Our Goal
We program intentionally, desiring that Sonlight campers and staff have fun, be creative and silly, and to laugh (a lot). We provide space for faith conversations so campers can discover and deepen their faith. Creativity, laughter and conversations happen when people feel safe, supported, and connected. This magic happens because of intentional efforts from the staff to build a positive community experience in everything we do.
In a world full of to-do lists, anxiety, depression and expectations the laughter and creativity can easily be missed. How do we harness the magic of camp? We use the Digital Empathy MyView screening tool to give our campers voice. We are intentional about mental, emotional and social health (MESH+). Leadership staff implement CampWell training, which provides resources for creating a community of well-being. Resources from Sacred Playgrounds are invaluable for guiding the faith aspects of all that we do.
Youth Voice
The focus on safety and connection is our “why” for focusing on MESH (Mental, Emotional, and Social Health). The My View screening tool is a strength-based assessment highlighting participants’ voice in identifying worries about their camp experience and strengths within themselves. For example, if a camper identifies a worry about sensory overload in the dining room, eating in front of peers, and/or sleeping away from home, the program leadership team is able to facilitate subtle shifts (volume levels in the dining room, longer siestas, etc) to better support campers during their week of camp. When a camper uses their voice, and shares a worry with us, we act. Their trust is sacred and we honor their bravery by following through on their request. The screening tool also asks what keeps participants strong (pets, reading, friends, being outside or spirituality, as examples). Just asking this question reminds participants they have the tools, and can use those tools to be well. When a camper is struggling (camp can be hard even if all the right supports are in place), leadership staff can reference a participant’s screening results and help them incorporate what keeps them strong.
What the Campers Say
When asked about their experience at camp, campers had this to share because of completing the Digital Empathy My View Screening Tool during arrival:
“It makes it easier to talk to staff when something’s going on with me because they already have an idea of who I am and what makes me nervous.”
“Yes, I felt that people understood my needs better”
The CampWell initiative has given Sonlight staff tools and resources for creating a community of well-being. Camp Well is not a reaction to mental health challenges, it is a holistic approach to well-being. It offers a path forward to build skills in resilience, and managing challenges.
Space Set Apart
Sacred Playgrounds is an organization who bases all their work on the premise that camps are sacred playgrounds. Places where people explore their way to lives of lasting, difference-making faith. Their resources help guide our programming.
Our intent in focusing on MESH is to provide a healthy space where campers are part of a community that highlights how good and meaningful life can be. We know this work takes time and is growing. We believe this work is worth it because we have seen it change how participants show up (be creative and silly) during the camp session. We know kids are longing for connection; Sonlight is a place for them to do so.
What is our why for this work? You. Every camper. Every camper family. You are our why. Our hope is for every participant to feel safe, supported, and connected to continue in what they have learned and contribute to the larger community.
