Although the YMCA Adventure Guides program focuses on parents and children, the value of the group experience itself (within small Circles or larger Expeditions) is noteworthy.  Being involved in a group and engaged in group work has many benefits.  Parents and children learn from each other and about each other; parents and children learn about other families; and finally, parents and children learn from other families.  The output of the leadership, problem-solving, and group-work skills children and parents acquire, along with a sense of a commitment to a larger community, reinforce the YMCA pledge of building strong kids, strong families, and strong communities.