Quest's Camp Thunderbird

Although the 2024 summer camp season has come to a close at Camp Thunderbird, we want to take a moment to thank all of our incredible corporate and foundation grant partners! The Ability Experience beautified the cabins before the new camp season started and the Bond Foundation granted adaptive archery and canoe equipment to provide clients with additional independence.

A safe camp experience depends on an ever-present medical staff. Quest, Inc. thanks the VNA Foundation and the Chelsey G. Magruder Foundation for helping fund the registered nurse position at camp.

“Camperships” are scholarships that help offset camp registration fees for low-income campers. Those camperships are integral for many individuals to attend summer camp. We are grateful to the following grant partners for making camp accessible to everyone, regardless of socio-economic status.

⭐AdventHealth
⭐Zellwood Signal Lights
⭐The Bond Foundation
⭐Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism
⭐The Steve Griffiths Fund
⭐Zellwood Station Red Caps Inc.

You can help make camp a reality for someone with developmental disabilities next summer by donating here: https://questinc.org/camperships/.

Meet Bill, an avid camper who travels nationwide to try out different summer camps. After conducting online research, he decided to attend Camp Thunderbird. He described his decision as one of the best choices he’s ever made. “Everybody doesn’t have the same abilities, but we all come together. We are a big family,” said Bill. 💙 Read more about Bill’s story on the Quest blog.

For more camp fun, be sure to register for our Mini Camp Days and Family Camp at this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/upcoming-events-at-quests-camp-thunderbird-3574449?fbclid=IwY2xjawE1e9VleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHTqjJXGxJRwBP6M8g_DRnALd7yCKAI6OgvrzR_ON441wawgSzx_UKAdfhg_aem_v-F2q_dfmn4Tgte3JoC3CA.

At Quest's Camp Thunderbird, we love spending time soaking in the great outdoors and what better way to keep the fun going than kicking off this year’s Family Camp and Mini Camp Days! 🌲

Family Camp allows families to enjoy a day out in the beautiful surroundings of Camp Thunderbird together. Whereas, Mini Camp Days are designed specifically for adults with developmental disabilities.

Both programs will include a variety of traditional camp activities including archery, canoeing, swimming, nature walks, s’mores and more! Click here for more information: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/upcoming-events-at-quests-camp-thunderbird-3574449

We had another unforgettable summer camp season full of fun-filled activities, community engagements and lifelong memories. “It’s bittersweet. Summer is the best part of the year. It is a joy and privilege to help our guests get a break and have fun at camp,” said Meggie Hall, camp assistant program director. Read more details about the camp summer season on the Quest blog. P.S. More information about this fall's Family Camp and Camp Days to come!

Another Unforgettable Summer at Quest’s Camp Thunderbird - Quest, Inc. Discover the highlights of Camp Thunderbird's summer adventures featuring fun-filled activities, community engagement, and more.

As summer begins to wind down, it’s time for this year’s Quest Camp Thunderbird campers to pack up their bags and reflect on all the lifelong memories they made. We are sad to see this year’s summer sessions come to an end, but we look forward to our off-season programs starting back up including family camp, evening socials and mini camp days. ⛺ Stay tuned for more details!

This week, our camp guests had the chance to experience a sprinkle of Disney magic thanks to Disney's VoluntEARS. ✨ 🐭 Their team brought an interactive Disney-themed scavenger hunt to Camp Thunderbird. Camp guests and team members gathered together to find hidden Disney stickers while creating unforgettable memories!

Meet Lucy, one of Camp Thunderbird’s outstanding counselors! Before heading to camp, Lucy worked at a school for children with disabilities in the UK, where she developed a love for working with those with developmental disabilities. Now, she brings that same passion to camp, where she finds joy in witnessing the transformation of more reserved camp guests coming out of their shells.

Nothing brightens our day like seeing our guests' smiling faces at the pool! ☀️

Our camp counselors really know how to throw a party – just check out this epic foam extravaganza. Watching our campers enjoy every bubbly moment was so much fun! 💚🫧

Say hello to Emma, one of our incredible counselors at Camp Thunderbird! ⛺💙In her first year at camp, she has already made a big impact. Her decision to work at camp stemmed from her love of dancing and helping individuals with developmental disabilities. Her favorite part of camp is meeting lifelong friends, bringing smiles to the guests’ faces and the support of the camp community.

We’re bouncing with excitement! 🎉⛺Thanks to the Universal Orlando Foundation, our brand-new jump pillow is up and running. This new addition is already a favorite with both guests and staff. Our new jump pillow is a great place to take a seat or enjoy some physical activity through bouncing.🤸‍♀️

Quest's Camp Thunderbird is known for its legendary dance parties. Guests come together to groove, move, and create lasting memories before heading home. Maybe we should call it Club Thunderbird? 🕺🪩

Our weekend stayover guests had a blast today at Fun Spot America! 🎢 Thanks to a generous donation of tickets, our guests experienced all the fun and excitement this theme park has to offer. We're incredibly grateful to Fun Spot for making this unforgettable day possible.

