Welcome to the official website of the Mighty Cherokee Expedition which is part if the Atlanta YMCA Adventure Guides program.  We are proud to have over 150 families participating in this great YMCA program. 

The Home of the Cherokee Expedition website was created to inform Cherokee Expedition groups and members of events and activities, to tell the world about the mighty Cherokee Expedition and the Adventure Guide programs, and to network with other Adventure Guide groups around the country.

What is the Adventure Guide program?

The Y-Indian Guides Program, now called Adventure Guides, programs have a long history of providing elementary school age children and their parents with opportunities for fun times, learning, and mutual understanding.

The Adventure Guide programs are for parents that want quality, planned, one-on-one time with their children. Membership with the Alpharetta YMCA is open to every parent with a child kindergarten to third grade, or fourth to seventh grade.  For additional information please see the YMCA GUIDES & PRINCESSES  Frequently Asked Questions.

Participation in activities by both parents and child is a vital part of the Y-Indian Programs. Parent and child share in events, games, crafts, outings, and campouts. The father observes their child's relationship in the group, and see the child's strengths and needs, affording a basis for helping the child to grow.  Likewise, the child observes the parent in action with other parents and kids. This provides the child with an important role model.

What the Programs Do

Adventure Guide Programs are action oriented.  Members develop their own tribal programs, elect their own officers, take turns hosting tribal meetings, and conduct the business of the tribe.

Expeditions get together for campouts and family outings; visit historical sites and fire stations; take hikes to parks, zoos, and farms; and plan family picnics. Participants learn about American Indian people - their culture, their customs, crafts and games, and seek to bring new understanding and appreciation of the Indians' heritage and contributions to our nation.

Craft projects include construction of tribal property such as drums, headbands, and vests.  Tribes may also have campfires and hold induction ceremonies that emphasize the importance of the parent/child relationship.

In addition to the activities of the tribe, members participate in various Expedition events throughout the year. Expedition events include seasonal Campouts at various YMCA camps and private campgrounds, Valentine Princess Dance, Pinewood Derby, and Family Events

But best of all, Adventure Guide Programs are just plain fun for both parent and child!

Benefits

Through the Adventure Guide programs, the YMCA provides the following benefits to both parents and children.

• Foster companionship and understanding and set a foundation for positive, lifelong relationships between parent and child.

• Build a sense of self-esteem and personal worth.

• Expand awareness of body, mind, and spirit.

• Provide a framework to meet a mutual need of spending enjoyable, constructive, and quality time together.

• Enhance the quality of family time.

• Emphasize the vital role that parents play in the growth and development of their children.

• Offer an important and unique opportunity to develop and enjoy volunteer leadership skills.

• Opportunity to meet other families with children the same age.

Organization

Fathers and their children form excursions. Excursions contain anywhere from eight to twelve families. One father is selected as chief, and the various excursion positions are delegated to the parents and kids. The excursion schedules monthly meetings and special events or trips. Father and child attendance together is mandatory for participation in activities.

The Longhouse is the inter-tribal council organization that supports the program planning of the tribes and Nation, coordinates Nation events, and establishes policies and standards.  Council members are elected from tribal volunteers each year. The Cherokee Nation Longhouse Council includes a Expedition Elder, Assistant Nation Chief, Sachem, Medicine Man and Fire Starter (Tonka).

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