60th Camp Thunderbird

June 25th – June 29th 2023

Family Camp Sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist Community of El Paso in the pines of the Gila National Forest in Southwestern New Mexico

UU’s have been enjoying the Camp Thunderbird experience since 1963 – Making this our 60th Anniversary!  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 are drawn by the opportunity to relax, enjoy the company of good friends, old and new, and forget about city life.

Activities

There are NO obligatory program of activities, but there are extended UU style discussions on just about everything and informally organized activities for 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.  Wine and cheese (or other goodies) pairing 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 (your fee will be the same).  A few electrical hookups are available.  High quality, nutritious meals are served in the lodge three times a day: breakfast at 7am, lunch at noon, and supper at 6 pm.   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 10 pm to 6:30 am.   A wake-up bell rings at 6:30 am.  PLEASE disarm your car alarm if you have one.  They are neither needed nor appreciated at camp.

Location and Climate

The camp is located in the Gila National Forest near Mimbres, NM. The elevation is 6,400 feet.  The temperature 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

Scott White: uucep@uuelpaso.org

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

Please note that we can no longer accept late registrations without charging the stated 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.

[ For Downloadable forms, keep scrolling down ]

Camp Thunderbird Online Registration

This will not affect your fees.
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The registration fee is $25 for every person 16 or older.

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Ex: One T-Bird Adult Camper $25, Two T-Bird Adult Campers $50, Two T-Bird Adult Campers and their small child $50, etc.

The camp fee is $70 per day for every person 11 or older, $30 per day for children 4-10, and kids under 3 are free. If you are not going to be at camp for at least one night or more than one meal, the fee for partial days is $30. Kids do not have a half day price. It is $30 always.

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Every person age 11 or older is $54 per day.
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Children between the ages 4-10 are $27 per day.
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Children under 3 eat free, this is more for a head count.

PAYMENTS AND REFUND POLICY:

1. When you send in your registration for camp (assuming you do not pay on-line), please send two checks, one for the registration fee and the other for your camp fee. The first will pay for UUCEP’s overhead costs of running the camp, and the second for your room and board while you are at camp.
2. The check for your registration fee will be deposited as soon as it is received by the registrar. This small fee is non-refundable.
3. The check for your camp fee will not be deposited earlier than June 20 and may be postdated to June 20. This check MUST accompany your registration packet if you do not pay on-line. Registrations received without camp fee payment will be discarded.
4. If your stay at camp is shorter than or longer than you anticipated when you registered AND you notify the registrar of the change by June 20 AND you deliver a new check for the changed amount before June 20, then you will be charged only for the days you actually attend camp. This includes complete cancellation of your camp stay; in which case your camp fees will be refunded if they have already been paid.
5. In all other cases your original check will be cashed, and you will pay for the days for which you registered. If you stay at camp longer than the time for which you registered, you will need to pay the camp fees for the extra time, as well as the $20 late-payment fee.
Click or drag a file to this area to upload.
***Please sign & upload or send with Registration & Camp Fees Form***
Click or drag a file to this area to upload.
*Please complete for minors attending Camp Thunderbird without their legal guardian
Click or drag a file to this area to upload.

Payment Options

You can mail in your check or pay online.

When you send in your camp and registration fees make the check to “Desert Conference Camp Thunderbird.”
Mail or submit your check to:
UUCEP Attn. Camp Thunderbird
4425 Byron
El Paso, Texas 79930

OR

If you would like to pay online select the link below. NOTE: PayPal will charge a service fee. PayPal is not currently configured to calculate your fees for you. If you need assistance with calculating your total fees please refer back to the Registration & Camp Fees forms or contact Camp Registrar: Scott White

Downloadable Forms

Registration Fees Form:

Download this form to figure out your registration fees or continue below.
***Please complete if you will be mailing in your registration***

Camp Fees Form:

Download this form to figure out your camp fees or continue below.
***Please complete if you will be mailing in your registration***

Minor Policy Forms:

Please upload with your online registration or mail in with your registration.

Waiver and Release of Liability Form:

Please sign & date then upload with your registration or complete and mail in with your registration.

Application for Financial Assistance

Please upload with your registration or complete and mail in with your registration. All financial assistance must be approved by the Thunderboard. We will notify you of our decisions by June 30.