YMCA program enhances dad and daughter bonding

I want to say to everyone in this community how much the YMCA Indian Princess program benefited me and my daughter last year. I’m signing up again this year with my youngest child.

Like many dads, I am busy as heck. But I had no idea what a positive impact it would have on my relationship with my 5-year-old (now 8).

Frankly, the idea of doing a bunch of arts and crafts, and wearing a silly vest with some dumb patches on it didn’t seem very appealing initially. But the program isn’t about the patches or feathers we earned together, or even all the events we went to.

The program was all about us just being together regularly so that we could build and nurture our relationship.

My daughter and I spent hours and hours together—both private time, just the two of us, as well as time with our tribe and other tribes in the area. Sure there were dozens of craft meetings. Lots of local events like bike rodeos, movie nights and pancake carnivals. We went on nine overnights at three camps both at the beach and in the mountains.

Much of our time was just good plain fun. Painting our faces (she painted me, and I painted her, and neither of us could see what we looked like till the end) and laughing about our "makeup." Eating marshmallows by the campfire. Sledding in the snow. Scoring a strike at bowling (well, the bumpers helped a lot!). Eating popcorn and watching "Shrek," cozy in sleeping bags on the floor of a gym.

But in addition to the fun, we learned a lot about each other. It was time when we were really focused on each other.

I saw and helped my daughter grow up during her three years as a Princess. She learned a lot about being part of a group, and helping to plan and lead activities. I learned a lot about parenting too, and I’m better off for it.

The YMCA puts on a great Indian Guides and Indian Princess program. It’s well organized, inexpensive and run by enthusiastic individuals. I recommend it highly.

I really didn’t know what to expect with my first daughter. But it was just terrific. And I’m not going to miss this opportunity with my youngest this year.

Rob Jordan

"Whispering Wind"

Chief of the Apache Indian

Princess Tribe

Agoura Hills