Fathers, sons, and daughters hit the trail of adventure
Contributed by YMCA Y- Guides
Guides and Trailblazers (Y- Guides) have kicked off their fall open enrollment campaign for fathers and their children (both boys and girls) leading up to the exciting and fun filled fall campout jamboree. The campouts are the premiere events for the Y- Guides programs. This year's fall campout will be held at the Lexington YMCA Family Center. It is open to all Y- Guides members and participants of Lexington and Richland Counties and they do not have to be a YMCA member to be part of the Y- Guides programs.

Keith Coats leads his daughter Molly at the YMCA stables.

Fathers and their children may choose from a variety of activities from horseback riding, canoeing and archery to organized games and events. The YMCA will once again host the infamous "Ropes" course to teach and encourage trust in one another. Each father and child will take part in the nightly entertainment by acting in a skit and will also be assigned a chore such as serving a meal. Saturday evening brings the traditional campfire ceremony for new member induction and member recognition. After the ceremonies, with flashlights in hand, the children take part in tag and other evening events under the watch full eyes of their fathers. When it is time to turn in for the night, there are few complaints as the children have depleted their entire energy reserves. Sunday morning brings awards and chapel service where everyone gets to sing and take part in the inspirational service. Rain or shine, the children and their fathers thoroughly enjoy the event and will cherish the memories for a lifetime.

For more information about the program and to register, contact Richard Spangler of the YMCA Y- Guides at (803) 359-3376 extension 15 or adventureguides@ columbiaymca. org.