The programs at Thunderbird are active, dynamic, challenging and creative. We focus on having fun and developing skills. Campers can enjoy swimming, archery, orienteering, canoeing, rock climbing, the ropes course, kayaking, games, campfires, skits, music, drama, out-trips, arts and crafts and more!

Archery
Our archery program allows participants the opportunity to learn about archery safety and technique, and encourages personal improvement and development over competition with other participants. Participants receive instruction and practice on one of our three outdoor archery ranges and get a chance to use their new skills in archery games.

Arts and Crafts
In arts and crafts sessions, counselors design age appropriate crafts to work on as a group. Focus is put on projects that can be given as a gift or that can be left as a legacy at camp for campers in years to come.

Campcraft
Campcraft is one of Thunderbird’s best-kept secrets. A campcraft session provides participants with the opportunity to practice many of the necessary skills of an extended wilderness experience. During campcraft sessions, participants learn about and practice building fires and shelters, finding appropriate campsites, and engaging in minimum trace camping techniques.

Canoeing
In canoeing sessions, participants become familiar with parts of the canoe and the paddle, water sport safety, and canoeing strokes. Besides the opportunity to practice their paddling skills, participants have time to explore Glinz Lake and examine the wildlife and natural wonders of the area.

Hiking
Thunderbird boasts nearly 1300 acres of forest that provides beautiful hiking routes that range in difficulty. During a hiking session, participants learn about safe hiking, preparing to go on a hike, and appropriate clothing and safety gear to have. As well, participants learn about their natural surroundings, and are sure to experience the creativity of Thunderbird staff who know a variety of trail games.

Kayaking
Our kayaking program allows participants to learn about the parts of a kayak and kayak paddle, water sport safety, and basic kayaking strokes and techniques. Thunderbird hosts a fleet of both ocean and river boats to which participants have access. During a kayaking session, participants are given the opportunity to develop their paddling skills, and to explore Glinz Lake. No one is allowed to kayak at Camp Thunderbird until s/he has demonstrated a wet exit (turn upside down in your kayak and exit under the water). All program participants are given the opportunity to do so before their kayaking session.

Orienteering
Orienteering is one of the world’s most popular competitive sports, requiring both an understanding of the outdoors and the skills of orienteering, as well as a keen eye for observation. At Thunderbird, a basic orienteering session provides participants with the opportunity to learn about using a compass, and to practice their skills by navigating through a basic orienteering course. An advanced course is also available where participants complete a full formal orienteering course prepared in conjunction with members of Canadian orienteering clubs.

Outtrips
Outtrips are an integral part of all Camp Thinderbird programs. Outtrips range from a single night to up to 14 days. For details on outtrips of a specific program please visit the individual program pages.

Rock Climbing
Participants receive basic instruction in climbing safety, equipment, and techniques. Qualified instructors engage participants in proper climbing preparation and command sequences. Participants receive an opportunity to practice climbing in one of our two climbing areas. Cougar Rock, located in main camp, has three climbs varying in technical difficulty. Nicola Ridge is located just less than a kilometer (20 minute hike) North East of main camp. Nicola is slightly more challenging as it is about 2-3 meters higher. Both climbs are on real rock faces using similar equipment.

Swimming
Participants can enjoy the clear waters of Glinz Lake. Our waterfront area, including three metre jump tower and slide, provides an excellent fresh water swimming environment. Cabin groups sign up for a swimming block or refresh in the morning with a Polar Bear dip! Thunderbird staff are certified with Bronze Cross or National Lifeguard Service Award from the Royal Lifesaving Society.

 

Teambuilding Activities
Teambuilding activities are group-based sessions that provide participants with the opportunity to engage in various activities and challenges that encourage group development, teamwork, and personal challenge. During a session, participants are encouraged to think about and discuss concepts such as teamwork, co-operation, and communication, and are challenged to push themselves to succeed as members of a team. These begin with activities that easily create success for the group and then grow into more challenging activities that may include the elements of the low ropes course.

Low Ropes Course
The low ropes course offers a variety of challenge elements that encourage participants to work together to achieve a specific goal. Participants have the opportunity to take on leadership roles and work co-operatively in order to achieve various levels of success. This course involves co-operative games, trust activities and group initiative tasks in order to progress towards the various low ropes elements.

High Ropes Course
Our High Ropes experience combines team focused activities to challenge the group to achieve success through co-operation, challenge by choice, and skill acquisition. The group may follow an adventure based sequence of co-operative games, trust activities, initiative tasks, low ropes activities as a progression and a preparation for their peak experience on the High Ropes Course.