I am a second year scholarship recipient and very grateful to the YMCA for accepting me under the program. I am an older Dad of three and after years of providing for my family I am without a job. I have not had one for over two years. Anything I do find is temporary at best. All of our savings depleted to pay for mortgage and growing family of five. The difficulties of my position transcends all relationships including my most treasured ones, my wife and children. This scholarship program affords me the opportunity to take a break from the pressures and stress of my position and just spend a few hours, or a weekend loving on my family, in this case-my daughter, in the Adventure Guides program.

I am pretty old fashioned and with a girl, it's important for me to have her learn and grow as a nice young lady sharing experiences with other nice young ladies and being watched over by gentleman fathers. When together, we all treat our girls with the utmost respect and courtesies. We share our knowledge and own experiences in a gentle, guiding manner and promote personal dignity, problem solving skills and respect for self. Scholarships such as the one I am in grant me the opportunity to do so. Trips to Irvine Ranch, Catalina, Marston, allow us to teach our girls patience, self control, teamwork, dignity and respect through fun activities and new shared experiences.

As a grateful Dad, I get the opportunity to also give my daughter a break from a financially stressful, albeit very loving, home and do what I think a girl should be able to do in Southern California: Play outside in the fresh air, have really special one on one fun with her Dad, make great friends, learn how to be a good citizen, a great friend and a nice and resourceful young lady. And the Disney Dance is just icing on the cake. After the first one, I made the mistake of telling my wife the truth as I was walking upstairs with my tired girl, now asleep in my arms in her princess dress. My wife asked me how it went. I told her: "It was the best night of my life." My wife just looked at me. Dead stare. And then I understood and said: "...beside our wedding and the birth of our children and..."

But it really was the best night of my life, and my daughter's.

Thank you so much.

Dad
Adventure Guides

A few years back I started in the Y-Guides program, now called Adventure Guides, with my older son, James. I am now in the program with my second child, Grant, and look forward to doing the same with my daughter, Julia, next year. This program has provided us with bonding experiences that are immeasurable. I remember initially thinking that I don't need a program to help me spend time with my kids; however, Adventure Guides has allowed us to do some incredible things- Surf Camp, Catalina Island, spending the night inside the aquarium exhibit at Sea World, etc. What makes this program so great is that the entire purpose is to provide a bonding experience with you and your child, not send them with a "den" parent to a meeting or camp site. A week doesn't go by where one of my kids reflects back on one of the great things we've done with Adventure Guides, asking when we get to go again. I am grateful for these memorable experiences, and look forward to many more over the next few years.

Anonymous
LAGUNA NIGUEL FAMILY YMCA - ADVENTURE GUIDES

Some of my best memories as a child was being a part of the YMCA. My dad and I was a part of Adventure Guides and those memories will stick with me forever. I loved going camping with my dad and sister. Now I am working at the Y at a child care site and I'm looking forward to impacting kids the way I was positively impacted as a child. I have been inspired to make a difference.

Julie Nichols
ADVENTURE GUIDES

My fondest memories of my youth are YMCA memories. My dad and I were in the YMCA Indian Guides Program. We spent quality time together at Camp Oaks and tribe meetings. I will always cherish those memories with my dad, who has since passed away.

Gene Hernandez
YORBA LINDA/PLACENTIA FAMILY YMCA

I am a second year scholarship recipient and very grateful to the YMCA for accepting me under the program. I am an older Dad of three and after years of providing for my family I am without a job. I have not had one for over two years. Anything I do find is temporary at best. All of our savings depleted to pay for mortgage and growing family of five. The difficulties of my position transcends all relationships including my most treasured ones, my wife and children. This scholarship program affords me the opportunity to take a break from the pressures and stress of my position and just spend a few hours, or a weekend loving on my family, in this case-my daughter, in the Adventure Guides program.

I am pretty old fashioned and with a girl, it's important for me to have her learn and grow as a nice young lady sharing experiences with other nice young ladies and being watched over by gentleman fathers. When together, we all treat our girls with the utmost respect and courtesies. We share our knowledge and own experiences in a gentle, guiding manner and promote personal dignity, problem solving skills and respect for self. Scholarships such as the one I am in grant me the opportunity to do so. Trips to Irvine Ranch, Catalina, Marston, allow us to teach our girls patience, self control, teamwork, dignity and respect through fun activities and new shared experiences.

As a grateful Dad, I get the opportunity to also give my daughter a break from a financially stressful, albeit very loving, home and do what I think a girl should be able to do in Southern California: Play outside in the fresh air, have really special one on one fun with her Dad, make great friends, learn how to be a good citizen, a great friend and a nice and resourceful young lady. And the Disney Dance is just icing on the cake. After the first one, I made the mistake of telling my wife the truth as I was walking upstairs with my tired girl, now asleep in my arms in her princess dress. My wife asked me how it went. I told her: "It was the best night of my life. "My wife just looked at me. Dead stare. And then I understood and said: "...beside our wedding and the birth of our children and...."

But it really was the best night of my life, and my daughter's.

Thank you so much.

Dad
Adventure Guides

I would like to say that YMCA has been very supportive of my family on the past two and half years that my daughter has been attending. I have been fortunate enough to be able to utilize YMCA financial assistance for families with low income. I am a full-time single mother and a graduate student and If it wasn't for the financial assistance through YMCA, I would not have been able to afford paying for my daughter's before and after school program in such a healthy, academically driven, and safe environment YMCA has to offer. I truly appreciate the financial and emotional support YMCA had been offering to me during the times that I have been working really hard to make a better and more stable life for my small family. I hope that I will be able to give back to our society and to be impact-full on people's lives once I am through with my educational endeavors.

Anonymous
Adventure Guides

Adventure Guides is so important to me because I get to go camping with my daddy. It is also special to me because I am able to spend time with my daddy. I learned a lot of different things with my dad. I have got to go places I've never been before. This program has changed my life forever.

Faith
MISSION VIEJO FAMILY YMCA - ADVENTURE GUIDES