About Y Guides

The YMCA of the Triangle's Y Guides program focuses on strengthening the father-child relationship through one-on-one activities. It’s through these shared experiences that fathers and their children grow closer and form memories that last a lifetime.

Y Guides 2023 from YMCA of the Triangle on Vimeo.

WHO PARTICIPATES?

Y Guides is for dads and their children in rising first through third grade. The participants form crews with others in their community. These crews are normally composed of six to 10 father/child pairs and meet twice per month.

WHAT will we do?

The Y Guides program is action-oriented! Crews meet twice per month. Meetings can happen anywhere! In a crew member's house, at a local park, in a local YMCA, or other community centers. One of the monthly crew meetings typically includes fun activities such as games, crafts and stories. The other meeting allows crews to organize monthly outings such as camping, community service projects, hiking, cookouts and much more. Both the father and child receive awards and patches for their accomplishments.

SIGNATURE Y Guides Events

In addition to the regular activities, all Y Guides crews can participate in various larger events throughout the year. Y Guides' signature events include a Fall Outing at Camp Kanata in Wake Forest, Winter Inning, Polar Bear swims at local YMCAs, Flight Day and local Park Clean-up Day. And, you won't want to miss the Spring Outing weekend at Camp Sea Gull and Seafarer in Arapahoe, NC. There will be archery, riflery, ziplining, searching for sharks teeth, scavenger hunts, a fun evening campfire with songs, spooky stories and other exciting surprises! Check out our events page to see what our calendar looks like for the upcoming year!

Father and child attendance together is mandatory for participation in meetings, outings and activities.

what happens after Y Guides?

Fourth graders may continue in our Trailblazers Program. These crews are encouraged to meet at least once a quarter and participate in group outings throughout the year. Find out more about our Trailblazers Program

"I was thinking the other day what a huge hole there would be in my life without the memories I have been able to make with my kids, Lilli "Tiger Lilli" and Blake "Silver Shark". I can't imagine missing out on this program - it's magical".

by Richard "Tiger Paw" Berry