Sonlight has met the required standards to be awarded the MESH (+) Gold Seal! The Sonlight camp experience is built to intentionally promote improved individual well-being by building physical, mental, social, spiritual, environmental, and emotional connections that are fundamental to positive youth development. We’ve completed comprehensive training, implemented evidence-based practices, and created systems that support every person in our community, including the 1 in 5 U.S. children with mental, emotional, behavioral, or developmental challenges.
Our MESH(+) Commitment
Mental, emotional, and social health shape every part of the camp experience at Sonlight Camp. Utilizing the MESH (+) framework, we’ve built programs that provide stability and connection by integrating mind, nature, and spirituality with individual character development and communal engagement. Our team is focused on providing positive childhood experiences to help develop the skills of connection and resilience that enable campers to thrive both at camp and beyond. We maintain ongoing screening processes and care measures that respond to both community and individual camper needs. This preparation allows us to focus on what matters most: camper growth, safety, health, and belonging in an intentionally positive environment where connected care can flourish.
Awarded by the Alliance for Camp Health, the MESH (+) Gold seal is an accomplishment. But beyond a seal. the Sonlight leadership team can point to the positive aspects of programming, camper and staff experiences that show why the work is important. We’re proud to be elevating the level of care we provide at Sonlight!
CONTACT INFO
1536 Sonlight Place
PO Box 536 (USPS)
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
Be With kids. Show Them God.
Caretaker
Thom’s Sonlight connection began in 1990 when he brought youth from the Phoenix area to ski; that trip continued for the next 18 years every March. He then participated in a handful of adult backpacking trips before extending an offer to volunteer in the off season. After almost a decade of spending chunks of May volunteering he now calls Sonlight home year round serving “wherever is needed”.
Thom holds a BS in Communications from the University of Puget Sound as well as a MDiv from Luther Seminary, which led to his 35 years as a Lutheran Pastor. The initial driving factor of finding the best way to be in service to others was evident in his ministerial work and has translated significantly to his contributions at Sonlight in retirement.
When not fixing things or working on new projects Thom enjoys golfing, cheering on San Francisco sports teams, and playing the guitar. He has three grown children and two grandchildren.
Co-founding Sonlight in 1979 with his wife, Mary, the calling that began simply as a “small, summer only backpacking program” that turned into what so many call home today can be accredited in part to the faithfulness of Winston. His passion to creatively solve problems and find solutions is evident in all parts of camp. An avid backpacker himself, he also enjoys bike touring and has logged over 14,000 on his touring bike. Nowadays, he serves as Board Treasurer and Camps ultimate human resource, providing insight to all things property and Sonlight history.
Winston earned his BS degree in Social Psychology from Colorado State University. He began working for Presbyterian Highlands Camp before deciding to start his own program, with a lot in between it's probably just easiest to say “and the rest is history”!
In his free time Winston enjoys traveling, spending time in the backcountry, and befriending as many furry friends as possible. You’ll find him around camp with a cup of coffee and Truman by his side.
Camp Director
From her middle school years as a Sonlight camper to spending her college summers on Summer Staff to then joining the full-time team as Program Director, Claire can’t imagine any other way to spend her summers! Now, as Camp Director, she continues to bring Sonlight’s vision of creating a community of well-being to life through her gifts of strategic planning, creativity, and intentionality.
Claire holds a BS in Psychology from Regis University, where she spent much of her time involved in University Ministry. She served as a Peer Minister to first-year students and coordinated opportunities for fellow students to discover how they were being called to use their gifts in service to others.
When she’s not immersed in the camp world, Claire enjoys reading, just about any outdoor activity, and spending time with her three-year-old kitten, Frankie.
