What is YMCA Adventure Guides?
YMCA Adventure Guides is a membership programme all about strengthening bonds between parents and children through weekend camping expeditions, monthly adventures and spending quality time together.
Become a member by clicking the button below, or email adventure@nottsymca.org for more information.
What it involves
Monthly expeditions
Every month, our members get to enjoy our fantastic expeditions. They’re action packed and fun, creating memories to last a lifetime. You’ll learn skills together, experience new things and have a brilliant time along the way.
Some of our favourite monthly expeditions include
Zoo’s, Amusement Parks, Climbing Trampoline, Water Parks. Our Weekend Camping expeditions are filled with activities such as Water Sports, Group Games, Climbing, Walking.
Spending time together
Our programme is designed to help strengthen bonds between families, and build confidence together as children and parents too. Adventure Guides expeditions are dedicated experiences each month to spend time with each other – hassle free and unforgettable!
Our Reason Y
All of YMCA’s programmes are dedicated to the positive development of young people, families and our local community. We’re 100% not-for-profit, and we love being able to connect families and children through brilliant opportunities like Adventure Guides.
When and Where
YMCA Adventure Guides meet once a month, between the months of September – May this is a weekend expedition, typically held on the 3rd Saturday of the month. Between June – August, we host a 2-night camping weekend. All our expeditions are generally within 1 hour of the Nottingham area.
Locations
Families are welcome to join from all across Nottinghamshire! Some areas where we have active Circles include:
- Hucknall
- Killisick estate
- Arnold
- Chetwynd Barracks/Chilwell area
- Aspley
- Sutton-In-Ashfield
- Clifton
- Mansfield
- The Meadows
- Newark and Sherwood
- West Bridgford
Expeditions
Your membership includes a monthly expedition organised by the YMCA Adventure Guide team, these trips range from Theme Park day trips to private cinema screenings, to outdoor walking adventures.
During the summer months our weekend expedition turns to a fun filled weekend of adventure camping. Each weekend hosted brings a variety of activities such as caving, climbing, water assault courses, kayaking, paddleboarding and much more. With Adventure Guide staff on hand throughout, your family just need to turn up have fun and leave the rest to us.
Please note there is an additional £40 cost per camping weekend your family attend this cost is for the whole family, and covers the cost of 2 nights camping, all meals, activities and if required camping equipment.
Why join YMCA Adventure Guides?
As a member of YMCA Adventure Guides, you and your family will have exclusive access to all our monthly expeditions and camping weekends. The opportunity to meet other families from your area and create your own Adventure Guide events. You and your family will get support from our dedicated team, where you are guaranteed quality time with your family, strengthening bonds and confidence both as a family and individually. You will also have the opportunity to create your own circle of families within the area you live, where with the support of the YMCA Adventure Guide staff you could plan your own events such as coffee mornings, walks, day trips, bake off’s or if you have a big trip in mind you will have the resources and support to organise fundraising to make a big trip become a reality.
Parent on Walebsy Forest Camping Expedition“I have nothing but praise for the effort YMCA goes to in organising these unique experiences for families across Nottinghamshire. We have been able to enjoy new things and spend quality time together as a family; we have become a stronger unit because of Adventure Guides.”
Become a Volunteer
We are always looking for parent helpers to help cook breakfast and dinner for our hungry Adventure Guides on our Weekend Camping Expeditions!
If you want to get involved and help out at our circle activities and expeditions, please chat to the team by emailing adventure@nottsymca.org or by calling 07423 695 151.
FAQs
If your question isn’t answered below, please feel welcome to contact our YMCA Adventure Guides team anytime on adventure@nottsymca.org.
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How do I sign up to the programme?
Please make an enquiry to our team, or email adventure@ymcarhg.org
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Do I have to pay for the programme?
Yes. Although the programme is funded, the idea is that it lasts and runs indefinitely, so all expeditions and camping weekends are charged to ensure a sustainable YMCA Adventure Guides model. Cost depends on whether or not your area is funded. There is also a monthly subscription charge to the programme to help make it sustainable for you and your children.
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What’s the age range of children?
We generally aim for 6 – 13 years old but we are family-based programme so expeditions are open to all. However, some of the activities won’t be accessible for a younger age group.
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Can I bring a friend?
The programme is designed to be a family programme. If Friends have families and would like to sign up they are more than welcome to become members too.
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The programme mentions ‘dads only’ and ‘single parent family (mum)’?
The original American programme has run for years with dads and children only. Whilst we support this by delivering the occasional ‘dad and child only’ activities, we are an inclusive programme meaning single parent families can still join and build a stronger relationship with their children.
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Do other YMCAs run the Adventure Guides programme?
Our YMCA is the only YMCA in England to offer this special programme. We have dedicated staff who offer support and help manage all aspects of the programme.
YMCA day camps
Did you know…
YMCA also delivers a fun and engaging children’s day camps programme during school holidays called Camp Williams? Whether your child loves skateboarding or science – our week-long camp offer a variety of Skill Clinics ranging from game design and archery to climbing walls and kayaking. There’s something for everyone!
Contact us
If you have an questions or require more information, please don’t hesitate to contact us using the form below.