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.
YMCA Adventure Guides – Dads
This program is for children and their fathers or their male role models. The purpose of the program is to strengthen the father-child bond. Each month, father-child pairs meet in small groups called circles for games, crafts, and refreshments. “Expedition events” are open to all participants of the program and may include campouts, museum overnight, sporting events, dances and more! For more formation, contact Mary McCabe at (908)766-7898 ext 1120.
Fee: free for Full Family Members/$45 for father, $45 for 1 child, $20 per additional child for Potential Members.
YMCA Adventure Guides – 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 like the dads’ program but has different campout dates. For more information, contact Mary McCabe at (908)766-7898 ext 1120.
Fee: free for Full Family Members/$20 for MUJC members/$25.
Y-TRAIL PROGRAMS New! Trail Blazers for fathers and boys in grades, 4, 5 and 6
An exciting program for fathers and their sons. Enjoy outings such as campouts, overnights, and hikes.
For more information, call Mary McCabe (908) 766-7898 ext 1120.
Fee: free for Full Family Members/$20 for MUJC members/$25 Potential Members
New! Trail Mates for fathers and daughters in grades, 4, 5 and 6
An exciting program for fathers and their daughters. Enjoy outings such as campouts, overnights, horseback riding and hikes. For more information, call Mary McCabe (908) 766-7898 ext 1120.
Fee: free for Full Family Members/$20 for MUJC members/$25 Potential Members
New Member Registration begins in early September.
In early September we will open up registration to new members and will try to place them in circles based on the child’s age or grade in school. In the meantime, ask your friends or child’s friends if they are already in a group. If they are currently in an Adventure Guides group then we might be able to place you in that group before September. Another way to join the program is to come in as a group of 4 or more dad/child pairs. For more information please contact Mary McCabe at 766-7898 x1120 or email
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Besides the registration fees there are additional fees for the camp-outs and other events. Camp-outs typically cost between $200-$230 total for both you and your child Friday night through Sunday afternoon. Overnights at venues such as the Liberty Science Center, Franklin Institute, and the Aquarium typically cost between $40-$55 per person per night. 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.
