“The way of Jesus cannot be imposed or mapped — it requires an active participation in following Jesus as he leads us through sometimes strange and unfamiliar terrritory, in circumstances that become clear only in the hesitations and questionings, in the pauses and reflections where we engage in prayerful conversation with one another and with him.”
A huge herd of elk has been migrating thru Hidden Valley- lots of them! Capsacks are new addition to the store, most amazing caps ever. The Wichita group did some major work on the WildWest site- benches and a bigger fire pit. Katie and Jack are making big program plans for the new space.
Many hands make for light work. Our friends from Wichita Kansas are at Sonlight, doing significant work to get ready for summer. Cleaning, building, cookie jars, new decks — it’s been a productive week.
I stumbled across this post in a blog by a Pastor. I don’t know the pastor, but the words ring true.
- Mary
“The mountains are calling and I must go”
-John Muir
Sonlight was founded in 1979, as a backpack program for high school students. 34 years later Sonlight still has a vibrant backpack program, The program has a base at Sonlight, on the north side of the road, separate from the resident camp. Our season starts at the end of June, when typically the snow pack in the high country is melted enough for trails to be accessible. Some weeks we guide organized church groups, other weeks are Sonlight camps for individual kids. TJ Aguilera and Ashley Shoemaker are the 2012 guides, Nick Kohn is backup to the program as Quartermaster.
TJ Aguilera has spent summers at Sonlight since 2008. 2012 will be his second summer as backpack guide. He is from Tucson, Arizona studying English at the University of Arizona in Tucson. He guides for the University of Arizona Outdoor Program when he’s not in the Colorado high country in the summer.
Ashley Shoemaker hails from Michigan, and is an avid outdoors gal. She has logged trail miles on the Appalachian Trail, and instructed students both in the US and in the Dominican Republic.
She joins Sonlight for her first summer in 2012.
Still space in some of the Sonlight backpack trips: It’s not too late to join a trip for an adventure you won’t forget.
First campfire of the season- and a walkabout camp to see what’s what on the property. The dandelions are out in full force – the moisture and mountain snowpack are like June, not early May. We’re praying for rain!
Boxes full of 2012 sweatshirts and t-shirts are stacking up — we’ve got some pretty great designs for the summer.
It’s “water day” at camp. Nick and Winston are doing spring cleaning and check of the water system and all. We’re also getting equipment out, and all the summer recreation equipment ready to go. New this summer: Wiffle ball! Truly amazing fun to be had.
Summer 2012 Theme: Into The Wild. Banquet night will be an adventure, so don’t forget your wild outfit! Katie, Jack and Talene are making big plans for our Friday night.
Check out “The Wildest Places Left On Earth” : Discovery Channel.
May already: 21 days until summer staff arrive : 32 days until campers arrive : schedules coming together : and boy are we looking forward to summer 2012!
The Sonlight registrar- Sara Tyler is most amazing. She keeps up with the details of summer registrations, and all her communications with parents are so appreciated. She is a vital part to this whole ministry, working behind the scenes to make it all happen. Thanks Sara!
A reminder- * new* this year, you can pay your balance online! Using the same username and log in you used for registration you can view all the payments you have made for each camper you have registered, and pay all or part of your tuition balance.
Also to note- the Sonlight Carpool Board will be up the first part of May. We’ll have a link on the Sonlight home page (sonlightcamp.org) where you can post either a ride needed, or offer a ride to camp.
