The Top Ten Reasons Why Every Mom Should Sign Her Husband Up For YGP:
 
10. The joy that replaces the initial fear of having a complete stranger yell "HOW-HOW!"
at your child at the mall because he/she is wearing a Spring Outing t-shirt

9. Pride in that big honkin' triangle magnet on your SUV or van

8. That excitement your Braves feel when they find the perfect patch
they wanted at Tweetsie

7. Think of the great magic tricks and stories your husband will learn!

6. The wonder (ie laughter) of watching hubby "sew" patches on their vests

5. Being called "Big Brave" makes hubby feel "special"

4. First year feather means at least one guaranteed home cooked
dinner by husband & child

3. Spring outing for them = relaxing weekend at home alone for you (maybe)

2. Don't get left out: 11,000+ Triangle folks can't be wrong

1. One of the greatest gifts you'll ever give your child (and your husband)

Mom!

So you're thinking about getting your husband involved in our program and you need some info. You may feel the need to do a little arm twisting, but the results are well worth it:

All Dads interested in joining YGP are invited to attend an informational "Dads Only" meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2008 at 7pm in the Jane S. McKimmon Center on the campus of NC State University. They can come with tribes already in place or join a new group forming at the meeting. Dads can find a tribe based on zip code (for ease of meetings) or find friends also interested in joining that evening.

Several great ways to find tribemates:

• school class
• Sunday School class
• Vacation Bible School
• sports team teammates (soccer, baseball, swimming, etc.)
• neighborhood kids

Remember that your child may be spending the next three years or more with these other children, so think your decision through before asking parents. Include your child in the process by asking them who they really like spending time with. Consider that your husband will have to spend that same amount of time with the kid as well. Be considerate of hubby's good intentions and don't saddle him with anyone you would not want to spend time with as well.

And speaking of all that time spending with people: consider the Dad as well. Sometimes personalities clash so be aware of how people work together and plan accordingly. Many tribes come together as strangers and all is wonderful, but sometimes Dads (and their personalities) can stress a tribe out. Think things through.

Tribes work best when the numbers are between seven pairs and nine pairs of Dads/kids. Eight is the magic number. Tribes with eight members strike a good balance on many levels: even amount of twice-monthly meetings fit within the program calendar, easier getting everyone into a cabin at Spring Outing, splitting tribal officer duties, etc. Any number can work of course, but eight works great.

If you have any doubt that this is not the greatest program on Earth, let your eyes do the walking and surf around our site. Look at all the pages: from the outings to the events to the community service projects - the Guides/Princesses program will be a major benefit in your life, your husband's life and especially your child's life. There is nothing more special than the time we as parents spend with our children in their formative years. YGP provides kids the opportunity to expand their horizons, reach new goals, learn new skills and grow through their service to others - all with Dad by their side. How much more special can that be?

We look forward to your husband and child being a part of the YGP family. How-How!

Copyright © 2008 ..YMCA of the Triangle Y-Guides & Princesses Program
1601 Hillsborough Street ...Raleigh, North Carolina 27605
Phone: (919) 582-2265 ....... E-mail: matt.strickland@ymcatriangle.org

And now, may the Great Spirit make the sun rise in your heart! How-How!