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Nine fathers and their children took the Rye YMCA-sponsored camping trip from Oct. 4-6, according to a press release. The group "enjoyed hiking, canoeing, building survival shelters, sleeping in a lodge, and eating that sticky staple of all camping trips - s’mores," according to the release.
"The trip was designed to offer fathers the opportunity to spend quality time with their children in a safe, fun, outdoor setting," representatives said in the release.
“Dads in our area often work long hours outside the home and can’t spend the kind of time they’d like with their kids. We wanted to give them a chance to create lasting memories, for both the children and themselves," said Hillary Southard, the Y’s teen, camp and family director, in the release. "The weekend was fun for everyone. As we were saying our goodbyes, two little ones were crying because they didn't want to leave. Many of the dads chatted with me about how great it was to have an organized opportunity to spend time with their kids.”
The Camp Greenkill trip was the precursor to a new initiative that will be launched at the Rye YMCA during the fall, according to the release. "Adventure Guides" is a school-year program for children in first through fourth grade and their fathers, according to the release.
"The goal of Adventure Guides is to strengthen the bond between young children and their dads through activities and expeditions that focus on family, nature, community and fun," representatives said in the release. "Since not all children have fathers, adult males who play an important role in the child’s life may also participate."
For more information about Adventure Guides, residents are asked to contact Hillary Southard at hillary@ryeymca.org.
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