Explorer Camp
6th - 7th - 8th GradeExplorer Camp
Hallmarks
We love the middle schoolers! Full of creativity and curiosity, they bring so much to their week of camp. Intentional programming for these camps is designed to meet the kids where they are. We love their questions and their searching as they begin to understand who God created them to be.
For rising 6th – 7th – 8th graders
For rising 7th – 8th – 9th graders check out Explorer PLUS
July 6-12, 2025
Tuition: $850 ($700 subsidized)
- (read more about our subsidized camp tuition)
- Sonlight aims to keep camp affordable to all even as operational costs continue to increase.
Arrival Time: 4:30 – 5:30 Sunday
Departure: 8:00 am Saturday morning is a continental breakfast for campers and staff. We’ll have a short closing program at 8:30 am
What to Bring to Explorer Camp
Camperships are available:
Additional scholarships available based on financial need – contact Mary Marugg, Director to apply 970.264.4379 mary@sonlightcamp.org
*6th Graders may choose to attend Discovery or Explorer Camps, or both!
“Love the people, love the place. Love the difference you make in my child’s life”
Packing List
About Explorer Camp
The spirit of Explorer Camp is evident when you see groups of middle schoolers cooperating, experiencing community, accepting each other, laughing together and demonstrating some self-confidence. Sonlight values new challenges, activity in the natural world, valuing each person and appreciating the gifts they have. At this 7-day resident camp, youth take time to build self esteem, explore their faith so it becomes their own, and allow authentic friendships to develop.
With 45+ years of camp experience in our pocket, Sonlight believes that camp is a powerful experience in whole-child and faith development, a safe place to try new things, a place to unplug from our digital world, and an opportunity to be surrounded by supportive and caring role models.
Letter From The Leadership Team
Celebrating our 45th year, Sonlight has sought to be a community that lives out the Gospel in all that we do. Inspired by the mission, “Be with kids, and show them God”, we are grateful to be able to provide a space away for youth to simply be who God intends them to be. The Sonlight leadership team works diligently to provide creative and innovative ways to make this summer memorable, for both our new and returning campers, by thinking outside the box and learning more about current youth needs. Whether for a traditional resident camp or a Sonlight Adventures backpacking trip, we hope to make Sonlight a place of rest and joy for all who call it home. Thank you for entrusting us with the care of your camper – Sonlight continues its ACA accreditation so that our programs and facilities will be the best that they can be. We look forward to greeting you this summer with a warm “Welcome home!” and of course, fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies!
Meet the Sonlight Leadership Team
Sonlight Office – 970.264.4379
Banquet Night Theme
2025 Banquet Night Theme:
“Barnyard Bash”
I said a howdy y’all howdy! Grab your denim, overalls, and country wear for this year’s banquet night celebration. Think farmer attire* and all the fun animals ** you might find hanging nearby – it’ll be an udderly a-maize-ing time. As always, we love your creativity and can’t wait to see what shows up, back at the (Sonlight) barnyard.
* denim, overalls, plaid, cowboy boots, hats, western wear, etc
** cows, pigs, barn cats, horses, sheep, chickens, etc
FAQ's
How do you hire and train your staff?
We hand-pick college students through our selective hiring process. Pre-summer, our staff go through an extensive 10-day orientation and training. Our summer staff are oriented to child development, homesickness, bullying, behavior management and safety. You entrust us with your child and we do not take that lightly. We want your child to have the best summer camp experience possible.
Still have more questions? Call us! 970.264.4379. Visit American Camp Association’s www.campparents.org for advice, how to choose the right camp, the impact of summer camp on child development and helpful information. We believe in the benefits of summer camp. We hope you will too!
Activities
Our Adventure activities are intentionally programmed for the enjoyment and enrichment of middle school youth. Some examples of our Adventure Camp activities:
- Day hikes in the San Juan National Forest
- Team building and low ropes course
- Digglers (mountain scooters)
- Dodgeball
- Archery
- Frisbee golf
- Geocaching
- Daily worship and small group time
- Bouldering wall
- Sonlight’s famous “Messy Games”
- Arts and crafts
- Evening activities (dance party, thematic night games, etc)
- Themed meals (i.e. Mario’s Italian Dinner or Wild West Burger Cookout)
- Fort building
- Soccer and volleyball
- Campfire skits and songs
Camp Details
Camp check-in
- Sundays: 4:00 – 5:30 pm
Camp Pick-Up / Closing
- Camp is over Saturday morning. We will have coffee and pastries for all parents / campers and family members at 8:00am. A short closing program will start at 8:30am
Cancellation Policy
Should you cancel your registration, there will be a $150 cancellation fee. If you cancel your registration within 14 days of the start of the camp and we are unable to fill your child’s space there are no refunds. There are no refunds or pro-rated pricing for early departures or late arrivals.
For all options for your child, select the grade they will be entering in the fall
Sonlight is Accredited by the American Camp Association