An opportunity to unplug from technology and plug into community.
While honoring the many ways technological advances have propelled us forward, we are proud to continue providing the place and space for kids to leave behind the pull of constant interaction and find connection with those around them. Campers (& staff!) are asked to leave their cell phones, tablets, smart watches, and other internet-connected screens at home for the opportunity to be present. While there is the occasional “ I hope my friend is keeping my Snapchat streak” or “the latest episode of a show was released” what we’ve found is campers love the freedom to exist authentically as they are “offline”. Campers can live into a sense of childlike wonder without the worry it’s being recorded; they are able to ask questions, knowing the answer isn’t going to be an autogenerated reply; kids are challenged to meet inactivity with creativity – navigating problem solving without a quick fix response.
With transparency, the use of technology in programming has actually increased over the years to better meet our needs – computer use for slide projections, music for games, and even the occasional movie night, but what remains is a collaborative approach towards technology rather than a replacement for relationship formation. We hope to empower kids to continue opportunities to be tech free once they return home, having felt the positive impacts being present has on them and those around.
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.
