Welcome to Wildcat Nation!
Purpose
Wildcat Nation is part of the Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA Adventure Clubs in Encinitas. We’re a diverse community of dads and daughters from across North County 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.
Who we are
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
More information
ymcasd.org/eckeadventure