Summer Theme: HOPE
This summer, our theme was HOPE — the kind that doesn’t fade when life gets hard, but anchors the soul in Jesus. All summer long, campers learned that hope isn’t wishful thinking — it’s confidence in God’s promises. Whether through group devotions, worship, or one-on-one conversations with counselors, we watched campers discover that true hope has a name: Jesus.
“May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” — Romans 15:13
We saw hope come alive in the laughter of campers overcoming fears, in leaders finding purpose, and in every heart reminded that God’s light still shines brightest in dark times.
📊 By the Numbers — A Summer to Remember
- 4112 Spots were filled by 3090 Campers who experienced Christ-centered adventures
- 123 Summer Staff representing 6 countries
- 157 LITs (Leaders in Training) growing in confidence and faith
- 66 Assistant Counselors serving shoulder-to-shoulder with senior staff
- 10 Weeks of Camp across three locations (Sonshine, Shiloh & Solaris)
- $11,460 in Scholarships awarded to campers in need
- $201,102 Raised toward paying off the new SCHEELS Gym
- 4 Summer staff entered RISE – our year round paid internship!
- 1 BIG Goal: Raising up 12 high-capacity camp leaders to build the Kingdom
Each number tells a story of friendships formed, faith awakened, and leaders unleashed.
🌟 The Power of Camp
Leader in Training Spotlight: Middle School School Bible Study
This summer, Ari served as one of our LIT Counselors — mentoring and supporting groups of 7th–9th grade girls as they learned how to serve younger campers. Each week, Ari poured into her LIT girls through intentional one-on-one conversations, moments of laughter, and time spent in God’s Word.
The LIT girls adored her energy, encouragement, and the way she made faith feel real and relevant. Whether they were leading games, helping younger campers at activities, or praying together in group times, Ari helped them see that leadership begins with loving and serving others like Jesus.
But the impact didn’t stop when summer ended. After camp, several of her LIT girls who attend the same school reached out, saying they wanted to keep learning about the Bible together. Inspired by their hunger to grow, Ari started a student-led Bible study that now meets during lunch breaks — continuing the same discipleship and community that began at camp.
“It’s so cool to see how God is still working in our hearts even after camp,” Ari shared. “The same hope we talked about all summer is now spreading in our school!”
Ari’s story reminds us that camp is just the beginning — when young leaders catch a vision for God’s Kingdom, they carry it wherever they go.
Counselor Impact Story: Chloe’s Heart for Hope
This summer at Solaris, Chloe stepped into her first year as an overnight camp counselor — expecting to spend her days at day camp with elementary school aged campers. But God had something even more meaningful in store. Very quickly, Chloe discovered a deep passion for walking alongside our upper elementary and middle school campers, whose questions, honesty, and life experiences opened the door for powerful ministry moments.
Instead of shying away from difficult situations, Chloe leaned in, listening with compassion and gently pointing them to the hope we have in Jesus. She reminded them that God sees them, loves them, and promises to be near to the brokenhearted.
Throughout the summer, Chloe lived out the Gospel in the most tangible ways: through patient conversations, late-night prayers, laughter that made campers feel safe, and truth spoken in moments when hearts were most open.
And her impact didn’t end when camp did. Now back at college, Chloe is serving as an RA, carrying with her the same heart of discipleship she practiced at Solaris. She’s using those same skills — listening well, encouraging boldly, and sharing God’s hope — to support other college students right where she lives.
“Camp taught me that every conversation is an opportunity to point someone to Jesus,” she said. “Now I get to do that in my dorm every day.”
Chloe’s story is a beautiful reminder that when God shapes a leader at camp, the ripple effect touches far beyond our property lines.
🚀 Looking Ahead: What’s Next in 2026
As we celebrate all God has done, our eyes are fixed on what’s ahead:
💪 Finishing the SCHEELS Gym Loan: with pledges from generous camp families and supporters through the end of 2026 we are nearing the end! Participate in our end-of-year match to help finish this project!
🎉 20th Anniversary Celebration: Coming fall of 2026!
🌍 Raising 12 Kingdom-Building Leaders through our Internship & International Programs
✨ Expanding Camp Sonshine International in Mexico and Zambia.
The best stories are still being written and you’re part of them.
💛 Join the Story
As you reflect on your own year, would you consider partnering with us to make 2026 our most impactful year yet? Your prayers, volunteering, and financial gifts directly fuel life change at Camp Sonshine.
- 💛 Give a Year-End Gift → Learn More!
- 🤝 Join our Monthly Giving Team – “The Blueshirts” → Learn More!
- 🌟 Listen to More Impact Stories → “UNLOCK & UNLEASH” Podcast
- 🤝 Schedule a Meeting with Our Founding Directors → Schedule Today!
✨ Thank You
From all of us at Camp Sonshine, thank you! By sending your campers, volunteering your time or resources, or serving as a member of our team, you are believing in the power of camp. Because of you, lives are being unlocked & unleashed for God’s Kingdom every single day.
