Camper wellness is critical to a rewarding experience at camp. Here are some of the things we do to make sure our campers are physically and emotionally safe.

Medical Staff Program

Each week during the summer a doctor or nurse live at camp with their family. Our medical staff support our counselors and supervisory staff in identifying and treating camper illnesses or injuries.

Safety Standards

All Camp Thunderbird programs are run according to the British Columbia Camping Association safety accreditation standards. There standards apply to staff, equipment and procedures. More information can be found at http://www.bccamping.org/index.php.

First Aid Training

All Camp Thunderbird counselors are trained in Standard First Aid and CPR C and each cabin counseling team carries a well stocked first aid kits at all times. All of our multi-day off site outtrips are lead by a staff member certified in Wilderness First Aid.

Camper Medications

All camper medications brought to camp are checked in with our Wellness Coordinator. Medication taken on a regular basis is kept with a supervisor and given at appropriate times. Emergency medications such as inhalers or epinephrine injections are kept in staff first aid kits that stay with the group. Any time a medication is given the staff and camper intial a tracking form so there is a clear record of the medication being given.

Over the Counter Medications

Camp Thunderbird stocks basic over the counter medications such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, antihistamines, cough syrup, throat lozenges, and upset stomach relief medications. We encourage families not to send these medications to camp with their campers. We will always do our best to make contact with guardians to get permission before administering medications, however if we are unable to make contact our manager may decide to administer the medication under the advice of our medical staff.

Wellness Centre

Camp Thunderbird's wellness centre has three beds, a three-piece bathroom and living quarters for staff to stay in. If a camper is sick for a short duration they can rest in the wellness centre and are cared for by a staff member who is always nearby. If a camper is sick for a longer period we may ask that they be brought home to recover.

Challenge by Choice

Camp Thunderbird operates on a challenge by choice philosophy. Our campers learn and grow by trying things that may be new, challenging or even a little intimidating. Achieving something they didn't think they could do can be immensely rewarding. However we never want a camper to be out of their comfort zone. All challenges at Camp Thunderbird are optional and the decision of how far they want to push themselves is in the hands of the campers.

Bullying

Camp Thunderbird does not tolerate bullying; all Thunderbird counselors are required to report any incidences of bullying to their supervisor so they can help ensure it is dealt with properly. If bullying does occur we engage all campers involved in working to make sure it does not happen again.

Homesickness

A lot of campers get homesick, especially their first time at camp. We train our staff on how to help campers with homesickness and most of the time it can be overcome quite easily. Many campers leave camp very proud of how well they have overcome their homesickness. If a camper is repeatedly or seriously homesick we will contact the parents to let them know and seek their advice in helping the camper through it.