Hoya Hoya!
The Firebees are part of Wildcat Nation which is a group within the Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA Adventure Clubs in Encinitas. We’re a diverse community of dads and daughters from across San Diego, including Encinitas, Carlsbad, Solana Beach, Del Mar, Point Loma and surrounding communities. Our club is built on YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility, creating a supportive environment where every family belongs.
What do we do? We sting!
Who are we? Firebees!
Who do we love? Our dads!
Purpose
In a world of constant distractions, we provide a sacred space where fathers and daughters ages 5-13 embark on monthly camping journeys that build trust, communication, and memories that last a lifetime. Through shared adventures in nature, we help dads become their daughter’s hero and daughters discover their strength, confidence, and the security of their father’s love.
Where we go
Our 2025-2026 adventure calendar takes us to the best camping spots in Southern California:
Dates*
Location
*Note: Dates and locations are subject to change.
Benefits for daughters
Your daughter will gain so much more than camping skills. She’ll develop confidence through new challenges, leadership by helping younger Wildcats, and a sense of belonging in our close-knit community. The program creates a unique “village” where older girls become role models and younger ones find mentors. Through patches, beads, and campfire ceremonies, she’ll build self-esteem and create friendships that often last into adulthood. Most importantly, she’ll have her dad all to herself for entire weekends of adventure.
Benefits for dads
This program offers you something priceless – quality time with your daughter away from screens, schedules, and daily pressures. You’ll learn to see the world through her eyes again, whether you’re roasting marshmallows under the stars, conquering a challenging hike together, or laughing at campfire skits. The connections you build here will serve as an anchor during the teenage years and beyond. You’ll also join a brotherhood of dads who understand that being present is the greatest gift we can give our daughters.
Interested?
The Wildcat Club season runs September through June, and you can join at any time. Whether you’re an outdoor expert or have never pitched a tent, you belong here. All you need is a desire to invest in your relationship with your daughter and a spirit of adventure.
Membership Details:
- FREE annual club fee for YMCA Family Members
- $100 annual fee for non-YMCA families (first club)
- All child registrations are FREE
- Register both parent and child together
Don’t wait to start this incredible journey. Your daughter is only young once, and these are the years that matter most. Join Wildcat Club and discover how weekend adventures can transform your relationship forever.
For more information and registration, visit ymcasd.org/eckeadventure
Straight answers (FAQs)
Is this like... super intense? My daughter's more into glitter than grit.
Nah, man. ‘Firebees’ is about adventure, but it’s *our* kind of adventure. We do everything from beach bonfires and easy hikes to craft days and campouts. If your daughter digs glitter, we’ll find a way to make nature sparkle. It’s all about quality time and making memories, not boot camp.
What's the time commitment? I've got, you know, a life.
We get it. Most of our main events are once a month, usually on a weekend. Some smaller meetups or planning sessions might happen, but it’s flexible. Show up to what you can – the goal is connection, not another calendar Tetris nightmare.
Do I need a ton of expensive gear? My camping stuff is from... a while ago.
Honestly, enthusiasm is your best gear. For most things, basic outdoor stuff is fine. We share, we lend, we figure it out. If we’re doing something specialized, we’ll give you a heads-up. This isn’t about who has the fanciest tent.
What age are the daughters, typically?
Most of our Firebee daughters are in Kindergarten through 5th grade. But if your kiddo is a bit younger or older and keen for adventure, hit us up. We’re more about the spirit than strict age limits.
Heard Firebees dominate the cook-offs and competitions. True story?
Let’s just say we don’t show up to lose. Our campfire cuisine? Legendary. Our Pinewood Derby cars? Sleek, fast, and occasionally questionable in terms of aerodynamics but always full of heart. We bring the heat, the flavor, and the fun. If there’s a friendly competition, expect the Firebees to be in the mix, aiming for the top (and having a damn good time doing it).
More information
ymcasd.org/eckeadventure