Taylor YMCA Adventure Guides brings dads and kids together

The YMCA Adventure Guides Program fosters companionship between a parent and a child. It is designed for dads to spend quality time with their children one-on-one doing activities like campouts, hayrides and pine derby car races. Dads and children are organized into circles with other dads and children from their neighborhood areas.

Once a month, each circle will have a monthly meeting at a circle member's house or school and do an activity with their children. Several circles make up an Expedition. Several times a year, the Expeditions will have special events.

The Taylor Family YMCA has two expeditions that make up the federation.

The Princess Expedition is for dads and daughters in kindergarten to fifth grade and the Guides Expedition is for dads and sons in kindergarten to fifth grade.

As a member of YMCA Adventure Guides, you will have the opportunity to develop a stronger relationship with your child by joining a crew with whom you'll participate in activities like games, camping trips, fun ceremonies, outings, and other family adventures.

Throughout this journey, the Adventure Guide compass points - family, nature, community, and fun will provide a sense of direction and inspiration that will help strengthen the bond between adult and child. The program runs from September through June. Join at any time.

The Taylor Family YMCA will hold a free informational Adventure Guides and Princess Kickoff picnic from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, at the YMCA, 50 N. McLean Blvd. in Elgin. The picnic will include a chance to talk with current program leaders and participants, a BBQ, swim time, games, and fun. Come experience what the Y Adventure Guides is all about.

For information about the YMCA Adventure Guides program, visit www.taylorymca.org, or call Jennie Alberts at (224) 699-5801.