The good folks who make it happen
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.
Founder | Executive Director
Co-founding Sonlight with her husband, Winston, Mary has worn just about every hat one could at camp! Currently serving as our Executive Director, she drives forth the mission in all that she does whether through administrative work or in the kitchen. Her natural invitation of warmth, hospitality, and connection for our community is foundational to the culture we strive to emulate.
Mary is a licensed RN, working as an ER nurse for many years during the early years of Camp. Her involvement with ACH (Alliance for Camp Health) propels Sonlight to continually evaluate their best use practices for population health and wellness. Certified as a Wilderness First Responder, ServeSafe Manager and holds CampWell training.
When not leading camp, you’ll find Mary biking or hiking the trails, tele-skiing and knitting.
Program Director
Beginning as a google search, looking for a fun summer job in Colorado, led Joey to Sonlight back in 2017. As a Summer Staffer, he was quick to see the impact of intentional relationship building that could happen alongside the chaos of camp. Despite a handful of summers away to pursue other aspirations, he remained connected to Sonlight - speaking for some high school sessions and assisting with program vision. In 2025, Joey made the move from Texas to Pagosa to join the year round team, serving part time as Program Director while maintaining his other job as a Social Worker.
Joey, LCSW, graduated with BSW from UMHB before obtaining his MSW from the University of Houston. His experience is working with youth and families in non-profits and the education system, focusing on fostering resilience.
When not leading energizers, you can find Joey exploring his new mountainous backyard with his dog, Diego, or enjoying seasonal flavors at a coffee shop.
Camp Director
Wandering onto property on the last day of camp in 2015,Truman knew EXACTLY where he was meant to be! Originally from a cattle ranch up the road, he was insistent on becoming a camp dog, choosing to return back time and time again. He takes his role of Head Camp Dog very seriously - cleaning up after burger cookouts, leading guests on hikes around property, and standing in for pets by those missing their own furry friends back home.
With little real training, Truman can perform an impressive amount of tricks: navigating backcountry trails like a pro (hiking 602 miles on the Colorado Trail in 2018), catching treats in the air, and most notably, leaving all the camp cats alone.
He enjoys long walks and road trips with his people, as well as finding shady spots for naps around property. His favorite season is Winter and favorite snack is vanilla ice cream.
