Stories

Kayaking, fishing, horseback riding, and pottery are just a few of the countless and creative activities campers can spend their summer doing at the YMCA’s Camp Thunderbird.

Camp Thunderbird is an overnight camp where campers find a safe, inspiring place to become their best selves and with over 100 acres of land, and nearly two miles of lakefront on Lake Wylie, this natural playground has plenty of room for all of that self growth and personal development.

Camp Thunderbird is not just a place to have fun and make memories, though it is definitely that, it is also a place for campers to cultivate individual talents and develop 21st century skills like independence, self-discipline and empathy. Campers come to Camp Thunderbird from more than 40 states and dozens of international locations for a shared experience, the chance to try new adventures, and the opportunity to make friendships that last a lifetime.

Last November during #GivingTuesdayCLT, YMCA of Greater Charlotte set a goal to raise $30,000 in 48 hours for their 48 Hours of Giving Challenge that would support camp scholarships for 30 children and families in need to be able to attend Camp Thunderbird this summer.  

We are proud to share that they exceeded their goal, raising a total of $30,627! This summer, 30 deserving kids are getting to attend Camp Thunderbird and have this life experience that they otherwise would have not gotten. For many of these kids, it’s their first time being away from home, meeting diverse friends and engaging with positive role models. Camp gives them an opportunity to build self-reliance and reach their full potential.

And what’s even more exciting than knowing those 30 kids are getting to bond and build friendships through sports, arts and crafts, drama productions and a water activity known as “the blob”?

Jen Harman, Senior Marketing Director for YMCA of Greater Charlotte shared with us that “The campaign was so successful that we’ve upped the goal this year to raise $50K and send 48 kids to camp next summer!”  

This time around, the 48 Hours of Giving Challenge will take place in October, all the details can be found here! YOU can help send 48 kids to camp next summer and give them an opportunity to expand their horizons and gain skill sets that only a Camp Thunderbird experience can provide.

Don’t take it from us the impact that Camp Thunderbird can have on a camper. Read these notes from past campers themselves...