Camp Leadership

YMCA Camp Thunderbird Leadership

Dave Hennessey, Camping Services Director

In 2012, Dave "Chief Laughing Bear" Hennessey is celebrating his 11th summer leading camp programs with the YMCA!  Starting as a counselor at YMCA Camp Creekwood, Dave worked his way through college at the Blue Ash Y in Cincinnati. After graduating from Northern Kentucky University in 2007, Dave joined the ranks at YMCA Camp Bernie in New Jersey.  And after a stop in New Hampshire at the Goffstown Allard Center YMCA and its Camp Halfmoon, Dave is pleased to have permanently landed in Richmond.

Dave oversees year-round operations at Camp Thunderbird including Summer Day Camp, Y-Guides & Y-Princesses, and all rentals and camp usage.

For Dave's contact information, click here.

Sandy Bergenhagen, Aquatic Director

Sandy began her YMCA career as a teen lifeguard at YMCA Camp Thunderbird over 25 years ago.  She then went on to serve as a swim instructor and Aquatic Coordinator.  Today, as the Director, she oversees all aquatic programs year-round at the Manchester Family YMCA, including swim lessons, water fitness classes, and the Manchester Marlins swim team. 

During the summer months, Sandy joins us at YMCA Camp Thunderbird to run our outdoor pool facility, providing swim lessons and aquatic programming daily for all of our campers. 

Sandy knows everyone at the YMCA and knows almost everyone in Richmond.  If you learned to swim at the YMCA, there's a good chance that Sandy taught you!

For Sandy's contact information, click here.

Manchester Family YMCA Leadership

Mary Kay Gates, Executive Director

As Executive Director of both YMCA Camp Thunderbird and the Manchester Family YMCA, Mary Kay has an experienced past in virtually every area of YMCA programming, including aquatics, child care, camping, and youth sports.  Mary Kay provided critical leadership to the Powhatan Family YMCA, before moving to the Manchester Y.

For Mary Kay's contact information, click here.