Wilderness tripping has been an integral part of the Thunderbird program since our inception in 1946. We believe that the backcountry experience helps campers to build self-confidence while developing an appreciation for the wilderness and the necessity of ongoing preservation efforts. Our goal is to educate campers on the "Leave No Trace" (LNT) practices while we provide them with a safe environment to experience the adventure, thrill and challenge of self-sufficiency in the wilderness.

All campers who express an interest, either as individuals or as a cabin group, can participate in overnight trips by backpack, canoe, bike, horseback, sailboat, van or kayak. Campers in groups of 6-10, along with a minimum of two trained staff, begin with day and overnight trips, progressing to longer experiences as their skills improve. A common progression is several half days, an overnight, a 3-day, 5-day, 7-day and a 9-day trip. Prior to departing on trips each camper participates in a program called "Outdoor Living Skills" where they learn LNT practices, weather and safety techniques and trip planning tools. By completing this program prior to departing on a trip we ensure that our campers have the necessary wilderness skills to gain the most from this experience.

Our 8, 9 and 10 th grade campers can choose to participate in our adventure program. We offer extended adventure trips in Minnesota and Wisconsin, the Western States and the Canadian Rockies as well as in the Pacific Northwest.

Adventure Quest

Adventure Quest (AQ) is available to four and eight-week campers who want the challenge and excitement of an extended trip.  Each session, there are two different types of AQ trips offered.  Campers spend the first portion of the session building their skills and then leave camp for a two-week adventure.

Highlights of AQ Trips Include:

	Sea Kayaking on Lake Superior
	Biking along Lake Superior
	Canoeing in the Boundary Waters of Minnesota
	Rock Climbing on the north shore of Lake Superior

Canadian Canoe

The Canadian is a 21-day backcountry canoe trip on Canada ‘s Bloodvein River. The summer begins with training. Campers start with a few shorter canoe trips in northern Minnesota, then move on to whitewater school where they learn the skills they need to make the trip safe and fun. This trip is not for novice paddlers.  It’s an extensive backcountry trip–the campers are on the river for 21 straight days, including numerous rapids up to Class III. All campers must have fundamental canoeing skills, and experience in portaging, swimming, and basic camp craft.  Our Canadian Canoe trip is an unforgettable experience–a fantastic opportunity to explore one of North America’s most fantastic rivers.

Pacific Northwest

The Pacific Northwest Trip (PNW) is an intense, five-week backpack trip in Washington State.  Most days will be spent in the backcountry, hiking 5-10 miles per day in beautiful, mountainous terrain.  When they’re not in the backcountry, campers will learn about the culture and history of the area, go on day hikes and prep for their next backcountry trip.

Highlights of the Trip Include:

	Visit and stay on San Juan Islands
	Whale watching in the San Juan Islands
	Backpack on the coast and inland in Olympic National Park
	Backpack in North Cascade National Park
	Day hike at Mount Rainier National Park
	3 day White water rafting in Washington
	Sightseeing in Seattle

Junior Leader

The Junior Leader (JL) trip is an intense, five-week backpack trip across Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon and the Canadian Rockies.  This trip is designed to give campers an opportunity to see a wide variety of very different landscapes.  As part of the program, we’ve partnered with several wilderness areas to implement a weeklong volunteer project.  This way our campers have the opportunity to give back to the community and see, first hand, the work that goes into creating and maintaining trail systems. 

Highlights of the Trip Include:

	Badlands of South Dakota
	Backpack trip in the Wind River Range, Wyoming
	Visit Jackson Hole, Wyoming
	Guided climbing school and summit in Grand Teton National Park
	Backpack/restoration project in a National Forest in Oregon or Idaho
	Backpack trip in Kanaskis Country ( South of Banff)
	Backpack Trip at Mount Robson Provincial Park

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