What is Y-Guides?
Y-Guides is a father/child program of the YMCA of Greater Charlotte that provides opportunities for fathers and children to spend quality time together Making Memories. It is a program designed to help fathers and their children build strong, lasting relationships by fostering understanding and companionship. Each local Y-Guides program organizes fun activities for large and small groups.
Who is Y-Guides for?
Fathers and their children ages five to 12 from all over the Charlotte, NC metropolitan area.
What happens when I join?
New members are placed into "tribes" - a group of eight to 10 father/child pairs that live in the same area. Father/son pairs are placed in Y-Guides Braves tribes, and father/daughter pairs in Y-Guides Princess tribes.
How much time will it take?
Typically, you can expect to spend from two to four hours a month participating in meetings or events. Tribes meet once or twice a month for one hour at member’s homes on a rotating basis. Fathers meet regularly for short tribal planning meetings called "Dads Meetings". Tribes are also encouraged to schedule one tribal outing a month.
When do tribes meet?
All meeting dates and times are chosen by the individual tribe so as to fit into the fathers’ schedules. Most tribes meet on a weeknight around 6:30 PM or on Sunday afternoons.
What kinds of activities are involved?
Tribe meeting activities include games, songs, stories, crafts, and refreshments. In a
ddition, each tribe plans special activities such as hiking, campouts, community service, cookouts and family outings.
Federation events, when all the tribes get together, include fall and spring Longhouse (campouts). Activities include archery, canoeing, horseback riding, fishing, challenge courses and hiking.
Other activities include a ride on the Y-Guides float at the Thanksgiving Day Parade, dressing up for Princess Date Night, spending time with the whole family at a Family Fun Day and more!
How do I join?
Register online. Y-Guides introductory meetings are held in August and September at various locations where you can meet other dads and form tribes. You can join at any time later in the year by calling the Y-Guides Program Office at (704) 716-4100.
How much does it cost?
Full facility members of the YMCA of Greater Charlotte receive a discount when joining this program. Program members and non-members pay our full membership rate.
| Braves & Princess, Trailblazers |
Adult & One Child |
Additional Child |
| YMCA of Greater Charlotte Member |
$95 |
$25 |
| YMCA Program Member or non-member |
$135 |
$30 |
| Hawkeyes |
Adult & One Child |
Additional Child |
| YMCA of Greater Charlotte Member |
$50 |
$20 |
| YMCA Program Member or non-member |
$50 |
$20 |
Financial assistance is available. For more information call (704) 716-4130.
Once I join, am I automatically registered for all of the events?
No, each event requires a separate registration.
What if I'm a single mom?
No problem, your child can still participate in the program with a male relative or close friend.
What if I don’t know anyone in the program?
That’s OK. We’ll place you into a tribe that is located near your home that is most convenient for you.
Can we join a friend’s tribe?
Yes, as long as the children are close to the same age.
How do I find out if there are any tribes in my area?
Please contact our Y-Guides Program office:
Y-Guides
One Thunderbird Lane
Lake Wylie, SC 29710
Phone: (704) 716-4100
Fax: (704) 716-4101