Real Summer Camp. Real Summer Fun!
1940: Earliest known artifacts identifying this, Camp Shawondasee, as established by the Boy Scouts of America
1943: Lake View Cabin, the oldest cabin on the camp property was built overlooking Lake George. Lake View has been identified as an activity area, camp store, boat house, cabin, and many other purposes throughout the years.
1947: Shawondassee Hall was built as a longhouse that slept dozens of campers. Once camp was purchased from the Boy Scout of America, it was the main dining hall for Camp Thunderbird.
1966: The YMCA purchased Camp Shawondassee from the Boy Scouts of America and changed its name to Camp Thunderbird
1968: The first sighting of the legendary Hippogator by Samuel Tucker.
1997: Navas Lodge was built as the new dining hall facility with air conditioning. The lodge is also used for high heat and rainy days.
2003: ACA accreditation was received.
2006: The pools became private from the public and were used for only CTB. 2006: The zip lines were built as another activity to be use for older age groups.
2009: The alpine tower was added to camp to further challenge our campers to face their fears and climb just “Three More Moves” to the top.
2010: The first year the alpine tower was used by campers.
2011: Our amphitheater was rebuilt with bran new benches providing a seating capacity of 500.
2015: The camp road was widened and re-done. Kayaks, the shark tooth pit, carpet ball, knuckleball, and a dual zip line were added for campers use.
Our property is anchored by our six-acre Lake George, and offers:
•17 rustic cabins
•Sports fields
•Basketball courts
•Fishing docks
•Shooting ranges
•Amphitheaters
•Hiking trails, and
•Two zip lines ("Zippogator" and "Thunder Plunge")
•"Three More Moves" Alpine Tower
•Creative Arts Cabin
•Biking
•Pocahontas State Park access
YMCA Mission
The mission of the YMCA of Greater Richmond is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.
Family and child-center programming including day camp, child care, and father/child programs.
