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Adventure Guides: Where Family Bonds & Lifelong Memories Begin!
At the YMCA Adventure Guides, we believe in big adventures, lots of laughs, and the cherished bonds between fathers and their kids. Whether you're paddling through lakes, trotting on horseback, conquering nature trails, or just gathering around a campfire, every moment is a chance to achieve new skills, build character, and create a sense of belonging that lasts a lifetime.
The Adventure Guides program provides fathers and their children the opportunity to spend valuable time together while strengthening their relationship. As part of a larger group, both father and child create unforgettable memories playing games, spending the weekend at an overnight camp, exploring nature, and enjoying family adventures.
Ready to Start Your Family’s Next Great Adventure?
Join the YMCA Adventure Guides and experience the joy of exploring, learning, and growing—together! Program registration is now open—see below for pricing and sign-up links.
Don’t miss out—adventure awaits!
Why Join Adventure Guides?
Achievement: Discover the Thrill of Adventure!
Adventure Guides is all about learning, growing, and setting goals. Whether it’s learning to set up a tent, embarking on a hike, or conquering a zip line, each experience helps kids and dads gain confidence and resilience in the great outdoors.
Belonging: Find Your Crew, Make Lifelong Friendships!
Fathers and kids build relationships with peers and the community while creating traditions that last a lifetime. Whether you're laughing around a bonfire, paddling through the water, or cheering each other on, you’ll be part of a supportive group that feels like family.
Character: Growing Hearts as Big as the Great Outdoors!
Adventure Guides teaches leadership, teamwork, and respect—for nature, for others, and for themselves. Kids develop strong character through shared challenges, goal-setting, and outdoor experiences that help shape them into tomorrow’s leaders.
What to Expect?
- Overnight campouts filled with adventure
- Outdoor activities like hiking, horseback riding, canoeing, and fishing
- Fun family events that strengthen bonds
- Team-building games and challenges
- A welcoming community of fathers and children
"I thought Adventure Guides might teach my suburban Dallas daughter about grit, but it ended up revealing to us both that it was already there, just waiting to be challenged"
— John, YMCA Member
"All in all, I will have spent 12-13 years total in Guides. I love it. I tell everyone I can about it"
— Will, YMCA Member
Local Events
From Pumpkin Carving to our Father/Daughter Dance, Adventure Guides local events are designed to provide special experiences and memories that last a lifetime. Please check back frequently as we update our special events schedule. We will try to offer locations around the service area to ensure everyone can participate.
Campouts
Each campout serves specific YMCA Branch Service area(s). All campouts will be held at camps with cabins that include A/C, electricity, and bathrooms. More details on each camp can be found on their website and their links are under each campout description. Please be aware that we do not reserve cabins per group, all beds are on a first-come, first-serve basis, and all registrations are done by each family pair.
Our History
Adventure Guides began as the Y-Indian Guide program for fathers and sons in 1926. The program’s purpose was to support the father’s lead role in the family as a teacher, counselor, and friend to his son.
For 89 years, the Indian Guides program was the cornerstone for family programs in YMCAs across the country. In an effort to be more culturally sensitive, the name Adventure Guides replaced the original, but the mission has remained the same. Today's Adventure Guides program aims to provide quality time and experiences to parents and children across the country.