If cost is giving you any hesitation about joining the Elk or Bear Nation, please know that financial assistance is available. All scholarship requests are handled directly and confidentially through the YMCA. Participation in a scholarship program is never shared with Elk or Bear Nation families.

The YMCA believes every child should have the opportunity to participate, learn, grow, and thrive. Through the YMCA ACCESS Scholarship Program, qualifying families may receive assistance with membership fees, program fees, and other YMCA services. In addition, the Adventure Clubs community proudly supports the Dream Catcher Scholarship, which helps ensure that no child misses out on the friendships, adventures, and memories that make Adventure Clubs so special. Throughout the year, Elk and Bear Nation families dedicate time and fundraising efforts to support this mission and help more fathers and daughters experience the program.

If cost is a concern, we encourage you to reach out. Assistance may be available, and all inquiries are handled with complete confidentiality. For more information about YMCA scholarships or the Dream Catcher Scholarship, please contact Adventure Clubs Director Tim Strong at tstrong@ymcasd.org.

One of the most common questions new families ask is, "How much should I expect to spend?" We believe it's important to be transparent about the costs so there are no surprises. The good news is that participation is flexible. Some families attend every campout, while others attend just a few. Your total cost depends largely on how many events you choose to participate in. If cost is a concern, please visit the Scholarships & Financial Assistance section above. We never want finances to prevent a father and daughter from participating. Because some fees are set by the YMCA and campground pricing varies from year to year, the amounts below are estimates based on recent camping seasons. Official pricing is available through the Ecke YMCA Adventure Clubs, and YMCA members receive discounted registration rates.

• YMCA Annual Season Registration 

  • Paid first, before start of season and before you can register for Season Pass or individual campouts

  • FREE ($0) for YMCA of San Diego Members

  • Non-YMCA Members are $100 One Time Fee for Dads Only (Children are Free)

• Elk Annual Dues 

  • $350 per Dad (Regardless of number of daughters)

  • Paid BEFORE start of season for returning Elk. New dads only pay after first campout.

  • Elk annual dues are collected once each season to help maintain the Elk trailer, replace shared equipment, purchase supplies, support recruiting efforts, and fund select tribe activities throughout the year.

• Individual Campout -or- Season Pass Registrations

  • Season Pass Fee (Includes 8 Campouts) - $800 for YMCA members, $900 for Non-YMCA. The 9th campout, traditionally held at Catalina Island is handled separately.

  • Individual Campout Fee - Averages around $150-$200 per Campout. Each campsite is different and carries a different cost. 

• Campout Food Expenses

  • Roughly $50 per Dad (regardless of number of children)

  • Before each campout, every dad is assigned a meal or food item to purchase. After the campout, the Elk Treasurer totals all shared food expenses and divides the cost evenly among the attending dads. Depending on what each dad spent up front, he'll either receive a reimbursement or be asked to pay the difference so that everyone shares the food costs equally.

• Personal & Optional Expenses

  • There's absolutely no expectation that new families purchase all new camping gear before their first campout. Many Elk families start with basic equipment, borrow gear from other members, or purchase quality used gear. Our Camping Guide includes recommendations for keeping costs down, and Elk families are always happy to help newcomers get started.

  • Beyond the required fees listed above, every family decides how much they want to spend. Optional expenses may include camping equipment, Elk apparel, or optional activities offered at certain campouts, such as boat rentals, guided excursions, or restaurant outings.

If cost is giving you any hesitation about joining the Elk or Bear Nation, please know that financial assistance is available. All scholarship requests are handled directly and confidentially through the YMCA. Participation in a scholarship program is never shared with Elk or Bear Nation families.

The YMCA believes every child should have the opportunity to participate, learn, grow, and thrive. The Adventure Clubs community proudly supports the Dream Catcher Scholarship, which helps ensure that no child misses out on the friendships, adventures, and memories that make Adventure Clubs so special. Throughout the year, Elk and Bear Nation families dedicate time and fundraising efforts to support this mission and help more fathers and daughters experience the program.

If cost is a concern, we encourage you to reach out. Assistance may be available, and all inquiries are handled with complete confidentiality. For more information about YMCA scholarships or the Dream Catcher Scholarship, please contact Adventure Clubs Director Tim Stong at tstong@ymcasd.org.