Pioneers are campers who will finish Grades 3, 4 or 5 at the end of the current school year. Some Pioneers will be first-time campers while some will be returning to Camp Thunderbird. Pioneer campers enjoy activities that challenge them to try new outdoor skills such as canoeing or rock climbing, while making new friends and increasing their own self esteem, independence and self awareness. Pioneer counselors are trained to support camper development while the campers challenge themselves to try new things, and learn new skills. Our years of expertise providing high quality out-trip experiences to Pioneer campers have shown that many campers have one of the best experiences of their summer during the out-trip. Others find that they are not quite ready for the challenge. Therefore, we offer campers and parents a choice of registering for a 5-day Pioneer Quest (which includes an out-trip) or Base Camp (which does not). The prices are the same for both. The 9 and 12 day pioneer camps have a 2-night out-trip. During the out-trip campers hike to a camping site on Camp Thunderbird property, sleep under tarps and eat food prepared over a camp stove.
Campers finished grades 3-5
• 2 counselors
• 9 campers
• 5, 9 or 12 days
• Swimming, canoeing, kayaking, archery, rock climbing, orienteering, hiking
• Singing, campfires and creative programming
• Optional out-trip for 5-Day Pioneers: Check registration dates: Quest programs include an out-trip while Base Camp programs do not.
• 9 and 12 Day Pioneers go on a 2-night out-trip
New for 2019 – Additional Pioneer Camper Options
All-Gendered cabin groups are now available in Pioneer Base Camp Program.
Ever wanted to be in a group with your friends who have a different gender identity than you do? Now you can!
These groups are specifically set up to support and accommodate campers who want to be in a group where gender doesn’t matter. Everyone who has finished grades 3-5 is welcome to register for these programs. There will not be limits on how many participants from any particular gender register in the groups – it will be a case of first come, first served. As always, we will consider “cabinmate requests”. The activity schedule will be the same as other Pioneer Basecamp programs. For 2019 these groups will stay in a cabin that has a private bathroom.
FAMILY INFORMATION PACKAGE
Information in this booklet is updated every year, and all of the information is vital for your camper(s) to have a successful experience. Please read carefully even if you have been to camp before! Life at camp is different from the routines and patterns of home. Taking the time to talk with your camper(s) about their upcoming experience is an important step in preparing. Setting a positive tone and clarifying expectations can really help your child make the adjustment. In doing this, your child will take the most out of their Camp Thunderbird opportunity.
Pioneers Base Camp Family Information Package – 2019
Pioneers 5, 9 & 12 Day Quest Family Information Package – 2019
2019 DATES AND FEES
Many Pioneers Camps are currently full. Review the dates below. Green dates have a few spaces remaining. To be added to a waiting list complete the online form.
Be Added to the Waitlist| Programs | Days | Fees | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pioneers Base Camp | 5 | $590 | July 8-12, Aug 26-30 |
| Pioneers Base Camp – All-Gendered Cabins | 5 | $590 | August 5-9, August 19-23 |
| Pioneers Quest Camp | 5 | $590 | July 8-12 , July 15-19, July 22-26, Aug 5-9, Aug 12-16, Aug 19-23 |
| Pioneers Quest Camp | 9 | $1041 | July 4-12, Aug 1-9 |
| Pioneers Quest Camp | 12 | $1352 | July 15-26 |
Transportation
Please be on-time(or early) and be prepared to sign in and out your camper by showing photo identification. Need to add an authorized pick up person email registration@vancouverislandy.ca
- Going to Camp by Car
Driving your camper… review the drop off and pick up times below. Approximate driving times: 60 min from Downtown Victoria, 45 min from Saanich, 25 min from Langford
Transportation Location Drop Off Pick Up By Car at Camp Thunderbird 5040 Glinz Lake Rd. Sooke, B.C. 9:00 AM 2:00 PM - Bus from Downtown or Langford
Bus space for overnight campers is limited and fills up fast!
Transportation Location Drop Off Pick Up Fee Each Way + GST By Bus Downtown Y 851 Broughton St. Victoria, B.C. 7:50 AM 5:10 PM $18+ GST By Bus Westhills Y 1319 Westhills Dr. Langford, B.C. 8:30 AM 4:30 PM $18+GST - Bus from BC Ferry or Victoria Airport
Busing is available ONLY on the specific dates listed and with limited availability.
Campers arriving via BC Ferries must ARRIVE on the 7:00am ferry and will DEPART on the 4:00pm ferry.
All campers ARRIVING by AIR to the Victoria International Airport (YYJ) must arrive by 9:00am. DEPARTING flights should be booked to leave AFTER 4:45pm. The earliest campers will arrive at the airport for their DEPARTING flight is at 3:30pm.
Please do not book any airfare until you have received confirmation that your camper is registered for their camp AND transportation. It is strongly recommended that you review the BC Ferries and/or Airline rules and regulations regarding unaccompanied minors.
Transportation Location Camp Start Dates Camp End Dates Fee Each Way +GST Saanich Penninsula Bus BC Ferries or YYJ Airport July 8, July 15, Aug 5, Aug 12 July 12, July 26, Aug 9, Aug 23 $51+GST