Welcome Navigator Article

Welcome, to our expedition into the relationship development of dads and daughters. We seek to accomplish this by developing a companionship through understanding, to set a foundation for positive, lifelong relationships. We are fathers who want to set examples for our daughters that build a sense of self-esteem and personal growth, in a manner that expands awareness of spirit, mind and body. We provide this by developing a frame work of teamwork with other dads to meet a mutual need of spending enjoyable, constructive and quality time together. The goal is to enhance the quality of family time that emphasizes the vital role that parents play in the growth of our children that is slowly eroding in our society. We see this as an important and unique opportunity to develop and enjoy volunteer leadership skills with rich traditions, structure, ritual and routine that attracts generation after generation. We can sum this up by our motto, “Friends Forever” and our pledge, “ We father and daughter, through friendly service to each other, to our family, to our circle/expedition and to our community, seek a world pleasing to the eye of our creator”.

Most of the circles have already had their first organizational meetings and circle meetings at members homes. The Circle Meeting is a once a month meeting that the date is agreed to at the circle organization meeting. At this meeting; new members are introduced, circle officers are elected, members contact information traded, meeting host schedule created, circle and individual program name necklaces are made and, most importantly, friendships are formed. Friendships that will last forever.

All summer long, the main governing board, The San Tan Expedition Council of the Chandler/Gilbert YMCA Y-Princess Program, has been meeting every second Tuesday of the month. All members of this council are dad volunteers from our program, except for the Y liaison that co-ordinates us with the YMCA Director. The members of the council have direct control over the function of the program, including; planning and scheduling of events, implementation, recruiting, maintaining rosters, program funds, inventory, web site management and newsletter publishing. We are a total volunteer organization, dedicated to maintaining a cohesive relationship with family and the Chandler/Gilbert Family YMCA Staff. We are beginning this year with our traditional Induction Campout. This year it will be held at Reynold’s Creek Campgrounds, Northeast of Roosevelt Lake on State Route 288 towards Young, AZ, on the weekend of the 22nd. Most of the route is dirt roads and directions to the camp can be seen on our web site. On our schedule, in October, is Dead Horse State Park in Cotton Wood, that is always guaranteed to be a good time. The Verde Valley is full of interesting things to see and do. In November is our trip to Roosevelt Lake. Our campground is just down the main road from Tonto National Monument (Indian Cliff Dwellings). Don’t think we just do camping! Every year we have a pinewood derby event, a formal sweetheart dance at valentine’s day, we are in the Chandler Ostrich Parade and we have a fundraiser funfest at Amazing Jakes in Mesa. This is what the Expedition does every year and does not include what the individual circles do. Please, see our year's schedule in it’s entirety which can be viewed on our web site (www.chandler-princesses.com). Our Induction campout is one our biggest campouts of the year, so even if you have not registered for the program or are just interested in testing out our program, come join us for a wonderful weekend. We will guarantee a wonderful weekend, just don’t forget your circle coup sticks (tiki torches). Hope to see you there!