YMCA Camp Thunderbird
YMCA Camp Thunderbird, 9300 Shawonodasee Rd, Chesterfield, VA 23832
About
YMCA Camp Thunderbird offers a traditional outdoor summer camp day experience that includes activities such as creative arts, camp songs and skits, music, drama, dance, outdoor education, hiking, fort building, fishing, court sports, volleyball, field sports, and swimming. Campers can also take part in canoeing, biking, marksmanship, archery, STEM projects, low ropes, rock wall, gaga ball, backyard games, 9 Square, and the Jewel Pit, along with themed unit activities, character bead necklaces, reading, devotions, and opening and closing council. Additional adventure options include an alpine tower, giant swing, dual zip lines, and an aqua zip line, as well as leadership development experiences.
• Ages: 5–16 years old
• Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7am–6pm
Established in 1966, YMCA Camp Thunderbird has grown to include extreme and adventure activities geared towards school-aged campers and their families. The Camp Edge program includes specific leadership curriculum time throughout each week for teen campers. The Leaders in Training (LIT) program is a one-week experience for rising 9th and 10th graders that includes hands-on training and professional development workshops in basic safety, group facilitation, games, camp best practices, employment skills, healthy relationships, and opportunities to lead, and transportation is offered from off-site locations for this program. The EveryBuddy Unit offers children with diverse abilities a traditional day camp experience with a 1:3 staff-to-child ratio and inclusion within traditional day camp groups.
Camp Thunderbird’s trained and certified staff work with each child in a small group setting. The program follows the YMCA mission “To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.” YMCA Camp Thunderbird has been voted one of the “Best Day Camps in Richmond.” The YMCA of Greater Richmond, which operates the camp, is a non-profit organization open to all people and committed to social responsibility, and it has been building strong kids, strong families and strong communities in Richmond since 1854.
Last updated January 18, 2026.
• Ages: 5–16 years old
• Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7am–6pm
Established in 1966, YMCA Camp Thunderbird has grown to include extreme and adventure activities geared towards school-aged campers and their families. The Camp Edge program includes specific leadership curriculum time throughout each week for teen campers. The Leaders in Training (LIT) program is a one-week experience for rising 9th and 10th graders that includes hands-on training and professional development workshops in basic safety, group facilitation, games, camp best practices, employment skills, healthy relationships, and opportunities to lead, and transportation is offered from off-site locations for this program. The EveryBuddy Unit offers children with diverse abilities a traditional day camp experience with a 1:3 staff-to-child ratio and inclusion within traditional day camp groups.
Camp Thunderbird’s trained and certified staff work with each child in a small group setting. The program follows the YMCA mission “To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.” YMCA Camp Thunderbird has been voted one of the “Best Day Camps in Richmond.” The YMCA of Greater Richmond, which operates the camp, is a non-profit organization open to all people and committed to social responsibility, and it has been building strong kids, strong families and strong communities in Richmond since 1854.
Last updated January 18, 2026.
Is this your business? There is no cost, but you will be asked to sign up or log in.