Join us for memories that last two lifetimes.  The Indian Guides & Indian Princesses program has long held the Native American traditions of building and fostering strong bonds between parent and child.  Unlike "drop off" programs, all activities include both parent and child.  Together, you will learn the ancient aims of an honorable culture and hear the voice of the Great Spirit in the winds of the earth.  Together, you will journey together to places near and far:  camp deep in the woods, catch a ball game at Wrigley field, sleep overnight at a museum.  Wherever you go, you and your children will carry this gift of time together in your hearts forever.

How is our program unique?

• Affordable: Only pay for events you can participate in.
• Flexible: Both parent and child can fit most of the events in.
• Enjoyable: Both parent and child are involved and have bonding experiences.

As children grow older and enter middle school, their schedules tend to become more crowded.  Their capabilities and interests also expand.  Our Trails Programs are designed for these older kids.  The events are more challenging, intellectually and physically, and don't involve the ceremonies or tribal segregation of the Indian Guides & Indian Princesses.

Learn about Our History

Our history brings the organization back to the original Indian Guides and Princess programs started by Harold Keltner based on Joe Friday in 1926 as a way to build better father son relationships, while also creating stronger communities.  Initially, we were part of the YMCA programming. However, through a change in YMCA priorities the future of the program in our area was uncertain.  Many members did not want leave the fate of this wonderful concept behind and worked to create the Algonquin Longhouse Inc.

The Algonquin Longhouse Inc. is a parent volunteer Guides, Princesses, Trailblazers and Trailmates Federation, which continues the original intent of the program.   However, we are no longer affiliated with the YMCA, which allows the nations more freedom in choosing the programming for their area.  Since we are an all volunteer program this also allows us to keep overhead costs to only essentials which equates to more cost effective programming for our members.

The group of dads that devoted thousands of hours of their to time to create the Algonquin Longhouse Inc. have left us this gift.  They created an organizational structure which allows Nations to continue the past programming they enjoyed, but also gave them the freedom to improve the programming as well. We are a Confederation, each Nation has the freedom to develop their own events based upon the interests of their kids.  Many of the Nations have continued to utilize the YMCA camp facilities, but they have also ventured to many wonderful private campgrounds that offer a very different experience.  The program continues to build parent child bonds and experience neither will ever forget, while also building community relations and friendships that will outlast the program.