Because of its location on the shore of Lake Wylie, YMCA resident Camp Thunderbird has built a national reputation for its water programs, which include water skiing, swimming, wakeboarding, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, water slides and more. Camp Thunderbird opened in 1936. It is one of several YMCA camps located in the Carolinas. The 100-acre camp is located about 20 minutes from downtown Charlotte, North Carolina.