Counselors/Specialists/Program Assistants

A camp is only as good as its staff.

Expect excellence at YMCA day camps. Our well-seasoned and well-trained counselors mentor and care for your child. Counselors, staff and lifeguards are required to complete a minimum of 35 hours of pre-camp training including, but not limited to youth and adult CPR, First Aid, AED, Child Abuse Prevention, and Daily Health Observation. We conduct background checks and drug screenings on all camp counselors and employees as mandated by state licensing. We train our counselors and staff in conflict resolution techniques and encourage campers to be inclusive of all and celebrate our differences.

STAFF TO CAMPER GROUP RATIOS

We maintain a direct staff to child ratio that meets or exceeds licensing standards.

FULL TIME STAFF

Jason Ching- Camp Operations Director

Bio: This summer camp season marks my 9th summer camp season with the YMCA of Greater Richmond. I started as a part-time counselor at the Midlothian YMCA. I attended Liberty University and received my bachelor in Kinesiology: Health and PE. I worked in 3 YMCA branches before moving over to Camp Thunderbird in 2016. My wife and I have a two year old daughter and live in the Chesterfield area.

I love camp because it is the best way to see positive growth in campers and staff! Camp engages all walks of life, and covers our main focus areas: Healthy Living, Social Responsibility, and Youth Development. All of this, while being a fun and engaging outdoor setting.

My favorite activity at camp is Opening Council because I love to sing, act in skits, and see all of the campers at one time!

My spirit animal is a Komodo Dragon- Stealthy yet fast!

Stephanie Schumaker- K-5 and Everybuddy Director

Bio: This will be my second Summer at Camp Thunderbird, but my fourth summer working for the YMCA. Before working at Camp Thunderbird, I enjoyed my summers in the Adirondacks as an adventure guide. I enjoy working at camp because it gives me a chance to share my passion of the outdoors with today’s youth.

My favorite activity at camp are the low rope elements. I enjoy how teams need to work together to complete a task, and how the facilitator can make it more challenging by adding obstacles like blindfolds. New this year campers at Camp Thunderbird will have the opportunity to strengthen their teambuilding skill by experiencing our brand new low rope elements.

My spirit animal is a deer.

Claire Smith– LIT and CILT Director

Bio: I have worked for the YMCA of Greater Richmond for about 5 years now, and I absolutely LOVE summer…specifically camp! Some of my fondest childhood memories are my summers spent at camp. Cooling off in the swimming pool, boating on the lake, screaming chants and camp songs to the top of my lungs, sitting around a campfire with a gooey s’more…it really doesn’t get much better than that. I made long-lasting friendships at summer camp because it is a place that is different than any other; where I could be my true, goofy, wild and outdoor-loving self.

My all-time favorite camp activity is SKITS! I love getting into character and making campers laugh, and skits typically guarantee a lot of laughs.

If I had to choose a spirit animal that I most identify with, I would say a raccoon. While most people call them “trash pandas,” I really relate to their opportunistic eating, playful and somewhat mischievous behavior, and they’re just plain cute.

Kendra Hogg– Aquatics Director

Bio: I’ve been working for the YMCA for 16 years. Prior to becoming the new Senior Aquatics Director here at Camp Thunderbird and the Manchester Family YMCA, I was the aquatics director at the Brooks Family YMCA in Charlottesville, the aquatics director and head swim coach at the Waynesboro Family YMCA, and worked every aquatics job possible at multiple branches and summer camps within the YMCA of Greater Rochester. When I’m not by the pool working you can find me in (almost) any other body of water open water swimming! I’m so excited to be back at summer camp and to work with your kids. I love watching kids confidence and ability grow as they progress through lessons, but more importantly, I love giving them a life skill that they also have fun with!

Catherine Kingston- Administrative Director

Kelly Hince- Adventure Programs Director

Bio: I grew up participating in Y programs in my hometown of Wake Forest, NC where my first Y job was at YMCA Camp Kanata where I was a resident camp counselor and eventually Programs Coordinator. I moved to Virginia and started working with the YMCA of Greater Richmond’s Adventure Programs in 2018. I live in Chesterfield with my fiancé Alex and our puppy Cooper.

I love Camp because it’s a place where kids can be themselves beyond the pressures they may feel at school to fit in to a mold. At camp you get to be the best version of yourself and there’s never a shortage of friends who will appreciate you for being just that.

My favorite activity at camp is Marksmanship and I am a self-proclaimed sharp shooter

My spirit animal is a leopard – bold but graceful (most days)

Theo the Thunderbird- Camp Mascot

Bio: Once known as the Thunderchicken, I once was a scrawny chicken that lived in hiding at Camp Thunderbird. In 2018, I wanted to prove myself to everyone and spread my wings. After an intense workout regime of camp activities, running, and healthy snack, I finally became Theo the Thunderbird!

I love camp because the great outdoors is a great place to be. I have so many animal friends like eagles, beavers, fish, bugs, herons, geese, and don't forget the Hippogator!

My favorite activity in camp is the spirit parade, where campers get to show off their amazing costumes every Wednesday!

My spirit animal is...uh...well...a Thunderbird!

Summer 2019 in Memory of John Edwards– Property Director

Former Camp Thunderbird camper, Summer Camp Counselor and CIT Director. Great to be back to help another generation of campers and staff.

I love camp because it makes a positive difference in a child’s life. Opportunity for independence, learning new activity skills, life skills and building healthy relationships that can last a lifetime.

Favorite Activity: Canoeing

Spirit Animal: Silver Fox or Grumpy Bear