Welcome to YMCA Camp Thunderbird Resident Camp

           Summer 2016 marks 80 years of camping excellence for YMCA Camp Thunderbird.  Although as the Senior Director for Summer Camps,  I am entering my 40th summer at Thunderbird, 2016 marks the first camping experience for hundreds of children.  That, in turn, translates into the first camp experience for many parents.  In days to come, I hope to share information, tidbits, and suggestions for new campers and veterans alike.   It is my hope that these posts will be helpful as you set your sites on summer...and beyond.

Tips to Prepare First Time Campers
    Spring is upon us and summer is approaching....for many faster than they imagined.  No need to panic.  Everything is going to be fine.  In fact, everything is going to be great!  The American Camping Association recently published a list of steps parents can take to prepare their children for their first camping experience.  I'd love to share a few of these with you:
     1) Provide opportunities for your child to sleep away from home-whether at a friend's house or the home of a grandparent.  These opportunities sleeping away from mom will provide opportunities for your child to gain confidence that he or she can successfully spend time away from you.
     2) Plan a shopping trip with your child.  Whether selecting just the right toothpaste of a favorite pair of water shoes, the experience will allow your child to think and talk about their camping experience.  It may help to resolve "fear of the unknown."
    3) We hope that you will fully trust us.  Doing so means that you are candid with camp staff about any challenge your child experiences that might impact his/her camp experience. Please know that this information will not stigmatize your child.  If we know in advance, we can strategize together and plan to meet the needs of your child. 

    4) Campers love to receive mail while at camp.  We encourage you to write letters that ask specific questions.  Let your child know how excited you are that they are having a great time at camp.  

     Please visit our blog again in coming days for more helpful hits and information!