Two Camps,
One tradition

Camp Thunderbird for Boys and Camp Thunderbird for Girls: located in Northern Minnesota on picturesque Lake Plantagenet. Two sleep-away camps, only miles apart, with a spirit of cooperation in a place that we call home.

Blacksmithing
Boys Camp

Ready for the best summer of your life

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Girls Camp

Making friendships that last a lifetime

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Family Camp

Family fun, T-Bird style

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Hear From Campers

Our campers live and breathe Thunderbird. They say it best!

I did not know that the past 7 years would actually change the person I am. I have grown as a person every summer and I’ve loved realizing what makes me happy. T-Bird has shown me the kind of person I want to be.

Allie P. Highland Park, IL Alumna

I was a little nervous at first but everyone made me feel comfortable. I made lots of great friends and had tons of fun. I loved the counselors and was sad when it was time to leave.

Andrew L. Chicago, IL First Year Camper

You guys are the best people I’ve ever met. You always make me and all of the other campers smile and feel amazing when you come into the room.

Addie S. Seattle, WA Current Camper

My first summer at Thunderbird was awesome. I had such great people and counselors in my cabin. My favorite activity was pottery.

Miles A. New York, NY Current Camper

I have loved growing up here and I would not be the person I am today without Thunderbird. It is such a special place and it makes my heart so happy that so many kids continue to come and love it as much as I do.

Cali E. Phoenix, AZ Alumna and Current Staff Member

All About Thunderbird

Rooted in a tradition dating back to 1946, Thunderbird continues to stay true to its past. We have always and continue to provide campers with a safe place to spread their wings, chart their path, forge profound friendships, and explore all the outdoors has to offer. Join our camp family and find your way home.

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Program experience

Looking for a program that will hold the interest of your child from seven to seventeen? Our multi-specialty and adventure program combination experience is unparalleled in the Midwest and perhaps across the country.

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See our facilities

Camp Thunderbird for Boys and Camp Thunderbird for Girls are set on 700 acres and more than three miles of our undeveloped and pristine shoreline that separate the two camps. With almost no daily boat traffic except for our own, our waterfronts and camp settings are ideal.

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Meet our leadership

By pairing a deep understanding of the world your child navigates, with a philosophy rooted in 7o plus years of camping tradition, we foster the ideal environment for fun, growth, and adventure!

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The Best Job You’ll Ever Have

If you’re looking for a summer job that just might change your life, you’ve found it. See what it takes to be a Thunderbird staff member.

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Kids jumping into the lake during summer camp
Camp Thunderbird boys camp councilor towing campers around a lake behind a boat
Boys walking together with arms around each other's shoulders
Camp Thunderbird alumni group shot in boats

Wilderness Adventure

Does the backcountry beckon? Are you up for the challenge of leading our older campers on one of our extensive multi-week adventure programs across the US and Canada? Well if you have the training and drive then you’ve come to the right place!

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Journey Home Again & Again

Once a Thunderbird camper, always a Thunderbird camper. With over 70 years of tradition, Thunderbird allows for campers to share the camp experience with parents, grandparents, and great grandparents. Each generation comes together to be part of the Thunderbird community and family.

For Alumni

Camp Tbird alumni hanging out

Thunderbird What You Are

Whether you’re introducing that TBird magic to your kids, giving the gift of it to others, or just recapturing a bit for yourself, home is always right where you left it.

TBird Swag

Visit the trading post and get all your Thunderbird gear.

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Make a difference

Donate to The Camp Thunderbird and John Austin Cheley Charitable Foundations

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Family Camp

There’s nothing like showing your kids what it’s all about at family camp.

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Are you ready to choose your adventure?