You Are Part of the Story
In the 44 years since Sonlight led our first backpack trip in the Gore Wilderness, Sonlight has become home to thousands of staff and campers. We are proud that you are part of the Sonlight story – the experiences and memories that have shaped our lives and the world around us.
If you’ve been a camper, staff member, attended a retreat or hiked with us on a backpack trip we consider you a Sonlight Alumni.
“Being on staff I understood for the first time what it feels like to be unabashedly yourself, and for people to love who that crazy, goofy, quirky person is. I learned that you can love others so deeply, even when they’re different from yourself…. I learned that who you are is good enough, because it’s exactly who you’re supposed to be. Spending the summer at Sonlight was the best choice I’ve ever made, there’s nothing better than being here.”
If you’ve been a camper, staff member or retreat guest we’d love to re-connect!
Join our conversations. We love to share what’s happening at Sonlight and the impact of those stories in communities around us.
Photo Albums
Parents: You may view all photos of your child’s summer camps by logging in to your Camp In Touch account
And From the Sonlight Blog
Historical blog posts relating to Alumni
Backpack Season 2019
Next week we kick off the 2019 summer backpack season! We start with a new/old camp "Adventure Trekker's." Because of our long wait lists for all Adventure Camps (middle schoolers) we added 2 weeks of backpacking modified for 7th and 8th graders. It's...
Why Is the Upstairs Lodge Wall Only 4 Feet High?
We put up the first two rows of logs and built the main floor. So far so good. Next, we stacked the log walls up until we were at the second floor level. Then, we build the second story floor. Good. Now, it was time to add the rest of the logs for the second story walls. Oh no!
Camp!
It's those Sonlight traditions that we love!Chocolate chip cookies on arrivalGrilled cheese sandwiches for lunch on MondayPrayer circle in the meadow to start every morning before breakfastSaying "Hello Margie" on Sunday night opening...
Why Is the Trash Trailer Upside Down?
Why is the trash trailer upside down?circa 1994 Sonlight had an old utility/wood hauling trailer made out of a pickup truck bed and frame. We built a wooden box on top of the trailer with rear doors as a trash trailer for the camp. Sonlight had to haul its trash...
Shattering a Big Window With a Hula Hoop
Shattering a big window with a hula hoopDuring summers, the camp is filled with kids having fun. That is what summer camp is about. In Winchester Cathedral, a girl was near the back of the room and spinning a hula hoop with grace and expertise. This was not her first...
Legacy of Dorothy Mathers: Make Your Mark
Make Your MarkDorothy and Terry MathersFrom the mid-1980's through the early 2000's Dorothy and Terry Mathers faithfully came to Sonlight every Memorial Day to join in the Barnraisings, the work weekends when friends and family came to southwest...