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Resident Camp Staff Team
Our directors have many years of experience in the camping field and love serving in the growth and development of the campers that come to Camp Thunderbird.
| Bobby Harris |
Executive Director |
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Bobby Harris has taken over the reigns as Camp Thunderbird's new Executive Director. Bobby is a graduate of N.C. State University and has been a lifelong camper, counselor and camp director. Bobby hails from Camp Sea Gull / Seafarer on the North Carolina coast and Camp Silver Beach on the Chesapeake Bay. Bobby has many years of experience leading programs with nationally recognized boating and sailing programs. Bobby is committed to hiring quality staff and providing top notch instruction in each and every activity. He is focused on providing a balanced program so each child can explore their gifts and talents. Bobby is married to his lovely wife of 23 years, Melissa, a middle school math teacher; they have two amazing daughters, MaryStuart and Madison. |
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| Brad Rippetoe |
Operations Director |
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Brad Rippetoe is starting his 12th year at Camp Thunderbird. He got his start at Camp Olympia in Trinity, TX as a cabin counselor in 1985. Brad spent the next 14 years at Olympia serving in several roles including Program Director and Environmental Education Coordinator. In 2000, Brad and his family moved to Lake Wylie and began serving at Camp Thunderbird as the Environmental Education Director. In 2005, Brad shifted gears and took advantage of the opportunity to serve as the Resident Camp Director. In January of 2011, Brad accepted the position of Director of Operations. While he will continue to be involved in Resident Camp, Brad will oversee operations of camp to include programs and procedures throughout the school year. Brad and Virginia have two beautiful daughters, Mary-Elizabeth and Claire. |
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| Kaye Carraway |
Personnel Director |
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Kaye begins her 35th summer at Camp Thunderbird by shifting her focus to serve as Personnel Director. Her tenure at Thunderbird includes a plethora of leadership experiences. Most recently, Kaye has served as Assistant Director focusing on the Girls's; Camp and the Counselor In Training Program. Kaye will continue to direct the CIT program. A veteran educator, Kaye has earned recognition at the state and national levels for her leadership and commitment to serving youth and her profession. Kaye has a rich history at Thunderbird and a strong commitment to selecting, training, and mentoring staff. She also enjoys working with alumni staffers and campers who continue to grow their support for Camp Thunderbird. |
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| Chad White |
Program Director |
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Chad has moved through the ranks of Thunderbird. He began as a camper and worked his way up to counselor, assistant land director, land director, and finally to the position we find him in today. As Program Director Chad facilitates all programs on the land and in the water. Chad graduated from N.C. State University and he loves to travel. |
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| Bill Carraway |
Waterfront Director |
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A veteran educator, Bill has served Thunderbird as Waterfront Director since 1977. During his tenure at camp, Bill helped to design the bandana system and helped to develop the Special Ski Program. He is best known as "Captain Bill". |
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| Virginia Rippetoe |
Camper Experience Director |
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Virginia has been with Camp Thunderbird for 11 years and she is excited to be taking on the new role of Camper Experience Director. She has previously served as cabin life and scheduling coordinator, special events and program director and camping services marketing coordinator. Her combination of 25 years of resident camp experience and 17 years of parenting experience, to Mary-Elizabeth and Claire (who are both former Thunderbird campers), makes her perfect at working with all of our returning families and welcoming new families to the resident camping experience. |
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