Pioneers – Grades 3-5

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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

Registration Dates

 Priority Registration Opens Monday January 6 at 9:00am

Priority Registration will be given to campers who registered and attended in 2019.  Our system will recognize if you are a camper returning from 2019.  If an error has occurred, please contact Registration Services.

Open Registration Starts Monday February 3 at 9:00am

This is when all other campers including family members will be eligible to register.  This delay in registration dates is to allow returning campers an equal opportunity to return to camp in 2020.

Overnight Camper – Cabin Selection

Please ensure you select the gender cabin that you wish your camper to stay in during their overnight program at camp.  The cabin type can be found in the title and description of the camp on the Online Service Portal.  We cannot guarantee space should an error in selection occur.

2020 Camp Programs

PIONEERS BASE CAMP – 5 DAYS

PIONEERS QUEST CAMP – 5 DAYS

PIONEERS QUEST CAMP  – 9 DAYS

PIONEERS QUEST CAMP – 12 DAYS

UPDATED – 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.