YMCA Camp Thunderbird

YMCA Camp Thunderbird offers a traditional outdoor summer day camp 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 climbing, 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 elements include an alpine tower, giant swing, dual zip lines, and an aqua zip line.

• 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’s trained and certified staff work with each child in a small group setting. YMCA Camp Thunderbird Day Camp offers weekly themes with an educational focus and twist, and the Camp Edge program includes specific leadership curriculum time throughout each week. The Leaders-In-Training program is a one-week experience for rising 9th and 10th graders that includes shadowing summer camp staff, participating in small groups, engaging in camp activities, hands-on training experiences, and professional development workshops focused on basic safety, group facilitation, games, camp best practices, employment skills, healthy relationships, and opportunities to lead, with transportation offered from off-site locations. The EveryBuddy Unit offers children with diverse abilities a traditional day camp experience in a natural setting with a 1:3 staff-to-child ratio. YMCA Camp Thunderbird states its mission as “To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.” The camp has been voted one of the “Best Day Camps in Richmond,” YMCA.

Last updated July 18, 2026.