Adventure Guides – YMCA Program

Adventure Guides

They won’t stay little forever — but the memories will.

What Is Adventure Guides?

Building Lasting Bonds

Adventure Guides is a YMCA program designed to build lasting bonds between dads and kids, kids and kids, and even dads and dads through unforgettable experiences.

From campouts and crafts to group games and weekend events, every moment is built to bring you closer — without distractions, and with purpose.

Join a community of families who share your values and love for adventure, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Year-Round Adventures

Our program runs from September through June, offering a full season of exciting activities and bonding opportunities.

Whether it’s winter campouts in Big Bear, beach adventures on Catalina Island, or community service projects, there’s something for every season and interest.

Watch your child grow in confidence while strengthening your relationship through shared challenges and triumphs.

2025-2026 Adventure Calendar

SEPT 26-28

INDUCTION CEREMONY AT CAMP SURF

Kick off to the season with the first Fall Campout

Camp Surf San Diego, CA

NOV 16

THANKSGIVING BASKET MAKING

12pm – 4pm. Create Thanksgiving baskets for families in need.

Location TBD

DEC 6

HOLIDAY PARADE

Get in the holiday spirit at the PV Holiday Parade. Participate in the parade with your circle

Palos Verdes Promenade

JAN 17-19

WINTER CAMPOUT

Enjoy a Winter Campout with your circle over MLK weekend, Saturday-Monday

Camp Whittle, Big Bear

FEB 21-22

1ST YEAR OVERNIGHTER

First year circles get to explore an overnighter together.

USS Battleship Iowa, San Pedro

FEB-MAR 28-1

2ND YEAR OVERNIGHTER

Second Year circles get to explore SeaWorld afterhours & enjoy an exclusive overnighter

Sea World, San Diego

APR 17-19

CATALINA CAMPOUT

Enjoy an adventure filled weekend with beach activities & island fun amongst your circles

Two Harbors, Catalina Island

MAY 2

FATHER-DAUGHTER DANCE

Wear your bests & dance the night away with your daughters.

Silver Spur Elem., PV

MAY 30

CLOSING CEREMONY

Join us as we close out the season & celebrate our 3rd years into their Trailblazer Era!

Location TBD

Program Event Highlights

Camp Surf

Induction ceremony and fall campout adventure

Holiday Parade

Celebrating the season walking in the Palos Verdes Holiday Parade

Gingerbread Houses

Holiday crafting and creative fun

Big Bear Trip

Winter campout at Camp Whittle

Medieval Times

Knights, feasts, and family fun

USS Midway

Exploring naval history together

Sea World

Marine life adventures and exclusive access

Catalina

Island camping and beach activities

Yucaipa Camp

Waterslides, swimming lagoon, fishing and of course S’mores!

Hear from Real Parents

“My favorite thing about adventure guides is the level of intention that everything is done with curriculum of intention for the father and child to really connect. But really it’s putting something on the calendar knowing that you’re gonna get to spend time with your kid. It’s something that is part of a tradition.”

— Adventure Guides Parent

“It’s a great opportunity to get quality time with your kids away from the normal day to day. It’s hard in the normal day to day to get that quality time where you are alone with your son and with other friends and dads. This program is a great opportunity to do that.”

— Adventure Guides Parent

“I think she might not realize how many memories she’s making and how good a friend she’s going to make during these trips, and I’m hoping that she sees that later as she realizes maybe she made some lifelong friends after this.”

— Adventure Guides Parent

“As a parent, I think one of the biggest things is seeing the dads and the daughters in our group coming together and helping each other out.”

— Adventure Guides Parent

Ready to Start Your Adventure?

Join Adventure Guides today and create lasting memories with your child. Registration is now open for the 2025-2026 season.

Join the Interest List Register Now