We are so excited that you’re looking at our How to Join section. That means you are serious about wanting to connect with your daughter. Please read through the explanation of what the HATS program is and isn’t. Then go to HATS Registration to see the Information form that we need from you. We look forward to joining you and your daughter on the adventure of a lifetime!

Introduction to HATS^®

 What is HATS^®?

• HATS is a Daughter/Dad organization dedicated to enhancing the bond between a Daughter and her Dad.

 Why was HATS^® started?

• There was a lack of opportunities for Daughters and Dads to interact in a one-on-one outdoor setting. Young men have this opportunity through scouting, but there was no organization specifically designed to appeal to 5^th-9^th grade young women. 

 What are the most important goals of HATS^®?

• To strengthen the bond between a Daughter and Dad through quality time spent together.
• To give the Daughter/Dad teams the opportunity to be together on camping trips, to increase the level of communication, and to create special life-long memories.

 What can Daughter/Dad teams expect to get out of joining HATS^®?

• A better, stronger, more meaningful and spiritual relationship with your Daughter or Dad.
• The opportunity for Daughter/Dad teams to spend some time alone to discuss topics that might not come up in everyday conversation.
• Daughters can interact with other like-minded Dads who set a good example for how women should be treated.
• Daughters will make new friends and strengthen their connection with old friends.
• Create a lifetime of priceless memories.

 What are the requirements for joining HATS^®?

• A Daughter/Dad team that is interested in spending quality time together.
• No prior knowledge of camping or outdoor life is required.

 What are the financial requirements?

• Annual dues is $125 per Daughter/Dad team
• The investment in your daughter is about $195 per campout.

 Common questions asked by the Daughters before joining HATS^®:

• My Dad and I have never camped before. Can someone teach us?
• Are there bathrooms on the campouts?
• What do we eat?
• What do we wear?
• All this and more is addressed at the organizational meetings

 What are the physical requirements?

• The typical Daughter and Dad are well suited to participate in the program. Events are specifically designed to be fun and allow the Dad to share an outdoor activity with their daughter. The camping trips are reasonably challenging, but are designed to be within the abilities of the vast majority of modern Dad’s abilities.

  Camping Equipment Needs?

• Personal gear
• We sometimes borrow equipment for activities like backpacking.
• Bikes can be rented or the typical bike with knobby tires is fine.
• Canoes are rented at the river/lake so no need to buy one.
• Tents and other camping gear can be rented as well.
• We periodically hold classes to discuss equipment needs, but it is usually basic camping items that you may already possess.

 Time requirements?

• We go on 2-3 campouts per year.
• Organizational meetings are held before a campout to make sure everyone has the proper information.
• Sweetheart banquet for Daughter/Dad teams in February
• Occasional special one-day events like orienteering.
• There are no monthly meetings. Attendance is not mandatory at any of the HATS^®  functions, but the teams benefit from each activity they attend.

 Any special rules?

• Only Dads can bring their own daughters to the functions. (sorry, no substitutes)
• Dads are expected to act as mature role-models for their daughters as well as for the other Daughter/Dad teams.
• Daughter/Dad teams sleep in one tent. This is not a weekend “sleepover’ for the girls or a “boy’s night out” for the Dads.

 Why and When should a Dad choose to join HATS^®?:

• If not you, who?
• Who should be the #1 man in your young daughter’s life?
• Who is better suited than you to be instilling a moral compass in your daughter’s life?
• Who is better than you to set an example for how a Dad should treat and respect a daughter that he loves?

• If not now, when?
• If the timing is not good right now, when will the time be right?
• When will you have more free time to spend with your daughter than you do right now?
• When will she mean more to you than she does right now?

Join HATS^® for all the right reasons…..…because you love your daughter.

Please fill out a Contact Sheet if you and your daughter are interested in joining the HATS family.