Excursions
Sign your camper up for one of our many excursions! These excursions allow campers to experience adventures away from camp, led by Adventure professionals and accompanied by our staff. Yet another Thunderbird experience they will never forget!
You may select any of these options during registration, or add to your registration later by calling the camp office at 704-716-4100, or by stopping by the Accounting table on opening day in the Dining Hall.
White Water Adventure
Ages: 11-16
Cost: $150
Sessions: 2, 3, 4, 5
The Whitewater Adventure is one of Thunderbird's most popular excursions. The trip features an all day experience with opportunities to participate in whitewater rafting, whitewater kayaking, flat water kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, rock climbing, ridge course climbing, and a variety of zip lining options. Campers travel in small groups to the activities of their choice and are always paired with Thunderbird staff members. This allows campers to spend time in the activities that most interest them. The trip heads out of camp on the second Wednesday of a two week session. Because participants are gone from 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. lunch is provided. Campers should plan to wear their swimsuits and will need a change of clothes for the trip back to camp. Water shoes will also be needed. These can be strap on sandals, old tennis shoes, or water shoes. Campers may also wish to bring a towel.
Rock Climbing
Ages: 10-16
Cost: $150
Sessions: 2, 3, 4, 5
Thunderbird's Rock Climbing expedition is scheduled for the first Friday of a two-week session. The trip leaves camp at 8:00 a.m. and returns by 7:00 p.m, so both lunch and dinner are provided. Thunderbird staff members will chaperone the trip, but trip leadership will be provided by Rock Dimensions of Boone, NC. As part of this trip, campers will learn about necessary safety skills, climbing nomenclature, belaying and climbing movements, and knots. Campers will experience rappelling on a vertical face, and routes will range from beginner to intermediate, depending on the skill level of the climbers. This excursion promises to provide a unique and exciting challenge for campers! Participants are encouraged to bring water bottles, closed toed tennis shoes, and sunscreen.
Caving
Ages: 10-16
Cost: $150
Sessions: 2, 3, 4, 5
Caving provides campers with a unique opportunity to interact with the natural environment. This excursion leaves camp on the second Tuesday of a two seek session. Campers are gone from 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. so lunch and dinner are provided. Parents are reminded that old clothes and shoes that can get very muddy are needed for this trip. A clean change of clothes are also needed for the return trip to camp.
Camp Cheerio Adventures provides expert leadership for this excursion, which is designed with the beginner in mind. All crawls loop back to a main passage, so that the campers are never separated from the group. The longest crawl is approximately 50-feet long. Campers spend an hour and a half to two hours exploring the cave.
Carowinds
Ages: All
Cost: $99 *New lower price for 2013*
Sessions: 2, 3, 4, 5
For amusement park fans, Carowinds is an option enjoyed by many. The theme park, dubbed the “Thrill Capital of the Southeast,” offers everything from carnival games to roller coasters. Thrill-seekers of every age can find excitement at Carowinds! This excursion leaves camp at 9:00 a.m. and returns by 5:30 on the first Wednesday of a two-week session, so lunch is provided. Campers are given $16 park dollars that can be used for snacks and games. In addition, campers are given a special T-shirt to wear on the trip, and they explore the park in small groups-always accompanied by a counselor. Campers are encouraged to wear comfortable closed toed shoes for this outing. .
The NASCAR Experience
Ages: 14-16
Cost: $250
Sessions: 2, 3, 4, 5
A trip to the Charlotte Motor Speedway is just the beginning for campers who participate in this excursion. The trip, which leaves camp the first Friday of a two-week session, departs at 9:00 a.m. and returns to camp by 3:30. Lunch is provided. This excursion provides campers the opportunity to experience riding as a passenger traveling at speeds up to 160 mph. The second leg of this excursion involves a trip to Victory Lane Indoor Karting. There, campers and staff will compete on teams in a variety of racing simulations. They will begin with timed trials and advance to a race event. The one-third mile course features Honda karts with the capability of traveling top speeds of 45 mph. Participants in this excursion must be at least 14 years old.