The main purpose of the program is to provide a number of engaging activities for dads and sons to do together. We have age appropriate events and the dad & son grow together with their shared experiences.

 

Each tribe has their own unique vest and icon. As you attend campouts and events, commemorative patches are designed and voted on by the boys themselves, and are added to the vest. As the boys go through the program, they can achieve “Order of the Eagle” status by working, learning and earning “Bear Claws” with their dads.

 

Some of the more popular Illinois Nation events are the weekend campouts in cabins and tents. We go to various YMCA camps in Northern Illinois or Southern Wisconsin where camp activities can include archery, hiking, wall climbing, fishing and canoeing/boating.

 

In the evening, we have an organized ceremony at the nation campfire and have fun activities like roasting marshmallows at tribal campfires.

What makes Y-Adventure Guides so special?

Illinois Nation Adventure Guides

The YMCA Adventure Guides Program is for boys from 5 to 8/9 years of age and their dads. This brochure will tell you more about the Y-Adventure Guides Program based out of the Buehler YMCA.

 

We are the Illinois Nation and we are composed of six tribes: Black Bear, Cherokee, Cherokee Forest, Menomonee, Moose and Snake mainly from the Palatine, Inverness, and Barrington area. There are other Nations for dads and daughters available at the Buehler YMCA as well.

 

 

Are you looking for a way to spend some quality time one on one with your son? If so, this is the program for you!

Other popular events have included attending sporting events like the Chicago Wolves or Rush, snow tubing, pinewood derby, museum sleepovers, and a Gym and Swim at the YMCA. We hold one Nation event per month from September to June.

Dads and sons are grouped into our six tribes consisting of 20 to 30 members. Tribes typically meet once a month at a time of their choosing, with each father/son helping to plan a meeting and activity or craft for the tribe.

 

The Y-Adventures Guide program is an excellent opportunity for sons to spend quality time with their dad. Our volunteer Illinois Nation leaders are working hard to organize and plan the events for the year. We hope you will join us!!

For further information, contact the Buehler YMCA,

Robin Wagner (847-359-2400) or send email to

ILLINOISNATION@GMAIL.COM