Choosing an Accessible Camp

• Find out if the camp you are interested in is accredited by the American Camping Association (ACA) and if "standards for persons with special needs" have been met.

  Camp Thunderbird has been ACA accredited for several years, which means that we care enough to undergo a thorough review of our operation - from staff qualifications to emergency management. For more information about what our ACA accreditation means, please see the section below.

   

• Determine the age, training and experience of the counselors.

  Camp Thunderbird's counselors are international college students and professionals specializing in the medical, special education, recreation and related fields. Prior to the campers' arrival, staff complete a week-long training where they learn about daily living at camp, emergency procedures, behavior management, child abuse prevention, program activities and characteristics of specific disabilities. All are trained in American Red Cross first aid and CPR.

• Inquire about the ratio of counselors to campers. For people with severe disabilities, the ratio should be at least one counselor for every two or three campers.

  Camp Thunderbird provides one counselor for every three campers (1:3 ratio). For campers requiring extra care or supervision, as determined by the camp director, an extra $150 per day must be paid to cover the cost of a higher ratio (1:1). Campers with special medical needs must have already been cleared to come to camp.

   

• If possible, visit the camp to observe the quality of its facilities and programs and meet with the director.

  We welcome you to attend Camp Day on Saturday, February 6, 2010, from noon to 3pm. This is a great opportunity to come meet some of the staff and experience firsthand all that camp has to offer.

Our ACA Accreditation

Parents expect their children to attend accredited schools, and they also deserve a camp experience that is reviewed and accredited by an expert, independent organization.

Camp Thunderbird's ACA accreditation means that we have submitted to a thorough review of our operation by the American Camp Association (ACA). ACA is the only independent accrediting organization reviewing camp operations in the country and collaborates with experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Red Cross, and other youth-serving agencies to assure that current practices at camp reflect the most up-to-date, research-based standards in camp operation.

ACA helps accredited camps provide:

• Healthy, developmentally appropriate activities and learning experiences.
• Discovery through experiential education.
• Caring, competent role models.
• Service to the community and environment.
• Opportunities for leadership and personal growth.

What's the difference between state licensing of camps and accreditation by ACA?

Accreditation is voluntary and ACA accreditation assures families that camps have made the commitment to a safe, nurturing environment for their children. Licensing is mandatory and requirements vary from state to state. ACA standards are recognized by courts of law and government regulators as the standards of the camp community.

How do ACA standards exceed state licensing requirements?

ACA goes beyond basic requirements for health, cleanliness and food service into specific areas of programming, including emergency management plans, health care, management and camp staff from director through counselors.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How does Camp Thunderbird determine whether they can accept a camper?
2. What does "special needs" and "extra care or supervision" mean?
3. How early can I apply for camp?
4. What if I am having trouble affording Camp Thunderbird?
5. When are scholarship applications due?
6. Who approves camp scholarships and when will I know if we're eligible?
7. Are there any discounts available?
8. Who will take care of my camper's medical needs?
9. What do I need to send with my camper?
10. How do I send my camper's medication to camp?
11. What if my camper gets sick while at camp?
12. Can I phone or visit my camper at camp?
13. What tips do you have for someone who has never been to camp before?
14. How can I support Quest and Camp Thunderbird?

Testimonials

My son Bobby has been attending Camp Thunderbird for many years and loves every minute of his time away from home. He has made wonderful friends and adores all the fabulous counselors that Camp Thunderbird tirelessly interviews. They make sure they find the very best people to care for our special children. Bobby looks forward to his camp experience each year - as do I, knowing he is well cared for and loved by all the staff.

- Wendy R.

Tanya has attended camp for the past five years. When she first started going to camp, she had never been away from home. I was worried she wouldn’t last the entire time at camp, but she fooled me. When we picked her up, she said to us: "I’m coming back next year!"
 
- Rhonda S.

Jewel has been going to camp for at least 10 years. My daughter loves it. She loves the staff because they take good care of all of the campers that go there. She starts preparing to go back to camp the day I pick her up! I feel very comfortable; she’s safe and I’m satisfied. She says, “I can’t wait to go back to camp. It’s just wonderful!” If you're looking for a camp, think about Camp Thunderbird. It’s a wonderful place.

- Mary R.

Camp Day

Everyone is welcome to join us for our annual Camp Day on Saturday, February 6, 2010, from noon to 3pm. In addition to a fun afternoon of arts & crafts, sports & games, and a lunchtime cookout, this open house is a great opportunity for you to meet our staff, learn more about Camp Thunderbird, and see firsthand all that we have to offer.

And why not also introduce a friend to Camp Thunderbird on Camp Day? You can save $100 on your own registration by referring a first-time camper who signs up for at least a six-day session, and it gets better the more friends you refer!

To learn more about Camp Day, call 407.218.4300 or email campthunderbird@questinc.org.