Reflecting on the summer of 2025 and the legacy of 45 summers before that, the Sonlight leadership team knows that camp has value. Fun, friendships, faith connections and adventures have lasting impact.
Summer 2026 brings a significant rate increase for Sonlight summer camps. It’s no surprise that the costs of operating a small not-for-profit ministry are escalating. In 2025 alone the Sonlight budget has absorbed an increase in fixed costs in five primary drivers of expenses (insurance, licensing, food, supplies, and staff). All are increasing from external pressure beyond our control and faster than we want to increase tuition.
Camp has value, the returns on the investment are immeasurable. We recognize the financial strain many face when trying to pay for camp and want to remain accessible for all. More than ever, we believe that experiences like this are extremely valuable for today’s youth. We strive to be flexible and are willing to work with families to help make camp possible.
The listed tuition is the overall cost to Sonlight per camper. At the time of registration you may choose the subsidized tier, a lower rate made possible by donors. Should the subsidized tier still be a financial challenge you may reach out to Claire Madera, Camp Director, for conversation about additional financial scholarship funds.
The Sonlight Leadership Team desires to operate with integrity and remain transparent in all that we do. The rate increase reflects that, so tuition is the actual cost to Sonlight per camp for a camp session.
Camp has value. We are grateful for the opportunity to provide a space for today’s youth to explore faith, foster meaningful friendships, develop skills and explore character; it matters.
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.
