Thursday, July 2nd- Tuesday, July 7th, 2026

The Unitarian Universalist Community of El Paso sponsors Camp Thunderbird, a family camp nestled among the pines of the Gila National Forest in southwestern New Mexico.

UU’s have been enjoying the Camp Thunderbird experience since 1963! Much has changed in that time, but the important things still remain largely the same. While the hundred-year-old pines still provide ample shade and soothing sounds of wind and birds, it’s not just the cool breezes and sounds of nature that keep bringing us back. We come here to relax, enjoy the company of old and new friends, and leave the noise of city life behind.

Please scroll down for registration, camp fees and payment options.

Activities

There is NO required schedule of activities, but you’ll find plenty of extended UU-style conversations on nearly any topic, along with casually organized activities that welcome everyone. Take a look at the Activities Schedule posted at the Lodge when you arrive!

There will also be an Adult Cocktail Hour from 5pm to 6pm daily under the parachute and simultaneous supervised children’s activities will be provided by the camp babysitters. With a wine and cheese pairing event one evening during cocktail hour.

Accommodations

The lodge and dormitory style cabins are rustic, solid and more than adequate to shelter us from the elements. They accommodate families, couples, teenagers and single adults. There are bunk beds with pretty good mattresses and a table but NO closets. You are welcome to bring your own tent, trailer or camper. A few electrical hookups are available. Nutritious, high-quality meals are served in the lodge three times daily: breakfast at 7am, lunch at noon, and dinner at 6pm. If you have special dietary considerations, refrigeration is available and some help from the kitchen may be obtained. Ice is sold at camp.

Other information

Campers 12 and over are asked to share in minor housekeeping duties such as setting tables, mopping, etc. Quiet time is observed from 10pm to 6:30am. A wake-up bell rings at 6:30am. PLEASE disarm your car alarm if you have one.

Location and Climate

The camp is located in the Gila National Forest near Mimbres, NM. The elevation is 6,400 feet. The temperatures will dip into the 40’s overnight and may reach 90 some afternoons. An occasional thundershower is almost inevitable.

How to get there

Go north out of Deming, NM on US Highway 180. After 24 miles turn right on NM Highway 61 (at CITY OF ROCKS sign). About 25 miles later go left on NM 152 for half a mile, then right on NM 35. Follow the signs for Lake Roberts or “Inner Loop” at each intersection. The camp will be on your left between mile markers 13 and 14.

For More Information

For Registration information, contact Andrea LeVasseur (Dre), Camp Registrar: andrealevasseur@ymail.com or 915-831-0714

Telephone number at camp (FOR EMERGENCIES ONLY) 575-536-9560

Please note that after June 15, 2026, we can no longer accept late registrations without charging a late fee of $20. Anyone under 18 attending Camp Thunderbird without their parents must be sponsored by an adult who is at least 21 years of age. This Sponsor is responsible for them at all times during camp. See policy for minors attending Camp Thunderbird without their parents. Adults must be fully capable of self care or bring their own helpers. While improvements are continually being made, the facilities cannot be considered handicapped accessible.

Payments can be made via PayPal, or check made out to Desert Conference Camp Thunderbird

Camp Thunderbird Registration

Online Registration for July 2nd-7th, 2026

Payment Options

Please make your check out to Desert Conference Camp Thunderbird and send your completed Registration, Camp Fee Worksheet, and/or other completed forms to:
Desert Conference Camp Thunderbird
4425 Byron St
El Paso, TX 79930‐4905

Downloadable Forms

If you prefer to pay with a check, you can download and complete the Registration Fees \ Camp Fees Worksheet and return them in with your payment.

OR

Open forms with Adobe to have the calculations done for you. Email all forms to Andrea LeVasseur at: andrealevasseur@ymail.com

Registration Fees Form [pdf]

Waiver and Release of Liability [PDF]

Camp Fees Worksheet [pdf]

Application for Financial Assistance [pdf]

If you cannot afford the full cost of camp, please complete and submit this application for financial assistance as soon as possible. Application must be submitted by June 15, 2026.

Minor Policy Forms [pdf]

If your minor child will be attending camp under the supervision of another adult, please complete and submit this form by June 15, 2026.