ITK TIPS
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
