Y-Guide programs have a long history of providing elementary school age children and their parents
with opportunities for fun times, learning, and mutual understanding.
Y-Guide programs are for parents that want quality, planned, one-on-one time with their children.
Membership with the Y-Guides is open to every parent with a child kindergarten through elementary school.
The Y-Guide programs comprise four branches: Y-Guides (Father/Son), Y-Princesses (Father/daughter),
Y-Braves (mother/son), Y-Maidens (mother/daughter) and Y-Papooses (Pre-school children).
Participation in activities by both parents and child is a vital part of the Y-Guide Programs.
Parent and child share in events, games, crafts, outings, and campouts. The parent observes their child's relationship in
the group, and see the child's strengths and needs, affording a basis for helping the child to grow. Likewise, the child observes
the parent in action with other parents and kids. This provides the child with an important role model.
What the Programs Do
Y-Guide Programs are action oriented. Members develop their own tribal programs, elect their own
officers, take turns hosting tribal meetings, and conduct the business of the tribe.
Tribes meet for campouts and family outings; visit historical sites and fire stations; take hikes
to parks, zoos, and farms; and plan family picnics. Participants learn about American Indian people - their culture, their
customs, crafts and games, and seek to bring new understanding and appreciation of the Indians' heritage and contributions
to our nation.
Craft projects include construction of tribal property such as drums, headbands, and vests. Tribes
may also have campfires and hold induction ceremonies that emphasize the importance of the parent/child relationship.
In addition to the activities of the tribe, the Guides participate in various Nation events
throughout the year. Nation events include seasonal Campouts at various campgrounds, Camp Whittle, Vasquez Rocks, Family
Events and participation in the Granada Hills Holiday Parade.
But best of all, Y-Guide Programs are just plain fun for both you and your child!
Benefits
Through the Y-Guide programs, the YMCA provides the following benefits to both parents and children.
- Foster companionship and understanding and set a foundation for positive, lifelong relationships
between parent and child.
- Build a sense of self-esteem and personal worth.
- Expand awareness of body, mind, and spirit.
- Provide a framework to meet a mutual need of spending enjoyable, constructive, and quality time
together.
- Enhance the quality of family time.
- Emphasize the vital role that parents play in the growth and development of their children.
- Offer an important and unique opportunity to develop and enjoy volunteer leadership skills.
- Opportunity to meet other families with children the same age.
Organization
Parents and their children form tribes. Tribes contain many families. One parent is selected as
tribal chief, and the various tribal positions are delegated to the parents and kids. The tribe schedules monthly meetings
and special events or trips. Parent and child attendance together is mandatory for participation in activities.
The Longhouse is the council organization that supports the program planning of the tribes and
Nation, coordinates Nation events, and establishes policies and standards. Council members are elected from tribal volunteers
each year.
The YMCA also offers programs for older children and their parents. The Y-Trailblazers is for
children in 4th thru 7th grade.
