Frequently Asked Questions
Below we have answered some of the more common questions we receive. If however, your question is not answered below, please contact us or ask us your question on the request information page, and we'll be glad to help you. Alternatively, you can check our Parent Guide for tons of helpful information.
- Why should our familily choose Camp Sonshine?
- Why did you change to 1-week sessions?
- How do I know if Camp Sonshine is a good fit for my child?
- What should children bring to camp?
- What is your safe footwear policy?
- What is your ratio for campers to staff?
- What is a typical day like?
- Do you provide transportation?
- What if my child doesn't know anyone?
- Do you have a scholarship program?
- Can I drop-off/pick-up my child early/late?
- Do you serve lunch?
- How old do campers have to be?
- What is your tax ID?
Why should our family choose Camp Sonshine?
For more than 30 years, Camp Sonshine has been helping kids be successful in the business of growing up. We create a safe and incredibly fun environment where kids can be themselves, learn new skills, and have excellent role models. We believe that the Camp Sonshine experience will help families raise kids who will become all that God has created them to be.
Why did you change to 1-week sessions?
Perhaps the most common request we’ve had from parents over the last several years is to offer our incredible camp experience in one-week sessions. It’s not a decision we’ve taken lightly. While the scheduling and cost benefits for busy families are obvious, we wanted to make sure we could offer the same legendary service in a single week format. After conducting one-week sessions in many of our other locations (Nebraska, the Philippines, etc.), along with extensive camper, staff, and parent focus groups here in Maryland, we are absolutely positive that we can provide the quality summer camp experience families expect from Camp Sonshine. No matter how many weeks your child attends they will have an experience the'll never forget!
How do I know if Camp Sonshine is a good fit for my child?
We recommend taking a little time to get to know us. We are here year round to serve you and your family. After reading through our website, please feel free to give us a call at (301) 989-2267. We’d be happy to speak with you and answer any questions you may have.
What should children bring to camp?
On a typical day, it’s best to send your camper with a lunch (we are unable to provide refrigeration at this time), water bottle, swimming clothes, towel, and perhaps an extra pair of clothes, depending on your camper’s age. Also, please remember that open-toed shoes or sandals are not permitted. We recommend sneakers to help keep feet safe.
What is your safe footwear policy?
Please send your camper with closed-toe and closed-heel shoes. Sneakers (aka tennis shoes) work really well. Although Crocs and “water shoes” are very popular and comfortable, we’ve found that they do not adequately protect campers feet during typical camp activities.
What is your ratio of campers to staff?
The average ratio is 6:1
What is a typical day like?
Although we provide early morning extended care beginning at 7:15 am, most campers arrive around 8:45 am. After spending a little time with their counselor, they head off to our amazing assemblies to participate in game shows, skits and more. Or they might go to their first activity, such as archery or go-karts. After a couple more activity periods, they’ll stop to eat lunch as a group. In the afternoon, older campers will often head off grounds on a field trip or stay cool at our water tag course or paddle boat lagoon. On our legendary theme days, most campers enjoy special activities that lead them from one adventure to another. By 4:10 pm, we’ve accomplished our task of making incredible memories all day long, and we have the happy, tired, and usually dirty campers to prove it. We also provide afternoon extended care until 6:00 pm for parents who need a little extra time to pick up their kids.
If you would like further information or a sample schedule please call our Main Office and we'll be happy to give you further details.
Do you provide transportation?
Yes, we have an extensive list of bus stops throughout Montgomery, Howard and PG counties. Click here to see a list and schedule of all our stops. To see the complete details, check out our drop off pickup guide.
What if my child doesn’t know anyone?
Many kids come to camp without knowing anyone else. That’s why we train our staff to not only make kids feel welcome, but to introduce them to new friends using friendly “get to know you” games and activities. It’s our mission for every camper to have at least one new friend by the end of the first day.
Do you have a scholarship program?
Yes. We are thankful to be able to offer a limited number of partial scholarships each summer. There is an application process to verify eligible candidates. Please contact us to get more information.
Can I drop-off/pick-up my camper early/late?
Yes. Our Extended Care program is available beginning at 7:15 am (7:30 am at our Germantown location) and ending at 6:00 pm each day.
Do you serve lunch?
No. We recommend that campers bring their lunch in a soft cooler bag or brown paper bag. We don’t have facilities to keep food cold or warm food up.
How old do campers have to be?
We have programs for campers beginning at age 4. Campers are grouped according to the grade they have just completed.
What is your tax ID?
52-1285707
