Camp Thunderbird Field Trip Sustainability

We are Committed to Sustainability

We incorporate sustainable practices into our Environmental Education Center with:

Sixteen solar panels provided by Duke Energy and EnergyWise which power 50% of our Recreation Hall’s electricity on a sunny day.
Rain Barrels which collect water from the Pioneer Cabin and EEC Shelter for use in classes and watering our herb and vegetable gardens.
Instant Hot Water Heaters in the cabins.
Utilizing compost built from the fruits and veggies from our dining hall in our vegetable garden.
Sustainable construction practices such as our new Duke Energy Pavilion.
Recycling plastic, aluminum, cardboard and paper throughout camp.
Installing low flush toilets throughout camp.
Replacing traditional light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs and LED lighting.

Pavilion and Solar Panels

Thanks to the generosity of Duke Energy and their support of environmental education, YMCA Camp Thunderbird enjoys the 10,500-square-foot Duke Energy Pavilion. This award-winning structure provides the ideal space for students to engage in hands-on environmental learning.

Duke Energy also donated 16 solar panels giving children an opportunity to learn about solar energy production and sustainable practices. Installed on the roof of the Recreation Hall, these solar panels provide approximately 3 kilowatts of solar energy for the building – the equivalent of about 10 percent of the electricity needed for the 5300 square-foot facility.