helping dads and their kids build lifelong relationships through shared experiences is so impactful that it deserved the full attention of the program organizing it.”
Three Rivers Explorers was essentially born from the experience of the people who knew the program best— the dads who had benefited from it themselves.
Today, four programs make up the organization. Explorer Princesses pairs dads and daughters ages 5-12, while Explorer Guides brings together dads and sons ages 5-12. Explorer Questors is designed for dads and daughters ages 12-18 and Explorer Trailblazers serves dads and sons ages 12-18.
The organization’ s current leadership also reflects its broad reach throughout the Pittsburgh area. McVicker, who lives in Peters Township, serves as Explorer Princesses council chief. Augie Thalman of Baldwin is the Explorer Guides chief, while Michael Markiw of Bethel Park leads the Explorer Questors, and Julian Stock of Mt. Lebanon serves as Explorer Trailblazers chief.
While some activities are separated by age and gender, families also have plenty of opportunities to participate together. Group cookouts, trips to Kennywood, ice skating at PPG and other activities bring dads and kids from across the organization together.
And there’ s no pressure to attend every event. There are no mandatory meetings or minimum participation requirements. Families simply choose the activities that work for them— and that flexibility is intentional. The goal is to give dads an opportunity to spend as much time making memories with their children as their schedules allow, rather than adding another obligation to an already busy calendar.
The activities themselves run the gamut. The organization’ s fall, winter and spring campouts are among the favorites, but families who aren’ t accustomed to camping shouldn’ t necessarily picture sleeping on the ground in the middle of the woods.
“ Think glamping, not rustic camping,” says McVicker, who notes that many of the campouts take place in cabins with indoor bathrooms, making them a comfortable introduction to camping for younger children and families who may not be ready for the full outdoor experience.
Other activities include fall hayrides, group movie outings, boat and“ chule car” races, Kennywood Holiday Lights, ice skating, snow tubing, father-daughter dances and nights out at the ballpark. Individual community groups also organize their
own activities, including pool parties, craft parties, mini golf and local community events.
As kids get older, the adventures can become a little more challenging. Older members can take part in canoe and tent camping trips, escape rooms, and activities such as high ropes courses and rock climbing.
“ You can show up and have an amazing weekend camping without having to organize it yourself,” says McVicker.
That may be one of the biggest benefits of the program. The organization handles the planning and creates the opportunities, while dads and kids get to simply show up and enjoy the experience together.
There is also an opportunity for families to give back. Although there is no required service commitment, dads and kids can take on leadership roles within their local groups and in the larger organization. Members can also participate in community cleanups, visits to senior homes, community days and parades.
For children, those experiences can provide opportunities to develop confidence, leadership skills and a willingness to step outside their comfort zones. For dads, they provide another way to model those qualities while spending time with their children.
The organization has quickly developed a broad reach throughout the Pittsburgh area. More than 850 dads and kids are currently enrolled, representing communities including Canonsburg, Bethel Park, Upper St. Clair, Mt. Lebanon, Peters Township, South Fayette, the North Hills, Baldwin and Whitehall, among others.
For the families who participate, though, the numbers are less important than the individual experiences happening within the group— a child trying something for the first time, a dad and daughter spending a weekend together, or a family laughing around a campfire, to name a few.
McVicker knows firsthand how meaningful that time can be. He has participated in this type of program for 14 years, first with his older daughters and now with his youngest daughter.
“ To anyone on the fence about joining the program, I would say you are never going to regret going to an event to do something focused on you and your child making new memories together,” he says.“ I wouldn’ t trade the time I spent with them for anything!”
Families interested in joining can visit 3rex. org or email info @ 3rex. org for more information. n
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