Rain Gutter Regatta-YMCA Indian Guides 2011-2012

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The Y Indian Guide program held their Annual Rain Gutter Regatta at the Miller Family YMCA. The children and their Dads spent time together building their boats. This was a fun arts and crafts project, but required assistance from Dad to help construct a sturdy boat. Then it was off to place their boats in the rain gutter, and the races began! Dads cheered on the kids, as the kids tried to quickly blow creating a wind current to race their boat. It was such a fun afternoon followed by a lunch picnic.

In today’s world, a child and a father rarely have time together – to talk, to laugh, to really get to know each other and become friends. A sage Ojibway Indian once said that ”the white man spends time building cities, but the Indian spends time building men.” That sparked the idea for the formation of a parent-child organization centered around American Indian values - Dignity, Patience, Endurance, Spirituality, Feeling for the earth, concern for the family – the model for the Y-Indian programs. This program is designed to foster a strong relationship between a parent and their children, as well as develop friendships with others through monthly activities that use a Native American theme. Enjoy fun, snacks, stories, games, arts and crafts, and more during monthly meetings.

Check Out our Indian Guides in the Ventura County Star: http://www.vcstar.com/news/201​1/sep/25/rain-gutter-regatta-k​icks-of-ymca-programs/

If your family may be interested in participating in the program, please contact Jennifer Silveria @ 805-523-7613