If you’re looking for a way to deepen the bond between a father and child, the YMCA Adventure Guides and Princesses program might be the perfect fit. With a mission centered around fostering the father/child relationship, this long-standing YMCA tradition is packed with meaningful activities, memorable outings, and priceless one-on-one time.

No material gift can compare to the time and attention a child receives from their parent—and this program understands that deeply. It’s an opportunity for dads and their children to create lasting memories and strengthen their connection during the most formative years of childhood.

What is YMCA Adventure Guides and Princesses?

Adventure Guides and Princesses is a parent/child program through the YMCA designed for fathers and their kids beginning in Kindergarten. Originally called Y-Indian Guides and Princesses, this program has a long history, dating all the way back to 1926. It’s actually the YMCA’s oldest parent/child program still running today.

Participants are grouped into “tribes” based on location and age, meeting once a month in a member’s home. These tribe meetings include songs, crafts, storytelling, and other creative bonding activities. Alongside these monthly gatherings are seasonal weekend trips that offer exciting outdoor experiences and plenty of time to connect.

Camp Adventures to Remember

One of the highlights of the Adventure Guides experience is the overnight outings. In the fall and spring, tribes head to Camp Hanes or Camp Thunderbird for unforgettable weekends of archery, canoeing, zip lining, and campfires. These weekends are often the highlight of the year for kids and dads alike.

Other annual events include:

Guides Baseball Campout
Halloween Skate Night
Kite Day and Rocket Launch
Yadkin River Trips

These outdoor experiences help build confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills—while also being a total blast.

Special Events for Every Season

During the winter, Adventure Guides and Princesses split for unique traditions that celebrate their connection. Boys enjoy a Lock-In at the William G. White Jr. Family YMCA, while girls attend the Daddy/Daughter Valentine’s Dance, which has become the largest Daddy/Daughter event in the Triad. These seasonal events give families something to look forward to all year long.

With a perfect mix of fun, learning, and emotional connection, this program focuses on the early elementary years—those magical times when children still crave time with their parents and look to them as their greatest adventure partner.

A Program that Stands the Test of Time

The power of the YMCA Adventure Guides program goes far beyond a few fun weekends. Many who participated as children are now watching their own kids enjoy the same special moments. Take it from Amy “Little Butterfly” Rabold, a former Y-Indian Princess and now a mother in the program:

“To this very day, over 30 years later, I still have such fond memories from my time spent as an Indian Princess. From the meetings at my teepee, to the weekend outings at Camp Sea Gull, time that I spent with my dad was one of the most precious gifts that I would ever receive. I believe that the bond we formed between us during those years is the foundation for the friendship that we share today. And now that I am a mother myself, nothing makes me happier than to see my daughter and her dad experiencing the magic of the Adventure Guides Program together. I know that they are making memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.”

Real Voices from Real Dads

The feedback from fathers involved in the program is equally heartwarming—and honest. Steven “Blue Fish” White, a current member and father of two, shares:

“I love Adventure Guides on many levels—the kids love it, we are making memories together, mom gets a break, I hang out with other dads, etc. Each tribe can really shape the experience based on the personalities of the kids and the dads. There are few other great ways to get started with the outdoor activities and other small group activities that really build the self-confidence of the child. I have a daughter and a son that both love the program. The gender differences are interesting and the kids get different things out of it—but both are quick to ask, ‘When is our next Adventure Guides meeting?’ and ‘Dad, when do we go camping again?’ They tell me that they enjoy spending time with me and that we don’t get to do it enough. Dig it hard before they get to be surly teenagers. This is the good stuff.”

How to Join or Start a Tribe

Joining YMCA Adventure Guides and Princesses is simple. If you’re ready to start building memories that matter, you can start your own tribe or join an existing one through your local YMCA. It’s a unique way to make new friends, connect with your child, and become part of a long-standing tradition of family fun.

FAQ: YMCA Adventure Guides and Princesses

What age is this program for?
Children can start as early as Kindergarten and often continue into late elementary school.

Is this program just for dads and sons?
No. Dads can join with their daughters as well. The program supports both Adventure Guides (for boys) and Adventure Princesses (for girls).

How often do tribes meet?
Tribes typically meet once a month in a member’s home. Additional events happen throughout the year.

Do we need to be YMCA members to join?
Membership requirements vary by location. Contact your local YMCA to learn about participation details.

What types of events are held during the year?
Events include campouts at Camp Hanes and Camp Thunderbird, kite days, river trips, lock-ins, Daddy/Daughter dances, and more.

What’s the main goal of the Adventure Guides program?
To strengthen the parent-child bond through shared experiences and one-on-one time in both structured and fun environments.

Can I start my own tribe?
Yes! If you have a group of interested dads and kids, you can start a new tribe through your local YMCA.

YMCA Adventure Guides and Princesses is more than a program—it’s a pathway to building stronger relationships between dads and their kids. Through songs, stories, outdoor fun, and quality time, it creates a foundation that supports lasting connection and treasured memories.

Sponsored by the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina; written by Andrew Plyler, Director of Adventure Guides