Day Camp Activities
In the Water. On the Land.
We design and provide a wide range of safe, enriching activities for campers that speak directly to their age, interest and abilities.
In similarly aged groups, campers rotate through activities under the leadership of our well-trained staff. Campers attend two land activities, two water activities and choose one elective. Electives follow a week-long format to allow for greater mastery and skill development.
Each group will participate in two afternoon water activities that rotate daily.*
Each activity period will last for approximately one hour.
- Banana Boat Rides
- Canoeing
- Kayaking
- Paddleboarding (ages 9 - 12)
- Pontoon Boat Rides
- Sailing (ages 9 - 12)
- Shore Tour (ages 11 - 12)
- Swimming
- Tubing
- Water Toys (Blob and Wibits)
- Wet Wylie Water Slide
*YMCA Camp Thunderbird reserves the right to adjust/change any scheduled activities at any time for safety or environmental reasons.
Safety
All waterfront activities are supervised by well- trained staff who hold Lifeguard, CPR and First Aid certifications. Boat drivers are U.S. Coast Guard licensed. In addition, select staff may receive achieve additional certifications or receive more training depending on activity requirements. We believe in a continuance of training throughout the summer to ensure we provide a safe atmosphere while supervising our waterfront areas.
Every camper must participate in a swimming skills assessment in accordance with the YMCA of Greater Charlotte. You can find the swim assessment form here.
Each group will participate in two morning land activities that rotate daily.*
Each activity period will last for approximately one hour.
- Aerial Adventure Course (Ages 9-12)
- Archery
- Arts & Crafts
- Airsoft Riflery
- Backyard Games
- Challenge Course:Alpine Tower (ages 10-12)**
- GellyBall
- Moon Bounce
- Sports
- Tree Climbing (Ages 8-12)
*YMCA Camp Thunderbird reserves the right to adjust/change any scheduled activities at any time for safety or environmental reasons.
**Offered as an elective. May not be offered every session.
Safety
Each staff member is certified in CPR and First Aid. In addition, specialized activities may require additional certifications and training from professional organizations such as USA Archery, Adventure Tree Climbing, Challenge Towers Aerial Adventures, Association of Challenge Course Technology and American Camping Association. Safety and quality instructions are paramount to our organization and staff.
Campers stay with their assigned group and counselors throughout the day. Our daily schedule is intended to give campers an introduction to a wide variety of camp activities while also giving them opportunities for creative expression.
Typical Day Camp Schedule
| 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM Camper Drop-off/Rides In 8:30 AM - 8:55 AM Opening Ceremony and Morning Thought* 8:55 AM - 9:05 AM Group Time & Attendance 9:15 AM - 10:15 AM Land Activity Period 1 10:20 AM - 11:20 AM Land Activity Period 2 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM Lunch 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM Change for Water Activities 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Water Activity Period 1 1:35 PM - 2:35 PM Water Activity Period 2 2:35 PM - 2:45 PM Change for Electives 2:50 PM - 3:45 PM Elective Activity 4:00 PM - 4:15 PM Canteen (Snack) 4:15 PM - 4:25 PM Group Scoop 4:30 PM - 5:00 PM Closing Ceremony 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM Camper Pick-up/Rides Out |
*During Morning Thought, Staff and Leaders in Training share a positive story or lesson intended to provide campers an opportunity for reflection.
Overnight Add-On
Friday
| 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM | Regular Camp Day |
| 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Dinner Provided by YMCA Camp Thunderbird |
| 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM | Electives/Free Time |
| 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM | Swimming and Canteen (Snack) |
| 9:00 PM - 10:00 PM | Evening Program and Movie |
| 10:00 PM | Bedtime in the Rec Hall |
Saturday
| 7:00 AM | Wake-up Call |
| 7:15 AM | Snack Breakfast Provided by YMCA Camp Thunderbird |
| 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM | Pick-up for All Campers at Recreation Hall |