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 are drawn by the opportunity to relax, enjoy the company of good friends, old and new, and forget about city life.

Activities

There is 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!

This year's scheduled activities will include a Dress-Up Night  with a 4th of July Theme, with prizes in both a children's and an adult's category, Sack Lunch Day, during which there are usually expeditions to outlying points such as the Gila River, the Cliff Dwellings, the Cat Walk, Pinos Altos and historic Silver City, the 30th Annual Firecracker Fun Run (2 miles - walking allowed) followed by the No Talent Required Talent Show - always one of the highlights of the year!  The book "The World Without Us" by Alan Weisman had been chosen for a camp book discussion.  There will also be an Adult  Cocktail Hour from 5 to 6pm daily under the parachute and simultaneous supervised children's activities will be provided by the camp babysitters.

Other activities usually include horseshoes, games in the Lodge, poker,  arts and crafts, story telling, campfire sing-along and jam sessions (recorders, harmonicas, guitars, etc.)  If you have a musical instrument, bring it and join the fun!  You may also expect impromptu softball, basketball  and water balloon volleyball games and sunset strolls along the continental divide.  Bird watchers and hikers will find plenty to do in the Gila National Forest.  We are always open to ideas for new activities so bring your imagination and participatory spirit!

Please Note:  The Mimbres Museum will be open on July 2 this year.  Please plan to attend that day if interested, as it will be closed through July 10 for Independence Day observances.

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 about 8 miles from 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.

Guys Talking

For More Information

Pat White (Thunderbird co-Chair)  915-591-3562 pat_white@hotmail.com

Carol Veit (Thunderbird co-Chair)
915-594-1555 caveit@sbcglobal.net

Joe Knapka (Registrar) 915-549-5098
jknapka@kneuro.net

Alex Ceely    915-842-8603 alexmvsc@elp.rr.com

John Dart    915-755-2931 johndart37@sbcglobal.net

Deborah Simon  915-422-7250  dpsimon@episd.org

Telephone number at camp

(FOR EMERGENCIES ONLY)

505-536-9560

Cliff Dwellings

Hiking

What to bring

Bedding or sleeping bags, pillows, towels, raingear, clothing for both warm and cool weather, walking shoes, sunscreen, flashlight, folding chair, and insect repellant.  You may also want to bring an ice chest, swimsuit, canteen, musical instruments, games, arts & crafts supplies, camera, and munchies to share and beverages for the cocktail hour.

Please don’t bring:  Firearms, BB guns or fireworks.  Do NOT bring any animals.  Please don’t bring radios or tape players unless you are willing to play them very softly and away from other persons.

Spirit Canyon

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.

Registration and fees

Camp begins with supper on Wednesday July 2, and closes with lunch on Monday, July 7.  You may attend the entire time or any part, but the Registrar MUST know when you plan to arrive and depart.  Registration fees must be returned with your registration form by June 1, 2008.

NEW THIS YEAR:  You MUST sign in at the lodge upon arrival.  Parking places will be designated upon sign in.

Registration and Late Fees are refundable prior to June 15, non refundable after.  

Your camp fee will be the same whether or not you eat meals in the lodge and regardless of whether or not you bring your own sleeping accommodations.

Camp fees for partial days will be assessed at the full rate for anyone arriving before lunch or departing after lunch.  The camp fee will be one-half the normal rate for anyone arriving after lunch or departing before lunch. (July 2 and July 7 are regarded as half days for everyone).

Drop In Fee is $3.  Check in at Lodge immediately Upon Arrival.  Meals are extra for drop in guests and are priced at:  Breakfast-$6, Lunch-$7, Dinner-$9.

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

Camp fees are payable upon arrival, preferably by check payable to Desert Camp.  Anyone under 17 must be accompanied by a responsible adult for the duration of his/her stay.  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.

Financial aid:  Limited camperships are available for dishwashing and child care.  The Ray Ashworth Memorial Fund and Desert Camp provide scholarships based on financial need or the ability to provide a service to other campers, such as a workshop.  If you are interested in any kind of financial aid, you must fill out the financial aid form and return it to Joe Knapka by May 15.  Please contact Pat Whit or Carol Veit  for information.

Read about

Mimbres Valley, Lake Roberts, Gila Hot Springs — trail of the mountain spirits