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Bandana Challenge Tradition
Bandanas are a special motivational tradition at Camp Thunderbird! The bandana system, which was created in 1983 by Wes Stevens, Scott Pitts and current Waterfront Director Bill Carraway, was developed to reward campers for hard work and to challenge campers to set goals in all activities.

This progressive learning system is embedded in all of our activities at camp. Each activity has four levels of achievement in place for which campers can strive: Red (beginner), Blue (intermediate), Silver (advanced) and Gold (expert). Each level has certain tasks that must be performed in order to pass and receive a card. Points are given for each card; red card=1 point, blue card=2 points, silver card=3 points, gold card=4 points. Campers' points are kept on a master card and kept on record so that campers may return to camp and pick up where they left off!

Campers achieve a red bandana with 12 points; blue bandana with 36 points; silver bandana with 72 points and gold bandana with 120 points.

Bandanas are traditionally awarded on the final night of camp at a camp-wide ceremony. Campers are recognized for their achievement by having a staff member of their choosing award them with the bandana. The recognition ceremony is often the highlight of camp!

In order to be eligible for any bandana, campers must show good citizenship in their activities and in their cabin by demonstrating the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Gold bandana recipients are recognized by name and year on a large plaque that hangs in the Thunderbird Dining Hall.

To learn more about this program click here.

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