The Lightning Bolts are dads and sons. We do local events with just our crew and host bigger trips up and down California — Mammoth, Catalina, Indio, Pendleton. Boys K-5th grade. 100% volunteer, dad-run. 100% of dues funds activities for the kids.

The Fleet is the larger Pacific Explorers organization — six crews across Newport, CDM, Costa Mesa, and Irvine. The Fleet hosts the major events: three big campouts (Pendleton, Catalina, Pinewood Derby, Family Fun Day, Movie Day, USS Midway. The Fleet also holds the umbrella liability insurance that covers every event.

Most new dads have never camped. Don’t worry — these aren’t rugged outdoorsman trips. Every campout is food-catered, comfortable, with cabins and modern bathrooms. Most trips you bring a sleeping bag and clothes. A few need a pop-up tent ($100 at Costco). We send tips & tricks before every trip.

Not many dads attend every event. Most attend about half — usually 1-2 of the 3 big campouts plus a handful of local events. Annual dues reflect average attendance. Nothing is mandatory. Show up for as many as you can.

Most new Dads have heard of the incredible events we offer. We release our full year calendar early, so everyone knows what is planned and what their dues go towards. 100% of the annual dues goes back to organizing awesome activities for our sons and there is NO bureaucratic fluff or waste. We are a volunteer, Dad-run organization, with so many dedicated leaders planning & executing over-the-top events for our boys. Most veteran Dads will tell you the Lightning Bolts events are where the most meaningful times have been spent with their boys. We help bring “community” to the Pegasus families in our group. We are where the strongest friendships are formed, and we are looking for great Dads to come join us!

All Dads are expected to help out when needed, and especially so at the camping events. It could be to help cook, setting up our Crew EZup, bagging a full trash can of garbage, leading a hike, grabbing ice for the coolers, anything to show you’d like to contribute something for the greater good. The leadership team works tirelessly to plan and prep for each event, it’s up to all dads in the crew to help execute it flawlessly.

All Sons are expected to behave and exhibit our core Pegasus values of kindness, inclusiveness and respect. We have zero tolerance for any bullying, playing with fire, aggressive behavior, or destruction in any form. Lightning Bolts have always held to a higher standard and our leaders hold the boys accountable. Our sons have plenty of fun at each event and they learn to make good decisions along the way.