MAKE QUALITY TIME AN ADVENTURE

What is the History of Adventure Guides?
The Adventure Guides program was developed in a deliberate way to support the father’s vital family role as teacher, counselor and friend to his sons and daughters. The program was initiated by Harold S. Keltner of the St. Louis YMCA as an integral part of association work. In 1926 he organized the first “tribe” in Richmond Heights, Mo., with the help of his friend, Joe Friday, an Ojibwa Indian, and William H. Hefelfinger, chief of the first Y-Indian tribe. Inspired by his experiences with Joe Friday, who was his guide on fishing and hunting trips to Canada, Harold Keltner initiated a program of parent-child experiences that now involves a quarter of a million children and adults annually in the YMCA.

The YMCA of the USA dropped its support of the “Indian” theme and moved to an adventure theme. Although the name has changed to Adventure Guides, the ideas behind the program and many of the traditions remain the same.

What is the program structure
Fathers, along with their children from Kinder-8th grade join a “circle” in their community, and simply sign up for events to create lasting memories together. Circles are typically made of families within a school or neighborhood, but not always. Each circle has a Circle Leader, responsible for communicating with the Circle members.
A collection of circles is known as an “Expedition”, which is supported by the South Pasadena San Marino YMCA. The Expedition Leadership organizes a calendar of Expedition Events, where the circles are invited to attend, creating a larger group. Circles are also encouraged to host circle-only outings, in which your Circle has the opportunity to bond together.

What level of commitment is required?
An annual “program fee” is required before registering for any Expedition Events for the season (which runs September-September). This fee helps support the program, program director, resources and supplies. Beyond that, each Expedition Event is paid for separately, per your desire/availability to attend. Circle-only events are generally free, but ultimately up to the Circle Leader to plan and facilitate.

What if I don’t have a Circle?
No problem! We will link you up to an existing circle in the area!

What if I want to start my own circle?
Awesome! A circle generally consists of at least 4-5 families, but can be as large as 20. Please reach out to Jason Ramos if you are interested in starting your own Circle.

Is there a curriculum, or any rank advancement programs?
Adventure Guides is not a rank-earning program like Boy/Girl Scouts. However, some Expeditions/Circles nationally do participate in a “Compass Bearer” program. SPSM AG does not currently run a compass Bearer Program. For now, it's all about having fun with our kids.

Do I need a uniform or any special supplies?
Nope! Some chapters nationally have long standing traditions with patch vests, leather rounds and other items, however nothing is required. SPSM AG generally provides a patch or t-shirt from our overnight trips as a keepsake to look back on.

What if I want to help plan future trips and/or be part of the Expedition Leadership?
Awesome! We need volunteer Dads who are looking to help facilitate the program at the Expedition Level.

What is the affiliation with the YMCA?
The YMCA provides insurance, access to camp facilities, back-end accounting, and support. That being said, Adventure Guides is a Dad-led program, and runs on the energy and effort of all the Dads involved.

The Adventure Guides program:

• Fosters companionship and understanding and sets a foundation for positive, lifelong relationships between father and child.

• Builds a sense of self-esteem and personal worth.

• Expands awareness of spirit, mind, and body.

• Provides the framework to meet a mutual need of spending enjoyable, constructive, and quality time together.

• Emphasizes the vital role that Dads play in the growth and development of their children.

• Offers an important and unique opportunity to develop and enjoy volunteer leadership skills.

1. It’s All About The Kids…this is their time.

2. Have Fun…create unforgettable events!

3. Participate…attend events, get in the game - don’t be a bystander.

4. Foster Tradition…it’s memory glue.

5. Take It Up A Notch…skits, etc…. be silly, no one is watching.

6. Make Great Memories Together.