Along with the new look, the program will also be changing its name for the second time to Y Adventure Guides. It was called Y Indian Princesses and Guides until three years ago, when growing opposition and pressure from some Native American groups and individuals prompted YMCA employees to drop the word "Indian" from its name. In addition, the program will be changing its motto from Friends Always, Pals Forever to Friends Forever.

The transition of a Native American motif to a less culture-specific one is the result of a nationwide effort to include all ethnic groups in the program and to show respect to all cultures, according to Mary Horiko, who is the vice president of community development for the program.

"Our goal is to be culturally competent," she said. "That means understanding, appreciating and recognizing all dimensions of diversity."

The program has been undergoing changes for the past 20 years on a national level. Various YMCAs in cities like Minneapolis, St. Paul and Palo Alto decided to eliminate the Indian-themed program altogether and established alternate programs in the mid-1980s. In addition, in 1999 the YMCA of the USA adopted an initiative rejecting programs with themes based on specific cultures.

"Kids grow up playing cowboys and Indians," said Horiko. "I don't want to invalidate those experiences, but it's important that we show an increased cultural sensitivity. It's time to change."

Members of the program are identified by tribal association and some by their chosen Indian name, which is often used in initiation and graduation ceremonies. There are three to four tribes in each nation and five nations at the Southwest YMCA. To stay consistent with the new theme, all tribes and nations will be respectively renamed to circles and expeditions. In April, tribe members auctioned off their Native American paraphernalia, including teepees, feathered headdresses and musical instruments.

Some participants in the program said they feel reluctant about the transition.

"The program was never intended to disrespect Native American culture," said Lon Dunaway, who served as the assistant chief of the Shoshone Nation, which will be the Wilderness Expedition. "In fact, we taught the kids a great deal about their culture through our various outdoor activities. We helped bring their culture to light and reminded the children that the Native Americans are a part of our society. If anything, we aroused their curiosity."

Jim Dunlay, known as Golden Bear among his fellow members, said he would have preferred to leave the program as is but understands the need for the change.

"Old members have their foot rooted in the past," said Dunlay. "They'll be losing a whole host of traditions, from choosing Indian names for the initiation ceremony to creating blocks for the totem pole. But the fact is that we're living in sensitive times."

Dunlay stated that on the upside, it will be an interesting opportunity for others to establish new identities and to create new icons.

Phil Levine, who will be the Navigator—formerly called the chief—of the Wilderness Expedition next year, said he will miss many elements of the program, such as the "big teepees and the universal 'Noonway' greeting," which will possibly be replaced with "Tally Ho." He said he hopes the program will go back and embrace more of Native American culture in the future.

"I'm hoping that we can continue to integrate some of the rich stories and messages," he said.

But he also said that the program was more than about teepees and face painting. "I viewed the organization as father-and-daughter bonding. That will not change."

Dunlay, who will be leaving the program after his daughter's graduation, said he's glad that this aspect of the program will stay the same.

"You can change the name, but you can't change the memory," he said.

With the new name and image, Horiko and Christina Glynn, who is the manager of public relations for the Southwest YMCA, said they anticipate seeing more people from diverse backgrounds participating in the program. With that, they said they hope members will be willing to educate others about their culture.

"This will open the door to a variety of cultural experiences," said Glynn.

The Southwest YMCA is opening its doors for those interested in registering for the program, which starts in the fall and runs through the end of the school year. For more information, call the center at 408.874.3304.