YMCA

About

Cross Timbers YMCA Adventure Guides Program

Story

People ask me all the time, "What is Adventure Guides?" Let me give you the short answer, it's a great way for Dad's and kids to spend time together.





Maybe you've heard of the old YMCA Indian Guides program? This is that same great program that you may have experienced with your Dad years ago.



This program is designed for fathers and their children ages 3 to 11 (pre-K through 5th grade) who want to build a very special relationship with their kids. One that will last forever!

The Cross Timbers Expedition consists of groups of dads and kids called circles which meet monthly to work on projects, learn new skills, or just plain have fun. These circles all come together with the rest of the Cross Timbers circles for campouts and other special events such as the pinewood derby, rocket launch, rain-gutter regatta, or the Christmas parade. From these circles, leaders known as Expedition officers or "Base Camp" officers are chosen to run the program. These folks are volunteers. They aren't paid in dollars... just smiles.




If you don't know anyone in the Adventure Guides program, don't worry. We're a friendly bunch. We can match you to an existing circle located near your child's elementary school. You and your child will create long lasting friendships, and memories of the good times spent with their dad. The best thing about this is that you will be there every step of the way to guide them and help transform into the person you want them to become. Maybe you already have a group of friends and you’d like to start your own circle. Come on down, there’s plenty of room for new circles. We’ll assign a guide or officer to help mentor your new circle.


When you join the Adventure Guides you'll spend quality time, and a lot of it, with your children. In the Cross Timbers YMCA Adventure Guides program, you'll have the opportunity to spend at least 3 weekends a year camping, hiking, fishing, canoeing, shooting bows and arrows and BB guns, and yes, even riding horses. We host a fall and spring campouts which are your typical outdoor camping... in sleeping bags, in tents. We also have a winter "cabin" campout which is always a huge hit.

You don't have to be an outdoorsman to join the Guides program. Your circle and the base camp folks can provide you with tips on the ins and outs of camping. Trust me, there are many of us who didn't grow up camping, or haven't camped since we were in our teens. If you have never camped outdoors, you will be amazed at what you've been missing. The beautiful scenery, the wildlife, the fresh air, and the night sky lit up with billions of stars. You’ll spend your evenings with your circle gathered around the campfire. Kids roasting marsh-mellows and making s’mores as we swap ghost stories... or just the camaraderie of other dads, just like you, hanging out and having fun. We camp everywhere from Tyler to Possum Kingdom all the way up to Oklahoma. Our campouts start Friday evening and end Sunday morning. There’s also the council fire on Saturday nights which always proves to be memorable.

So if you’d like to try a little adventure, come join us. Your kids will love you for it.

Mission

Our mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all,