Our Tripping Philosophy


For 80 years, we have stood by the philosophy that camping trips are a gateway to helping our campers develop a tighter sense of community, and a deeper connection to themselves and nature. Every camping trip’s goal is to simply have fun. We have developed a program that is designed to help campers progress in a manner that helps them build confidence in themselves. Each age group has age appropriate trips that they are allowed to participate in. All camping trips, besides the ‘village overnight’ which happen once per session, are sign up based exclusively. Campers that choose to participate learn that spending nights in tents, cooking over camping stoves, roasting marshmallows by the fire, and gazing up into a starlit sky is a sacred experience filled with wonder. 

Trips By Choice


Canoeing

Canoeing

Minnesota is the mecca of canoeing. At Thunderbird we offer a variety of trips for all ages.

Ages: 10+

Trip Duration: 3-7 days

Sailing

Sailing

Mastered sailing on Lake Plantagenet? We offer a five-day overnight adventure where campers and staff sail a 40ft boat on Lake Superior.

Ages: 11+

Trip Duration: 4 days

Fishing

Fishing

Fishing on Lake Plantagenet is pristine, but we also adventure to other lakes with professional guides to explore new terrain.

Ages: 7+

Trip Duration: 1-3 days

Climbing

Climbing

Take your skills from the wall to granite on the cliffs surrounding Lake Superior with professional guides.

Ages: 7+

Trip Duration: 3 days

Village Overnight

Village Overnight

Enjoy a night at one of our campsites at camp hanging out with your entire village.

Ages: 7+

Trip Duration: 1 day

Palooza

Palooza

Raft, Kayak, hike, explore! The T-bird Palooza offers you more with four days that you'll adore.

Ages: 12+

Trip Duration: 4 days

Biking

Biking

Bike with your best friends to the towns near camp for on an overnight or day trip.

Ages: 8+

Trip Duration: 1-3 days

Hiking

Hiking

Learn the fundamentals of backpacking on the Superior Hiking Trail.

Ages: 12+

Trip Duration: 3-7 days

FAQ


Are wilderness trips a choice or required?

All wilderness trips at Camp Thunderbird are optional.

Do I have to pack or provide gear for these trips?

Absolutely not, we take care of everything. For specific trips a separate curated packing list will be sent out to ensure appropriate clothing. If this process is a financial hardship, please contact our Directors.

What age or experience level is required to go on a wilderness trip?

All of our guided trips require a baseline of experience in that specific activity in order to be eligible.

How far in advance does he need to sign up for a trip?

Campers will be notified about guided trips at least one week before it begins. Slots do fill quickly, so they will have to make their own decision as to whether they want to sign up or not.

Are the trips an additional charge?

Climbing, Fishing, and Sailing all require an additional charge. When you complete your camper application you will be able to select whether or not you give your child permission to enroll.

Who leads out our wilderness trips?

Our Wilderness Trip leaders are carefully hired by our Directors. We hire the best of the best who specialize in the activities they lead. In addition to their skill sets we ensure that they have comprehensive medical training like CPR, and WFR certifications.

Teen Adventure Tours

Up Next

Teen Adventure Tours

Learn more about our one of a kind Teen Adventure Tour program.