Camp Sonshine
Overnight CampCamp Sonshine’s Overnight Camp Programs @ Solaris
is located just 2 miles south of Firth, NE (25 minutes from Lincoln, halfway between Lincoln and Beatrice).
offers campers a variety of team and personal challenges and competitions in a loving, community-based camp program!
Solaris Overnight Camp Programs
Select the grade your camper will be entering in the fall to see specific program details:
Journey: 3rd – 6th grade
Ages: The Journey program is available for 3rd-6th grade campers.
Duration: 4 Day, 3 Night Program, Monday Morning – Thursday Evening* (See Rates & Dates Page)
Program Details: This camp program gives campers a taste of overnight camp and allows them to try some of the many great activities and adventures offered at Solaris. Including but not limited to…go karts, archery tag, aerial park, team building, & open choice activities! Campers can count on building life-long friendships with camp counselors and their peers as they participate in the many great experiences planned for them through out the week.
Expedition: 5th – 9th Grade
Ages: Campers entering 5th-9th grade in the fall
Duration: 5 Nights, Sunday Evening – Friday Evening
Activities: Days will be filled with a variety of favorite Camp Sonshine activities such as archery, go-karts, sports, water games, electives, and more, as well as a whole new line-up of activities unique to our new location.
Campers are sure to build life-long friendships with camp counselors and their peers as they participate in the many great experiences planned for them through out the week. Evenings will continue to be filled with supervised large group activities, games, spiritual development time and opportunities to share stories and highlights of the day.
Leader in Training: 9th Grade
Ages: 9th graders
Duration: During 3-Night Programs (Journey Week), Monday Morning – Thursday Evening
Activities: At Solaris, 9th grade LITs get the opportunity to be a part of the camp program they love while learning and developing leadership skills as they are given hands-on experience in helping counselors with their groups of campers.
Overnight Camp Details
The following is some basic information about our Overnight Camps.
Activities
Programming includes activities such as archery, go karts, archery tag, swimming, fishing, boating, low and high ropes challenges, team competitions, time at the snack shack, service projects and much more!
Meals
All meals through out the week will be provided and are included in the cost of tuition. Occasional snacks will be provided but we also encourage campers to bring any additional, peanut-free snacks items if they choose to do so.
If your child has any dietary restrictions or allergies, you must include that information on your camper’s registration form. To make special arrangements, please call the office.
*For Expedition Campers – Please feed your camper before arrival on Sunday night.
Sleeping Arrangements
There are two dormitory buildings on the camp grounds. Each building is divided into two separate halves with separate restroom facilities.
Campers will be grouped based on gender and age and will be assigned to a specific building and sleeping area along with his or her group and counselor. Each camper is assigned a twin size bed. Campers will need to pack their own bedding to include a pillow and either a sleeping bag or sheets and a blanket.
Excursions
Campers take a trip to our Day Camp locations to participate in other camp activities such as paintball, the pool, inflatable water slides and more!
End of Session Celebration!
At the end of each session, we celebrate by inviting the whole family for an end of session celebration! We share in the memories made during the week and watch a session highlight video! More info found in our summer overnight camp parent guide!
Grouping
Campers will be grouped by gender and with campers of the same or similar age. You may request up to 2 friends to be placed with your child in the same group. Your camper’s friends must also request to be grouped with your child. We will do our best to honor these requests but cannot make any guarantees.
Specific Summer Information
Once registered, feel free to look at the Parent Resource section for detailed information you’ll need to know before your week of camp. The Parent Guide can also be found on our Parent Resource tab along with other helpful materials.
During the week before your session, you will receive an email with more specific information and important reminders!
FAQs
Here are some brief answers for some of the most commonly asked questions about camp. If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact the office.
Q: When and where do I drop off my overnight camper?
A: All campers attending Camp Sonshine’s overnight camp program will need to be dropped off and picked up at Camp Solaris’ multipurpose building The ARKK.
Camp Solaris is located at 2349 State Hwy 34b Spur, Firth, NE 68358.
Directions from Highway 77: Drive to Cortland, NE. Turn East on Apple Rd. Turn South on Highway 34B Spur. Drive .8 mile to Camp Sonshine – Solaris.
Expedition
Drop Off – 6:30-7:00 p.m. on Sunday evening
Pick Up – at 6:30 p.m. on Friday evening.
Journey/LIT Weeks
Drop Off – 9:30 – 10:00 a.m. on Monday Morning!
Pick Up – at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday evening.
Q: What do we need to pack?
A: A complete packing list will be included in the Parent Guide and also sent to you prior to your session. Here is a brief list of the most important items for campers to pack:
- Bedding (Sleeping Bag or Sheets and a Blanket)
- Pillow
- Personal Toiletries (i.e. toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, deodorant, etc.)
- Bath Towel
- Swimming suit and beach towel
- Closed-Toe Shoes (old tennis shoes are the best)
- Change of clothing for 5 full days of camp (shorts, shirts, underwear, etc.)
- Backpack
- Refillable water bottle
- Bible, Journal and Pen
Q: How did you get the name "Solaris"?
A: After about 8 years of being open, we saw the need for a place for our teen campers to go. Just when we started praying about it, we were graciously gifted a second site from a Nebraska camp. We named it Camp Solaris!
Solaris comes from two words. “Sol” is latin for “Sun” & “Polaris” is known commonly as the North Star. It is one of the brightest stars in the sky and historically is used for navigation. Our hope is that Camp Solaris points to the one true guiding light in the lives of our campers.
Want a tour of Solaris?
We’d love to show you around! Call the office or fill out our contact form to schedule a tour today!
Directions to Camp Sonshine – Solaris Location
Firth Location
Home Office
Call: 402-423-8746
Email: info@CampSonshineMemories.org
