Summer is here! That means it’s time to begin preparing for the 2020-2021 program year. The spring and summer of 2020 have been challenging for us all. As we navigate a new normal, we believe that the Y Guides program is more important now than ever before. Dads and kids must be there for one another and we are proud to provide programming and resources to strengthen that bond.
The safety and well-being of our participants remains our top priority. We will make adjustments to our program year according to recommendations from state and local officials, but first thing’s first: We want to provide you with the information you need now for a successful program year beginning in September.
Why 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.
The Y Guides program is action-oriented. Throughout the three-year program, dads and kids focus on building community, strengthening spirit, mind and body, and contributing in acts of service. We accomplish these goals by providing a curriculum, as well as a calendar of events for dads and kids to attend throughout the year. Participants earn awards along the way and get to experience activities that they wouldn't do anywhere else!
How do i get started?
If your child is a rising first-grader, summer is the perfect time to begin preparing to join Y Guides in the fall! Our program begins in first grade and continues to the end of the third-grade year. Each program year begins in September, with more than 1,000 brand-new Y Guides dads participating in our First-Year Dads Trainings. But before we get to those trainings, there’s important work for first-year dads to accomplish; most importantly: Forming your Y Guides group.
Each Y Guides group has approximately 6-10 father-child pairs and is organized by age and gender. First-year participants are encouraged to begin the year having already formed their group. Think about the families you know in your neighborhood, school, church, sports teams, camps or other shared activities. Are there dads with kids who are the same age and gender as your child? There you have it! Make a plan to join Y Guides together!
Need some additional help forming a Y Guides group? The 2020-21 Y Guides Group Formation group on Facebook is a great place to meet some prospective Pals and Friends. You can also complete this webform and the Y Guides staff will help you from a Crew. We will place you with other Y Guides participants of the same age, gender and who live nearby. If you have formed a partial Crew, but you're still looking to add a few pairs, you can complete this webform. We will help you find prospective participants who are still looking for a Crew and add them to your group.
In the coming weeks and months, we will provide more resources and next steps for joining Y Guides. In the meantime, let us know that you want to be kept in the loop! Fill out this online form to receive updates about joining Y Guides for the 2020-2021 program year.
First-year dads training
The First-Year Dads Training will happen virtually this year! All first-year dads who are planning to be a part of the 2020-21 program year should plan to attend this meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 15 from 7 - 8 p.m. Sign up now!