It's another scorching day here in Florida, and we're feeling extra grateful for quality pool time! 🔥🔥🔥

And that's a wrap on Kids Camp at Quest's Camp Thunderbird, which returned after a 5-year hiatus! 🎬 Kids with and without developmental disabilities enjoyed a week full of fun, friendship and growth in an inclusive environment. From arts and crafts to shelter building, archery and slime making, it's safe to say our campers had a blast!

Team building is one of the things we do best here at Camp Thunderbird! We'd love to host your corporate group for a day of friendly competition. 🏆

Meet Grace, our enthusiastic counselor from New Zealand! With a background in firefighting, she felt drawn to Quest's Camp Thunderbird's positive atmosphere. From leading camp activities to favorite games like 'Minute to Win It,' Grace is all in!

Her most memorable moments? The campfire singalongs and watching guests overcome homesickness. Grace's time at Camp Thunderbird has been transformative for her and our guests, bringing newfound self-confidence and an appreciation for life's simple pleasures.

Meet Diego, a team lead at Quest's Camp Thunderbird, who brings enthusiasm and passion to his role. Originally from Texas, Diego works in special education and felt compelled to work with individuals of different abilities.

At Camp Thunderbird, Diego focuses on meeting the basic needs of the camp guests and believes that genuine relationships create the foundation for the camp's success. "Our guests truly leave with a higher sense of pride in who they are," he shares.

Camp is back! It's so great to see our guests back at Quest's Camp Thunderbird. Our guests are enjoying a wide range of activities, from archery and swimming to basketball and fun group games. The joy and excitement are everywhere, and we are thrilled to provide a safe, inclusive environment for everyone to have a fantastic summer.

Join us in making unforgettable memories and building friendships. For more information or to register, visit questinc.org/camp.

Our team is here and excited to welcome our guests next week! Get ready for a summer filled with fun, adventure and unforgettable memories.

Looking for a fun and inclusive summer camp experience for your child? Look no further than ! Our commitment to creating an inclusive environment ensures that every child can experience the joys of camp, regardless of their abilities.

Our diverse range of activities engages all kids and provides a space to play, learn and grow together. We offer both overnight and day camps for young explorers aged 7-17, providing a week of unforgettable memories and valuable skills.

Join us in creating a better world for all children through the power of inclusion.

Register at questinc.org/camp-kids.

Supported in part by the Universal Orlando Foundation.

Spots are still available for our summer camp session for kids! Make new friends in an inclusive camp for kids of all abilities at Quest's Camp Thunderbird. Join us from July 14-19, 2024, for an unforgettable summer filled with fun, adventure and lasting memories.

Register today at questinc.org/camp-kids.

Summer is just around the corner! Enjoy the sunny days at Quest's Camp Thunderbird, where our guests love cooling off in the pool and making a splash. Don't miss out on an unforgettable summer experience.

Register today at questinc.org/camp.

He shoots, he scores! ⚽ At Quest's Camp Thunderbird, kids love the thrill of playing human foosball. Our inclusive summer camp is packed with exciting activities and adventures for children of all abilities.

Register today at questinc.org/camp-kids.

Our guests love expressing themselves through fun arts and crafts activities at Quest's Camp Thunderbird. Join us this summer for a season full of creativity, friendship and unforgettable experiences. Register today at questinc.org/camp.

At Quest's Camp Thunderbird, our guests enjoy a variety of engaging and fun activities that spark creativity and joy. We can't wait to welcome everyone to our inclusive summer camp experience.

Register today at questinc.org/camp-kids.

At Quest's Camp Thunderbird, smiles and friendships are at the heart of everything we do. We can't wait to welcome our guests for another unforgettable summer. Join us for a season full of joy, activities and lasting memories. Register today!

Our Summer Camp session for kids is back in 2024! Experience a transformative summer at our inclusive camp catering to ages 7-17. With both overnight and day camp options, immerse yourself in a week of fun and growth from July 14-19, 2024. Join us for an unforgettable journey of learning, friendship and adventure. Quest's Camp Thunderbird is open to children of all abilities, with or without a disability.

Our diverse range of activities engages all kids and provides a space to play, learn and grow together. We offer both overnight and day camps for young explorers aged 7-17, providing a week of unforgettable memories and valuable skills.

Join us in creating a better world for all children through the power of inclusion.

Register now at questinc.org/camp-kids!

Supported in part by the Universal Orlando Foundation.

We are only a few weeks away from our 2024 summer camps at Quest's Camp Thunderbird! We can't wait to see our guests enjoy activities like archery, making new friends and creating unforgettable memories. Spots are filling up fast, don't miss your chance to be here this summer!

Register today at questinc.org/camp.

What are developmental disabilities?

Developmental disabilities is an umbrella term that describes conditions that alter the trajectory of an individual’s physical, intellectual and/or emotional development. Developmental disabilities occur in the early stages of a child’s life and are present throughout life.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is one of the many developmental disabilities. It is also one of the most well-known. For this post, we will be focusing on ASD.

Continue reading > https://questinc.org/developmental-disabilities-101-autism/