New Family FAQ
New to Camp Thunderbird? We are sure you have questions, you may find some helpful answers below. As always if you have more please call our office at 1-800-732-3855 to speak to someone.
Is Camp Thunderbird Accredited?
Where do Thunderbird campers come from?
What is the counselor-to-camper ratio?
How are counselors recruited? How are they trained?
How many campers in each cabin?
What can I expect my camper's room to be like?
What is the food like?
Will you be able to work with my camper's specific dietary needs?
How do we pack for camp?
Will my campers have access to laundry services?
Are campers put into bunks by age or grade?
Do you have a doctor on camp?
Do campers need extra money?
When do campers pick their activities?
Will I be able to call my child at camp?
Am I able to email or send mail to my camper?
Does Camp Thunderbird have any Care Package companies they recommend?
Is Camp Thunderbird Accredited?
The American Camping Association sets the best standards in the camping industry and we proudly are ACA certified. Being ACA certified is the best guarantee of professionalism in camping because it lets you know we have voluntarily taken the time to make sure our program and our site meets the strictest codes of safety and excellence.
Where do Thunderbird campers come from?
All over! Our campers represent many states and several countries.
What is the counselor-to-camper ratio?
Camp Thunderbird goes above and beyond American Camping Association ratios by striving to staff 1 counselor to every 4 campers in each cabin. We firmly believe that each camper should receive individualized attention.
How are counselors recruited? How are they trained?
A majority of the counselors were once Thunderbird campers. Many participated in our in house, leadership training program. New candidates are recruited through college camp fairs as well as through word of mouth from those who have served Thunderbird.
All staff members participate in a minimum of 70 training hours prior to camp. This training occurs on site and includes topics designed to facilitate counselors as they week to uphold the mission of the YMCA through camping at Thunderbird. In addition, each counselor is provided a staff training manual and resource guide for planning devotions and other cabin activities. All counselors are CPR/First Aid certified while all waterfront staff are Lifeguard certified. Boat drivers are U.S. Coast Guard certified while other activity leaders are ACA trained In their specific activity assignment.
How many campers in each cabin?
Each cabin houses approximately 10-12 campers with two to three counselors. We have several larger cabins with 12-14 campers and 4 counselors.
What can I expect my camper's room to be like?
The campers will sleep in bunk beds and will select their bunk when they arrive at camp. The campers will store their trunk/luggage underneath each bunk which is shared with their bunk mate. The height from the floor to the bottom bunk bed is approximately 24 inches. The cabins are equipped with modern conveniences such as air conditioning full bath facilities, including hot and cold running water, ample electrical outlets, and cubbies. Our oldest boy cabins are open air with ceiling fans, ample electrical outlets and a new shared bath facility.
What is the food like?
We consider our Dining Hall to be just one more program area. We strive to have ALL of our programs be very top notch, and this includes our Dining Hall. Your camper can expect to have lots of choices! We take into consideration that everyone's pallet is different and you may have a really picky eater. Therefore at each meal, we will provide not only a delicious entre but other choices such as cold cereals, peanut butter and jelly, pasta bars, salad bars, soup bars and fruit bars. There truly is something for everyone. Click here to see a preview of this summer's menu.
Will you be able to work with my camper's specific dietary needs?
It is important to us that each child's dietary needs are met. Prior to camp, we ask that you indicate any special needs on our Camper Confidential Sheet and on the Medical Form. You can also call at any time to talk with Chris Averett, our Food Service Director to ensure that the proposed menu meets your camper's needs, you can also email him at averett-chris@aramark.com
How do we pack for camp?
A packing list is included in the Parent Guide which is mailed to you, to view this online click here.
Will my campers have access to laundry services?
It is recommended that you pack enough clothes for your child's entire stay. In a two week session, a small bag of laundry is sent out on Thursday and will return on Saturday. Make sure everything is labeled with your camper's name.
Are campers put into bunks by age or grade?
Campers are usually grouped in cabins by grade. Sometimes parents will request a placement by age. If your child wants to bunk with friends, you can list up to two names on your application and it needs to be a mutual request.
Do you have a doctor on camp?
We have a doctor and three registered nurses during each camp session. Our Health Center is staffed twenty four hours a day. All medicine is distributed at meal times and before bed time or as indicated by the parent.
Do campers need extra money?
No. Canteen is provided free of charge each day. Our camp store is open on Opening and Closing days of camp.
When do campers pick their activities?
All campers will rotate in scheduled water activities daily with their cabin mates. Each camper can pick six land activities as this form will be mailed to you or you can click here to view the form online. The campers will pick 10 land activities and will get six of those activities. Please make sure this form is turned in before the start of camp. The campers will receive their land activities the first night of camp.
Will I be able to call my child at camp?
Campers do not have access to a phone and are not permitted to bring cell phones to camp. Instead, campers are encouraged to write home as often as possible. Parents should feel free to call to talk with your child's head counselor at any time for information and concerns about your camper's stay.
Am I able to email or send mail to my camper?
At camp, mail is a BIG DEAL! We encourage parents to write letters or send emails to your camper. All emails for your camper should be sent to campers@campthunderbird.org. Please put the camper's name and cabin number on the subject line. The email can not be delivered without this information. Camp email is complimentary and is printed once daily. Please do not send e-mails with attachments, any attachments will NOT be printed with your email. Regular mail can be sent to: One Thunderbird Lane, Lake Wylie, SC 29710. Please put your camper's name and cabin number on the envelope or package and it will be delivered at lunch time.
Does Camp Thunderbird have any Care Package companies they recommend?
Yes! Camp Thunderbird has worked with a company called CarePKG for several years. CarePKG is commited to helpfing more children experience Summer Camp and each summer donates a porton of their proceeds back to Camp Thunderbird's Send a Kid to Camp Campaign. Fore more information on CarePKG click here.