everyone to enjoy this incredible experience. 
The Adventure Guide program is designed to foster companionship and understanding between father and child, in a wholesome atmosphere that emphasizes fun, adventure and a shared sense of discovery.
