Adventure Guides

YMCA Adventure Guides

A weekend at Camp Jewell is oftentimes described as the pinnacle experience for regional YMCA Adventure Guides groups. Parents and their children spend quality time together enjoying all that Camp Jewell has to offer. Exciting daytime activities are coupled with Adventure Guide ceremonies, games, campfires, and special programs in the evening.

Seasonal activities at Camp Jewell include: hiking, rock climbing, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, tennis, soccer, basketball, horseback riding, archery, candle making, leather craft, bouldering, arts and crafts, the mini-farm, group games, campfire, giant slide, ice-skating, cross-country skiing, snow tubing, broomball, and pretzel making.

Who participates?

YMCA Adventure Guides is for parents and their children, ages 5-9. An adult and child attend their activities together.

What does the YMCA Adventure Guides program do?

As a member of the YMCA Adventure Guides you will have the opportunity to develop a stronger relationship with your child by joining a unique “Circle” with whom you’ll participate in activities like games, camping, trips, ceremonies, and family adventures. You and your child will take a journey of discovery and learning. Throughout this journey Adventure Guide compass points – family, nature, community, fun, and the YMCA character development values – provide a sense of direction and inspiration for activities.

As a member, you will be able to participate in large scale group activities such as weekend campouts, parties, and parades. Conducting group exercises in the Circle fosters leadership, problem-solving, group work skills, and a sense of a commitment to a larger community – all of which reinforce the YMCA’s pledge to build strong kids, strong families, and strong communities.

"Friends Forever"

The immediate gain is evident – spending time together – but the long-term gains are even more significant. Not only will you build a solid foundation for a friendship that will last a lifetime, but you will also be helping to build and develop a set of skills and patterns that your children will carry with them into adulthood.

Which YMCA Adventure Guide groups attend Camp Jewell?

• Charles River YMCA
• Farmington Valley YMCA
• Fairfield YMCA
• Glastonbury YMCA
• Hamden YMCA
• Lakewood-Trumbull YMCA
• Marlborough YMCA
• New Canaan YMCA
• Old Dairy
• Ridgefield
• Southern Saratoga
• Stratford
• Tri-Town YMCA
• Waterbury YMCA
• West Hartford YMCA
• Westport YMCA
• Wethersfield
• Wilton YMCA

How does an Adventure Guides group leader arrange an experience at Camp Jewell?

Please contact Becky Barton, Outdoor Center Director, becky.barton@ghymca.org or 1-888-412-2267 to register or for more information.

How do I join an Adventure Guide group at my local YMCA?

If you are a member of the Greater Hartford YMCA, please contact Becca Polglase at becca.polglase@ghymca.org or contact your local YMCA branch and ask for assistance.

YMCA Adventure Guide Goals

• Fosters companionship and understanding and sets a foundation for positive, lifelong relationships between parent and child
• Builds a sense of self-esteem and personal worth
• Expands awareness of spirit, mind, and body
• Provides the framework to meet a mutual need of spending enjoyable, constructive and high-quality time together
• Enhances the quality of family time
• Emphasizes the role that parents play in the growth and development of their children
• Offers an important and unique opportunity to develop and enjoy volunteer leadership skills