Fiske Family Foundation Grant - Adventure Guides Program

Fiske Family Foundation Grant - Adventure Guides Program

Status: Completed/Historical funding (Rancho Family YMCA received grant)

Geographic Scope: San Diego County, CA - Rancho Family YMCA

Funder: Fiske Family Foundation

Focus Areas:

Recreational opportunities for families

Educational opportunities for youth

Parent-child bonding and relationship development

Outdoor recreation and nature experiences

Community building

Program Description:
The Fiske Family Foundation provided $50,000 to support the relaunch of the YMCA Adventure Guides Program (formerly known as Adventure Clubs). The program strengthens parent-child relationships through group activities and outdoor pursuits.

Program Components:

Group activities: games, crafts, songs, stories, ceremonies

Outdoor pursuits: camping, hiking, swimming

One-on-one parent-child interaction in special environments

Community service projects

Building healthy parent-child relationships

Developing sense of belonging

Core Values (Compass Points):

Family: The "true north" that everything centers around

Nature: Direct experiences and camping in the great outdoors

Community: The "Circle" - belonging to a community

Fun: The magic ingredient creating lasting memories

Target Population:

Parents and young children

Focus on creating memorable bonding experiences away from digital devices

Organization Contact:

Rancho Family YMCA Executive Director: Blaze Zarev

Part of YMCA of San Diego County network

Background:
John Fiske, Founder of Fiske Family Foundation, cited personal positive experiences with YMCA camping trips and Adventure Clubs during his childhood. The foundation focuses on creating access to recreational and educational opportunities for all, addressing the need for quality parent-child connection time in an increasingly digital world.