Sonlight’s First Summer…

Sonlight Adventures ( later known as Sonlight Christian Camp) began in the Fall of 1979. But, we did not run our first trips until the summer of 1980. We had a 3 week backpacking and bicycle touring adventure but no one signed up. We also had 2 ten day backpacking trips scheduled. The first 10 day, no one signed up. However, the second 10 day, we had two high school boys from Denver that registered and went on Sonlight’s  first adventure trip. Two boys and 10 days of backpacking, peak climbing and rock climbing with Winston and Mary. It was in the Gore Wilderness of central Colorado. July it was. What a great trip. Lakes, peaks, climbing, fishing, campfires and adventures with just 4 people….two of us as guides.

Yes, Sonlight first summer had 2 campers, took in $ 200 and spent about $ 5,000 on gear and equipment, a van and some advertising in Denver. This was not exactly a “good business model”. But, who cares. Sonlight Adventures was real. We took kids into the back country and showed them wilderness and had some good times.

You have to start somewhere.

To this day, 40 years after this small beginning of 2 boys and 10 days of backpacking, Sonlight Adventures (AKA Sonlight Christian Camp) continues to take kids into the mountains. Thanks be to God.