Fiske Family Foundation Grant - Adventure Guides Program

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

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.