Here
we provide answers to some common questions about our Y-Guides and
Y-Princesses program. If you can't find the answer to your question on
our website (either below or at one of the links at left), please
contact Jeremy Tesh, Youth Program Director, YMCA of Greater High Point, at 336-869-0151 or
jtesh@hpymca.org .
Do I have to be a
member of the YMCA to participate in the Y-Guides or Y-Princesses
program?
No. The program is available to YMCA members as well as non-members.
However, the program fee is slightly lower for YMCA members.
How much does the
program cost?
The annual Y-Guides/Y-Princesses program registration fee for 2007
is $105 for YMCA members, and $120 for non-members. The fee covers a father and
child. Additional children may be added for $35 each. In addition to the
annual membership fee, costs for individual tribal activities are shared
by each tribe's participants. And there's a separate fee for participating
in the spring and fall PowWow.
Can I sign up more
than one child?
You are welcome to include all of your children ages 5 to 12 in the
program. Some fathers with more than one
child in the program alternate activities with their children to develop
a one-to-one relationship with each separate child.
Also, please keep in mind that fathers are required to supervise
their children at all events.
How do I join?
To join the Y-Guides or Y-Princesses of the Cheerio Nation, contact
Jeremy Tesh, Youth Program Director, YMCA of Greater High Point, at 336-869-0151 or
jtesh@hpymca.org . He can provide registration forms, fee
information, and any details you'll need to know.
You can also
attend the fall registration/kick-off meeting held each August at
the YMCA (see calendar)
and sign up there.
Do I have to participate in every activity to stay in the program?
No. However, we do encourage you to participate in as many
activities and events as you're interested in to gain the most benefits
from the program.
Can we sign up for a
particular tribe?
Yes. If you're interested in joining a particular tribe, please
indicate that on your registration form. If you do not have a
preference, we will try to place you on a tribe with other
members in your neighborhood or with children who attend your child's
school. We also try our best to keep tribes evenly matched in terms of
numbers, whenever possible.
How many fathers and
children are in each tribe?
The numbers vary, but most tribes have between 10 and 15
father-child teams.
When can we join?
You are welcome to join any time of year. Our program typically
follows the school schedule, with kick-off planning meetings held in the
fall. That's when the dads in each tribe get together to plan their
activities and goals for the year. Activities are scheduled throughout
the school year, with most tribes taking a hiatus during the summer
months.
Who runs the program?
The program is administered by the YMCA of Greater High Point, but
we rely on numerous volunteer parents to run a successful program. For
instance, each tribe has a "chief" who coordinates meetings and oversees
tribal activities. Once you join the program, your tribe's chief will
contact you with more details. We also have a few positions for "Cheerio
Nation officers" that need to be filled
each year, and we always need volunteers to help coordinate major
events.
Can I put
together my own tribe?
Yes.
If you know a group of fathers who would like to form a tribe or
join the same tribe, contact Jeremy Tesh at the YMCA.
What happens when my child "ages out" of the program? Is there another
similar YMCA program for older kids?
The YMCA is currently organizing a "Trailblazers" program, which is
designed for fathers and children between the ages of 12 and 15. If
you're interested, contact Jeremy Tesh.
What happens at the spring and fall PowWow?
The spring and fall PowWow are much-anticipated events in the
Cheerio Nation, as they provide great opportunities for fun,
skill-building, and camaraderie. While the PowWow is certainly optional,
we encourage you to attend if you can! On the designated weekends, fathers and children meet at
the YMCA's Camp Cheerio in the Blue Ridge Mountains (about an
hour-and-a-half drive from the Triad area). Separate weekends are
designated for Y-Guides and Y-Princesses. You and your child
can choose to camp out on the grounds in your own tent or you can
reserve a spot in a cabin. Weekend activities include structured time as
well as free time for tribes and individuals. Camp Cheerio offers
numerous activities, from archery, to horseback riding, to hiking, to
canoeing -- and more. The highlight of the weekend is the big "Fire and Water
Ceremony" -- a gathering around the campfire of the entire Cheerio Nation!
As the PowWow dates approach and plans are finalized, your tribal chief will have specific
details on the weekend's activities.
