Our Camp Community
At Camp Thunderbird Summer Camp, our programs are tied together by use of our natural environment, positive and encouraging relationships, and human-powered recreation. Summer campers learn about teamwork, independence, making choices, social skills, responsibility, the ability to take risks and realize personal limits, and finding their place in the world. This allows children and youth to belong, grow, thrive, and lead. The benefits of this in life are many but most notable are increased self-esteem, confidence, creativity, self-sufficiency, and leadership skills.
Our Staff and Volunteers
Y Outdoor Centre staff are the best in the business, with the perfect blend of training, enthusiasm, care and certification. All Y Outdoor Centre staff and volunteers have First Aid training and have completed a Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Clearance.
Counsellors have a strong network of support and supervision from team leaders and managers.
Luke Ferris (Chinook), General Manager
Luke has been a part of Camp Thunderbird since 1994 when he started as a summer camp counselor in the Explorer Primary section. As the father of two boys who have grown up going to camp, Luke has first-hand experience with what it’s like to be a camp parent and a rich understanding of the growth and development that takes place in these programs. Luke’s post secondary education includes Kinesiology at the University of Calgary and Civil Engineering at Camosun College. He served as President of the BC Camping Association in 2012 and 2013 and continues to serve the greater camping community as an accreditation inspector for BC camps. In his spare time, Luke is an avid hiker, mountain biker, back-country skier and rock climber. He believes strongly in the importance of human-powered, outdoor activity for healthy development in people of all ages.
Hana Kucera (Juniper), Program Manager Outdoor Education
Hana joined Camp Thunderbird in 2014 as Program Manager. In her role, Hana organizes school fieldtrip programs to Camp Thunderbird, runs Wild Mind teacher Pro-D workshops and supports summer camp operations. Hana has been teaching and working with children and youth for over 20 years. She has a background in nature-based immersion education for children, youth and adults. Prior to starting as the Program Manager, Hana worked at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre where she taught undergraduate courses and engaged children and youth in hands-on marine science education. During her marine biology PhD studies, Hana founded the University of New Brunswick outreach chapter of Let’s Talk Science. Hana enjoys spending her spare time looking for and identifying mushrooms, trees, and birds, improving her rock climbing skills, and travelling to wild places.
Program Coordinators and Team Leaders provide support, direction, enthusiasm and leadership in all aspects of camp life. They use their experience in camping or child care to lead and supervise the counselling team.
Medical Volunteers are doctors and nurses who live on-site during July and August in our Wellness Centre.
Counselors stay in each cabin during the summer months. The ratio maintained is 2 counselors with eight campers. They provide around-the-clock care and guide each camper’s experience. By acting as role models, they demonstrate respect for others, themselves and for the environment. Their job is to provide quality, safety, excitement and challenge in all Thunderbird programs.
Counselors hold Standard First Aid, CPR “C” and Bronze Cross certifications. Staff attend extensive training before their work begins and on a continual basis. Additionally, many staff have guiding certifications, advanced first aid and advanced lifeguarding qualifications.
Camp Commitment
Camp Thunderbird strives to be a fun, safe and nurturing environment where everyone has a chance to be their best. All camp participants, staff and volunteers pledge to treat each other with dignity and respect. Behavior that prevents others from enjoying a positive camp experience will not be permitted. If necessary, parents will be required to collect their camper early. Inappropriate behavior including the use of offensive language, aggression, or use of prohibited items such as but not limited to tobacco, alcohol, non-prescription drugs or offensive materials will not be permitted.
The Camper’s Commitment is a very important aspect of Camp Thunderbird’s philosophy and speaks to our core values of caring, respect, honest and responsibility. We ask that you take the time to read and discuss the Camper’s Commitment with your child.
children and youth to belong, grow, thrive, and lead. The benefits of this in life are many but most notable are increased self-esteem, confidence, creativity, self-sufficiency, and leadership skills.
2024 JOB AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
| JOB POSTING | LOCATION | STATUS | CLOSING |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camp Counselling Staff | Camp Thunderbird, Sooke, BC | Casual/Seasonal | Open |
| Inclusion Support Counsellors | Camp Thunderbird, Sooke, BC | Casual/Seasonal | Open |
| Team Leader / Duty Manager | Camp Thunderbird, Sooke, BC | Casual/Seasonal | Open |
| Program Team Leader | Camp Thunderbird, Sooke, BC | Casual/Seasonal | Open |
| Waterfront Team Leader | Camp Thunderbird, Sooke, BC | Casual/Seasonal | Open |
| Expedition Leader | Camp Thunderbird, Sooke, BC | Casual/Seasonal | Open |
| Volunteer Program Assistant | Camp Thunderbird, Sooke, BC | Volunteer/Seasonal | Open |
To apply for a position please submit a cover letter and resume or application form.