WHO WE ARE

Sonlight Camp provides the opportunity to be who God created you to be. Living our faith through all aspects of adventure, work and play is our passion. The bond of friendships found at Sonlight is unique, we retain the reputation of being a place campers return summer after summer. Our programming is intentional to strengthen character traits such as self-confidence and resiliency through a faith framework.

Junior Camp

Rising 3rd - 4th graders
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Discovery Camps

Rising 4th - 6th graders
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Explorer Camps

Rising 6th - 8th graders
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High School Camps

Rising 9th-12th+ graders
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Summer 2027 Registration Opens January 2

Rates listed below are the full cost of camp. Tiered pricing and scholarships are available to make camp sustainable for a family to send their children to camp for multiple years. Read more

Camp
Dates
Grade(s)
Price
Availability
Registration
June 6–12, 2027
6th, 7th, 8th
$
1138 / $949*
♀: Registration Opens January 2
♂: Registration Opens January 2
June 13–19, 2027
4th, 5th, 6th
$
1138 / $949*
♀: Registration Opens January 2
♂: Registration Opens January 2
June 27–July 6, 2027
10th, 11th, 12th, 12th+
$
1539 / 1272*
♀: Registration Opens January 2
♂: Registration Opens January 2
July 8–10, 2027
3rd, 4th
$
470 / $395*
♀: Registration Opens January 2
♂: Registration Opens January 2
July 11–17, 2027
6th, 7th, 8th
$
1138 / $949*
♀: Registration Opens January 2
♂: Registration Opens January 2
July 18–24, 2027
9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 12th+
$
1138 / $949*
♀: Registration Opens January 2
♂: Registration Opens January 2
July 25–31, 2027
4th, 5th, 6th
$
1138 / $949*
♀: Registration Opens January 2
♂: Registration Opens January 2
* Subsidized Tier read more
Concerned about cost? Explore scholarship opportunities Cancellation policy

Unplugged Fun

Intentional in our programming, we provide outdoor opportunities for fun and connection in an unplugged space. Hikes, trails, shared friendships and adventures. We offer opportunities to try something new, and discover what you are capable of. There are few places like this in our world.

Genuine Community

Community is more than just a word—it’s a feeling. It’s the shared laughter at mealtime, the encouragement on a tough hike, and the friendships that last long after summer ends. All of our programming is focused on creating a community of well-being. We celebrate each camper and staff member, and all they will contribute to the community.

Faith Conversations

Be With Kids, Show Them God. We desire for kids to explore their questions, and discover who God created them to be. The mentorship of college age staff, the conversation in small groups and reflection times allow kids to consider their faith and make it their own.

CONTACT INFO

1536 Sonlight Place
PO Box 536 (USPS)
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147

 

 

Be With kids. Show Them God. 

Thom Stephens

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. 

 

Winston Marugg

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.

Claire Madera

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.