We are Y-Guides and Y-Princesses of the Cheerio Nation!

We are a program of the YMCA of Greater High Point that brings fathers and children (ages 5 to 12) together to strengthen their relationships and share enjoyable experiences. Y-Guides is our father-son program, and Y-Princesses is our father-daughter program.

The program is centered around a Native American theme, in tribute to the great tribes and traditions of that culture. When you join the Y-Guides or Y-Princesses, you also join a particular tribe -- a small group of others dads and their children. Each tribe in the Cheerio Nation, with direction from its "chief" (a parent in the group charged with leading the tribe), plans activities, outings and events for its entire group throughout the year. All activities are character-based, support the YMCA's mission, and provide opportunities for improving communication, understanding, and companionship. And we can't forget to mention: They're fun, too! In addition to individual tribal activities, the entire Cheerio Nation also gathers several times a year for special events, including a spring and fall camping weekend (known as the "PowWow") at the YMCA's Camp Cheerio. Because the Y-Guides and Y-Princesses program is designed to strengthen the relationship between father and child, fathers are expected to participate in all activities with their children (except for dads-only planning meetings).

The Y-Guides and Y-Princesses program is an annual program, but most tribes take a short hiatus from activities during the summer months. Typically, the program follows the school schedule (August through May) and kicks off each fall with dads in each tribe gathering for a planning meeting to schedule activities and set goals for the year. This is a great time for new dads joining the program to meet the other dads in their tribe. Although the program typically kicks off each fall, fathers and children are welcome to join any time of year.

The Cheerio Nation (which encompasses all of our tribes) is administered by the YMCA. However, the entire Nation as well as individual tribes are run by parent volunteers involved in the program. The "Nation's Chief" is responsible for coordinating the program with the YMCA's Youth Program Director. Other dads may serve in various volunteer positions to help make our program a success.

To learn more about Y-Guides and Y-Princesses, be sure to review all of the information provided on this site. You'll find many more details about our history, our activities, and our mission. Plus, you'll find answers to common questions about the program. We hope you'll consider joining the Cheerio Nation to enjoy the many rewards it offers you and your child.