Registration opens January 2, 2025
Explorer PLUS
7th – 8th – 9th Grades
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. Explorer PLUS is a unique week for older middle schoolers. Programming does not vary too much from the standard Explorer Camp, but conversations will be different with older middle schoolers and rising 9th graders. There will be some new twists on Explorer Camp, making it a great week for rising 9th graders as well.
For rising 7th – 8th – 9th graders
For rising 6th – 7th – 8th graders check out our traditional Explorer Camp
June 8-14, 2025
Camp Arrival: 4:00-5:30 Sunday
Camp Pickup: 8:00am Saturday
We have a continental breakfast for parents and camper starting at 8am, then a short closing program starting at 8:30
Tuition: $850
- (read more about our subsidized camp tuition)
- Sonlight aims to keep camp affordable to all even as operational costs continue to increase.
Financial Aid: Payment Plans Available
Additional scholarships available based on financial need – contact Mary to apply [email protected] or 970.264.4379
*9th Graders may choose to attend ExplorerPLUS or the Week Long High School Camps
About ExplorerPLUS 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.
This week will be a twist on Explorer Camp for older middle schoolers, and a good place for rising 9th graders as well.
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 loving 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!
Sonlight Office – 970.264.4379
Banquet Night Theme
2025 Banquet night theme coming soon!
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 fully trained in areas such as 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! Mary Marugg, Director: 970.264.4379 or Claire Madera, Program Director: 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 ExplorerPLUS Camp activities:
- Day hikes in the San Juan National Forest
- Team building and low ropes course
- Digglers (mountain scooters)
- Dodgeball
- Axe throwing
- 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
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.
Packing list
“Love the people, love the place. Love the difference you make in my child’s life”
For all options for your child, select the grade they will be entering in the fall
Sonlight is Accredited by the American Camp Association