Why join Broken Arrow

Your kid is only
this age once.

Work will still be there on Monday. The Catalina ferry, the Pinewood Derby, the campfire skits, and a son who wants you in the next sleeping bag over - those have a season. Broken Arrow is how South OC dads make sure they do not miss it.

Register NowRead the FAQs
A boy holding the Broken Arrow expedition flag on a golden trail with his dad behind him
The flag bearer | Cuyamaca, golden hour
What you both get

Why families join

For your kid

Confidence outdoors

Kids learn to hike, paddle, build, and camp - and discover they can do hard things. The love of the outdoors tends to stick for life.

For you

Protected dad time

One weekend a month, on the calendar, all year. No errands, no screens between you - just the two of you and the crew.

For both

A built-in crew

Your Circle is 5-12 families from your own schools and neighborhoods. The friendships for kids and dads outlast the program.

Character

Values in practice

Caring, honesty, respect, responsibility - modeled by dads, practiced by kids, celebrated around the campfire.

Structure

Zero planning burden

Venues, dates, and programming are organized for you. You show up with a tent and a kid; the expedition handles the rest.

Memories

Stories for decades

Adventure names, pin ceremonies, and the year it rained sideways at Prado. Ask an alumni dad - they remember all of it.

Camp breakfast spread with coffee and fruit
Saturday, 7:40am | the breakfast shift
Boys releasing cars at a pinewood derby start gate
December | Pinewood race day
A dad and son tying a knot around a wooden post
Skills hour | the bowline, eventually
Who we are looking for

No experience required.
Seriously.

If you have never pitched a tent, you are in good company. The program is built so that any dad can step in and look like a hero by Sunday.

  • Dads or father figures with sons ages 5-12 - grandpas, uncles, and stepdads welcome.
  • South Orange County families around Mission Viejo-area schools and neighborhoods.
  • One weekend a month of availability, September through June - come to what you can.
  • Any outdoor skill level - from REI regulars to dads learning as they go.
How it works

From signup to first campout

1

Register

Sign up through YMCA of Orange County online. It takes about ten minutes.

2

Meet your Circle

We match you with one of our five Circles, usually near your school or neighborhood.

3

Pick your names

Every Guide and Explorer chooses an adventure name. Choosing is half the fun - choose wisely.

4

First campout

Borrow gear if you need it, follow the packing list, and let the kids set the pace.

FAQs

Things every new dad asks

What ages is this for?
The Adventure Guides core program is for kids ages 5-12. When your son ages out, the YMCA Islanders program keeps it going with age-appropriate events.
What does it cost?
There is a yearly program fee plus per-event fees for campouts and venues. Military, fire, police, and EMT families get a $50 account credit, and financial assistance is available through the Y. Financial assistance details
How much time does it take?
Roughly one Circle meeting a month and one expedition event a month from September through June. Most events are weekend campouts; some are single-day events.
I've never camped. Is that a problem?
Not even slightly. Circles share gear, veteran dads love to help, and there is a packing list that tells you exactly what to bring.
What exactly is a Circle?
A Circle is a group of 5-12 families, usually from the same school or neighborhood, that meets monthly and camps together inside the bigger expedition.
How do I actually sign up?
Register online with YMCA OC, then tell them you are joining the Broken Arrow expedition in the Mission Viejo federation.

The campfire has room.

Registration for the season is open. Ten adventures. Five circles. One seat by the fire with your name on it.

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