Adventure Guides FAQ

Q: What is the structure of Adventure Guides?

A: Adventure Guides starts with the parent/guide and the child/explorer. A circle is a collection of guides and explorers of similar ages, a expedition is a collection of circles within a YMCA, and a federation is a collection of expeditions from the same YMCA.

Q: What do Adventure Guides do?

A: Circle meetings, circle outings and expedition adventures make up the core programming for the Adventure Guides. Circle groups meet regularly either monthly or biweekly in a convenient casual location (like a family home) and once a month for a circle outing. Meeting and outing programs consist of family oriented activities like ceremonies, games, crafts, camping, hiking, and swimming. Typical expedition adventures include campouts, parties, & parades.

Q: Where do Adventure guides meet?

A: Typically a circle meeting will take place outside of the YMCA facilities, at private homes, though circle outings may take place at local attractions and throughout the community. Federation meetings may take place here at South Mountain YMCA Camps or at other facilities that can accommodate them.

Q: Who provides leadership to the Adventure Guides?

A: The Adventure Guides are run by the YMCA staff as well as program VOLUNTEERS. Volunteers are recruited and elected by circle members to assume the key roles of circle officers, expedition officers, and federation officers such as: Navigator, Compass Bearer, Log Keeper, Treasure Keeper, Naturalist, Scout Elder, and Outfitter.

Q: Who can join Adventure Guides?

A: Adventure guides is a program for parents with children ages five to nine. As a YMCA, we value diversity. families of all socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds are encouraged to participate.