Thunderbird is the high-adventure alternative program at Camp Tahquitz, built for older Scouts who want summer camp with their troop but have outgrown the traditional week of merit badge classes. It runs during every summer camp session at no extra cost, and provisional Scouts are welcome to attend on their own, even if their troop isn’t going. Thunderbird participants head to a remote corner of the property most campers never see, form patrols for the week, and plan their own program: each patrol chooses which activities to do and when, from Thunderbird’s menu-based approach.
Sleep in the Treetops
Thunderbird is the only camp program in the West to offer a night sleeping on the wire, nestled among the treetops. The wire night is part of our High COPE program: Scouts spend the night 35 feet up among the trees, secured in a full body harness the entire time. It is the story they will tell for years.
Experience Focused
Rather than drafting activities based on an established merit badge or Scouting award, the program focuses on emergent opportunities, practical skill development, and most importantly plain old invigorating fun. Past activities have included black powder rifle shooting, COPE (low and high), field archery, midnight poetry readings, Zorch!, digging the most ginormous hole we can, wooden mug carving, movie night in the pool, theater and stagecraft swordplay lessons, and Artemis: Spaceship Bridge Simulator.
Quick Facts
| Who | Older Scouts attending Tahquitz Summer Camp with their unit, plus provisional Scouts attending on their own, so your Scout can come even if their troop isn’t |
| When | Offered during every Tahquitz Summer Camp session, June 21 to July 25, 2026 |
| Where | A remote corner of Camp Tahquitz, 41700 State Hwy 38, Angelus Oaks, CA |
| Cost | Same as the standard camp fee. No extra charge for Thunderbird |
| How to join | Choose Thunderbird when registering for Tahquitz Summer Camp, with your unit or as a provisional Scout |
Summer Camp Dates & Registration
Questions? Contact Kevin Folkerts, Council Program Director