GET TO KNOW YMCA CAMP THUNDERBIRD
YMCA Camp Thunderbird is excited to offer a variety of activities, including Arts & Crafts, Music, STEM, Sports, Swimming, and much more.
We are delighted to bring back the YMCA Camp Thunderbird Program at our new location, Northwest Junior High School. This year, we look forward to strengthening our partnership with the Rochester City School District and providing your children with memorable, positive experiences.
RELATIONSHIPS
At Camp Thunderbird, we ensure a personalized and engaging experience by grouping campers based on the grade level they are entering in Fall 2025. Our mixed-gender groups follow OCFS ratios tailored to each grade range, allowing for a supportive environment where friendships can flourish. Each group adheres to a set schedule filled with daily activities designed to match their unique interests and developmental needs.
Camp Thunderbird is divided into 2 main villages plus we offer additional camp offerings.
-
Our Jr. Village units are Cardinals & Hawks
-
Our Sr. Village units are Eagles
|
Village |
Units |
Grade Camper is Entering Sept. 2025 |
|
Jr. Village |
Cardinals |
Entering Kindergarten or 1st Grade |
|
Hawks |
Entering 2nd or 3rd Grade |
|
| Sr. Village | Eagles | Entering 4th or 5th Grade |
ACHIEVEMENT
Our Traditional Day Camp programming follows a progressive model, meaning that age and unit requirements are applied to various activities throughout the camp. Some traditional camp activities may require additional testing, such as the Deep End Test, to ensure safety and readiness.
In our Jr. Village Units, campers follow a pre-assigned schedule of Mastery activities designed to foster skill development.
Meanwhile, campers in our Sr. Village Units have the exciting opportunity to choose their own Mastery Activities, allowing for a more personalized and engaging experience.
This structure helps ensure that all campers participate in activities that are both appropriate for their age and aligned with their interests.
|
Mastery |
Cardinals K-1 |
Hawks 2-3 |
Eagles 4-6 |
|
STEM |
x |
x |
x |
|
Arts and Crafts |
x |
x |
x |
|
Swimming |
x |
x |
x |
|
Sports |
x |
x |
x |
|
Music and Motion |
x |
x |
x |
|
Daily Theme Activities |
x |
x |
x |
|
Yoga |
x |
x |
x |
|
Field Trips |
x |
x |
x |
BELONGING
Our counselors are not just exceptional role models; they are superheroes to our campers! They help kids disconnect from technology by encouraging them to appreciate the natural beauty of camp and to take pride in who they are as individuals, rather than just a virtual version of themselves on social media.
All our camp staff undergo a mandatory two-week training program prior to the summer, totaling over 40 hours of in-person training. During this training, we cover a variety of important topics, including:
-
Mandated Reporter Training
-
CPR/First Aid Certification
-
Behavior Management Techniques
-
Youth Development & Appropriate Camper Interactions
-
Youth Mental Health First Aid Training
-
NYS Sexual Harassment Training
-
Daily Camper Interactions Training
-
Safety Around Water Training
-
Risk Management Training
-
NYS Foundations of Health & Safety
-
And more!
Our leadership team consists of individuals who are all at least 21 years old, ensuring a high level of maturity and experience. We are proud to have a camp staff with an impressive retention rate of 79%, with many returning for multiple summers. We take great pride in hiring staff from diverse backgrounds, bringing a wealth of experience and perspectives to enhance the camp experience for all our youth.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
For More Information about YMCA Camp Thunderbird Contact Us:
585-649-3610
Follow us on our Socials: