Broken
Arrow
Pals Forever
Dads and sons of South Orange County, camping, building, racing, and exploring together - one weekend a month, all year long. Five circles. One expedition. A lifetime of memories.
What gives us direction
Broken Arrow is part of the YMCA Adventure Guides program for kids ages 5-12 and their dads. The whole thing is built on one idea: regular one-on-one time between a dad and his child builds trust, confidence, and memories that last a lifetime.
Family is True North
The focal point of everything we do - dedicated dad-and-kid time, protected on the calendar.
Nature and Camping
From Catalina to Cuyamaca, the outdoors teaches respect for nature - and for yourself.
Community
Belonging to a small Circle of families from your own school and neighborhood.
Fun
The magic of the program. If the kids are not grinning, we are doing it wrong.
From two pals to a federation
Guide and Explorer
Dad is the Guide, your kid is the Explorer. Each of you picks an adventure name - Little Snow Bear, Big Thunder Cloud, Mighty Oak. Choosing it is half the fun.
Circles
5-12 families, usually from the same school or neighborhood, meeting monthly at homes around town. Broken Arrow has five.
The Expedition
That is us. All five Circles come together for a campout or event nearly every month, September through June.
Federation
Broken Arrow rides with the Mission Viejo federation alongside Big Thunder Spirit, Rainbow Sky, Rising Son, and more.
What the weekends look like
Five crews, one camp
Every family in Broken Arrow belongs to one of five Circles. Each has its own name, its own colors, and its own legend. Find yours below.
Vikings
Row together. Roar together.
Longboats optional, loud cheers mandatory. The Vikings bring the horns-up energy to every campfire and take the skit competition far too seriously - exactly as it should be.
Buccaneers
Take the weekend. Leave no dad behind.
Crossed swords, gold earrings, and a strict code: every kid gets a turn at the helm. The Buccaneers run the best treasure hunts on the Newport Dunes calendar.
Outlaws
Wanted: dads and kids with grit
Bandanas up, marshmallows drawn. The Outlaws ride at dawn - or whenever the pancakes are ready. Reward offered for anyone who can out-build them at Pinewood.
Blue Hawks
Eyes sharp. Wings wide.
First up the trail and last off the field. The Blue Hawks treat every hike like a scouting mission and every game of capture-the-flag like the championship.
Mighty Creek
Small stream. Big current.
Named for the creek that always finds its way. Mighty Creek families are the first to volunteer, the last to leave a campsite cleaner than they found it.
Ten months. Ten adventures.
Event dates and venues are subject to change.
Yearly program fee plus per-event fees apply. Download the official calendar PDF
Join Broken Arrow
New Families
Kids ages 5-12 and their dads. Register through YMCA of Orange County, and we will match you with a Circle near your school or neighborhood.
RegisterCurrent Members
Manage your family's registration, event sign-ups, and account through the member portal.
Member LoginOffers and Assistance
$50 credit for military, fire, police, and EMT families. Active AG families also get a discounted Y branch membership. Financial assistance is available - never let cost be the barrier.
Financial AssistanceQuestions about which Circle is right for you? Get in touch - any of our navigators will talk your ear off about it.
Talk to a real human
The YMCA OC Adventure Guides team can answer anything about Broken Arrow, fees, or starting a new Circle.