The Y Guides experience is one that sticks with you, even into adulthood.
The program began to shape Brett Austin’s life forty-one years ago. As a first grader, he couldn’t wait to spend more quality time with his dad, Standing Horse.
“I will always remember that my dad didn’t just let me ride on his shoulders, he let me steer. I put my hands on his head and would turn him to the left or right,” said Brett. “We had a great time letting loose and goofing off. And now, I relive these moments of laughter in the program with my kids.”
A recent study by the Kaiser Family Foundation showed that kids ages 8 to 18 spend over seven hours a day using entertainment media. As a result, many kids can miss out on connecting with their parents. The Y Guides program creates opportunities to reestablish that connection.
“Sometimes we get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life and it’s tough to intentionally bond with your kids,” notes Brett. “The Y Guides program allows you to take the time to say how proud you are of who your kids have become. It gives you tangible opportunities to share words of affirmation that will stay with them forever.”
Today, Brett enjoys the program with his daughter, Celia, who volunteers, and his 8-year-old son, Andrew. As an 11-year-old, Spring Outing is still Celia’s favorite time of year. “As someone who is somewhat shy, at Spring Outing, she thrives as a leader. Her confidence shines through and it’s so neat to see.”
Brett’s son Andrew has had many “firsts” at Spring Outing, which has helped him gain confidence and has built trust in their relationship. This year, he learned how to fish. “As I was teaching him how to cast a line and keep it out in the water, I had a memory of the same experience with my dad as a kid,” said Brett. “It was a meaningful moment for me.”
Brett’s father, Standing Horse, who is now 72 years old, continues to give back to the program each year through story telling. At Spring Outing, he tells a different story each year. It has become a staple within the Y Guides programming and in the life of the Austins.
“The Y Guides program, to us, is our family’s constant,” says Brett. “It is a thread that has woven through our history for over 40 years and something that I hope will live on forever.”