MISSION
The YMCA is an Association of members. We come together in many different ways for the purpose of stimulating positive growth and development in all who participates. Whether on the basketball court or at a Circle meeting, we focus on the mission that many YMCAs have adopted: to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. The YMCA mission is reflected in all we do. Programs are the tools we use to achieve the mission, as reflected here:
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Spiritual development. This includes deepening our understanding of God and His world as well as our personal benefits and traditions and the faith of others, expressing gratitude for all that is provided for us, and valuing the importance of friends and family to our well-being. In YMCA Adventure Guides, we accomplish spiritual development through personal reflection, prayer, group experiences, ceremonies, giving thanks, and showing respect for all of God’s creation.
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Mental development. This involves gaining fundamental life skills and being at home in our own neighborhood and in the outdoors; strengthening commitment to life ideals and values; striving for a greater understanding of nature and the interdependencies of all life; and seeking an understanding of the principles of personal, family, and group leadership. In YMCA Adventurer Guides, we accomplish mental development through storytelling, outdoor experiences, learning about our surroundings and history, and encouraging the sharing of values and beliefs among parents and children.
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Physical development. This includes acquiring physical skills; developing personal habits of promptness, healthful eating, and positive activity; taking responsibility for routine tasks and service to others; exercising self-control; and balancing rest with activity. In YMCA Adventure Guides, we accomplish physical development through camp activities and outdoor challenges, crafts, games, projects, and reporting on personal and family activities.
| Objectives Purpose Aims Motto Pledge |
Program Activities Structure Leadership Program Rituals |
| • | 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 spirit, mind, and body. | |
| • | 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. |
Purpose
To foster understanding and companionship between parent and child
| 1. | To be clean in body and pure in heart | |
| 2. | To be friends forever with my dad/mom/son/daughter | |
| 3. | To love the sacred circle of my family | |
| 4. | To listen while others speak | |
| 5. | To love my neighbor as myself | |
| 6. | To respect the traditions and beliefs of all people | |
| 7. | To seek and preserve the beauty of Our Creator’s work in forest, field, and stream |
Program Pledge
We, Father and Daughter, through friendly service to each other, to our family, to this Circle, and to our community, seek a world pleasing to the eye of Our Creator.
Program Activities
Circle meetings and Expedition adventures constitute the core of the program.
| • | Circle meetings and gatherings (biweekly or monthly in a family home and/or once a month for Circle adventures). The host parent and child choose the activity, for their Circle. | |
| • | Expedition adventures (Circles coming together for Expedition adventures such as campouts, events, or parades) | |
| • | Circle-oriented activities (ceremonies, games, crafts, songs, stories, skits, and outdoor pursuits such as camping, hiking, and swimming) |
Program Structure
Participants are grouped as follows:
| • | Guide and Explorer/Princess—parent and child pair | |
| • | Circle—group of Guides and Explorers/Princesses | |
| • | Expedition—group of Circles within a YMCA |
Program Leadership
The program is run by YMCA staff and program volunteers. Volunteers are recruited or elected by Circle members to assume these roles. There are Circle Officers, and Expedition Officers, each of which includes the following positions:
| • Navigator | • Naturalist | |
| • Compass Bearer | • Scout | |
| • Log Keeper | • Elder | |
| • Treasure Keeper | • Outfitter |
Program Rituals
The YMCA Adventure Guides program is heavily based on rituals and traditions that bring a sense of continuity, community, intrigue, and magic to the program. These rituals and traditions include those listed here as well as others.
| • Circle names | • Rites of passage | |
| • Circle and Expedition property | • Ceremonies | |
| • Program attire (eg vests & patches) |
This is an unofficial site for the Birmingham YMCA Adventure Princess & Guides program. It does not necessarily address or reflect the views or opinions of the YMCA. It was created solely for the purpose of promoting and communicating with the Hunter Princess Expedition's members. Although we occasionally attempt to verify the contents of this site, accuracy cannot be guaranteed.