DAY CAMP – PRIMARY GRADES K-5
For campers who completed grades K – 5 in June.
Day campers enjoy a fun-filled, five-day program and participate in age-appropriate outdoor and adventure activities. Day campers spend their time in groups of 8-10, learning outdoor skills such as canoeing, kayaking, archery, rock climbing, as well as participating in nature activities, orienteering, hiking, and swimming, all while enjoying new friendships with fellow campers. The staff ratio is 1:5, and campers should pack a lunch and snacks to fuel them for each long day.
Day campers are at Camp Thunderbird from approximately 9:00am – 3:45pm. Travel time on the bus is outside of this time. Review the Transportation section for bus information.
OPTIONAL DAY CAMP OVERNIGHT
Camp Thunderbird offers an optional overnight experience on Wednesday night for campers who are attending day camp that same week. Pre-registration is required. Campers participating in this event will get to have an extended day of exploration at Camp. Dinner Wednesday, breakfast and lunch on Thursday will be provided. Our Food Services staff will prepare nutritious and tasty food that meets everyone’s dietary requirements. In the evening, the children will participate in a campfire event (songs and stories), and then sleep over.
2024 REGISTRATION OPENING DATES
RETURNING CAMPERS
Wednesday February 21, 2024 @12noon
NEW CAMPERS
Wednesday February 28, 2024 @12noon
Returning Camper Information Click HereDAY CAMP PROGRAM INFORMATION
| Program | Date | Fee | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary & Junior Day Camp | July 2-5, 2024 | $411 | Register |
| Day Camp – Overnight Option | July 3-4, 2024 | $60 | Register |
| Primary & Junior Day Camp | July 8-12, 2024 | $510 | Register |
| Day Camp – Overnight Option | July 10-11, 2024 | $60 | Register |
| Primary & Junior Day Camp | July 15-19, 2024 | $510 | Register |
| Day Camp – Overnight Option | July 17-18, 2024 | $60 | Register |
| Primary & Junior Day Camp | July 22-26, 2024 | $510 | Register |
| Day Camp – Overnight Option | July 24-25, 2024 | $60 | register |
| Primary & Junior Day Camp | July 29-Aug 2, 2024 | $510 | Register |
| Day Camp – Overnight Option | July 31-Aug 1, 2024 | $60 | register |
| Primary & Junior Day Camp | Aug 6-9, 2024 | $411 | Register |
| Day Camp – Overnight Option | Aug 7-8, 2024 | $60 | register |
| Primary & Junior Day Camp | Aug 12-16, 2024 | $510 | Register |
| Day Camp – Overnight Option | Aug 14-15, 2024 | $60 | register |
| Primary & Junior Day Camp | Aug 19-23, 2024 | $510 | Register |
| Day Camp – Overnight Option | August 21-22, 2024 | $60 | register |
| Primary & Junior Day Camp | Aug 26-30, 2024 | $510 | Register |
| Day Camp – Overnight Option | August 28-29, 2024 | $60 | register |
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND OTHER FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Each year our community on Vancouver Island supports the YMCA-YWCA with charitable donations. These donations in turn are made available through Financial Assistance to families who demonstrate a financial need so all children may have a summer camp experience. Click here to make a donation.
LEARN MORETransportation Information
Registration in day camp INCLUDES bus transportation both ways each day, and children are picked up at the Downtown Y and the Westhills Y. Campers may be driven by car to and from Camp Thunderbird by a parent or guardian, if preferred.
Camper Drop Off Time
Times listed below are bus departure times, and buses do not wait for late participants. PLEASE ARRIVE 15 MINUTES EARLY to allow for bus loading. Guardians need to stay until the bus departs.
| Camp Program | Driven by Car to Camp | By Bus from the Downtown Y | By Bus from the Westhills Y |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Camps | 9:00am | 8:00am | 8:30am |
Camper Pick Up Time
Traffic on Fridays can be especially heavy please give yourself ample time to arrive. Late parent/guardian arrival further delays our bus service.Westhills: Bus arrives between 4:20-4:30 and continues downtown at 4:30 sharp. Children not picked up by 4:30 will remain on the bus and travel downtown.
| Camp Program | Driven by Car at Camp | By Bus to the Downtown Y | By Bus to the Westhills Y |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day Camp | 3:45pm | 5:15pm | 4:20-4:30pm |
| Overnight Camp | 2:30pm | 5:15pm | 4:20-4:30pm |
REGISTRATION, CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICIES
The YMCA-YWCA of Vancouver Island is a charity dedicated to building healthy communities and will subsequently be referred to as “YMCA-YWCA”.
YMCA-YWCA Registration Policy
The customer agrees that by completing registration and making payment into a single activity or multiple activities with the YMCA-YWCA that they immediately become subject to the activity or program specific cancellation and refund policy.
Camp Cancellation and Refund Policy
Cancellations must be received 30 days before the start of the camp session to be cancelled. All cancellations are subject to a 25% administration fee of the total camp cost including future payments. If less than 30 days notice is received, fees are non-refundable. All requests must be submitted by email to registration@vancouverislandy.ca. This includes all non-medical refund requests including but not limited to those due to camp space being unavailable for friends, siblings, and/or due to other summer opportunities becoming available outside of Camp Thunderbird programs. The YMCA-YWCA of Vancouver Island follows all Public Health Officer orders.
Medical cancellations will qualify for a refund of the unused portion of the program, less a $50 administration fee. In some cases, a doctor’s note will be required, at the discretion of the Camp Managers.
No refunds will be issued in instances where a camper is removed during a camp program at the choice or request of the camper or camper’s parent(s)/guardian(s) or is dismissed from camp for contravention of the camp commitment.
FAMILY INFORMATION BOOKLET
2024 Information Booklet coming soon. See below for 2023 information.
Day Camp - 2023