Camp Sonshine
About Camp Sonshine
At Camp Sonshine, the pitch is simple and pretty compelling: give children and teens a place to belong, then help them become. That shows up in day camps, overnight camps, year-round programs, and family gatherings across Nebraska, with leadership development and international camp partnerships extending the work into Mexico and Zambia. In 2024, the ministry served over 4,000 campers at three Nebraska sites and almost 1,000 more at two international camps.
What sets Camp Sonshine apart is how wide its welcome really is. A camper can come for a week of day camp, a three-night overnight session, Hang Time, Grandparent Camp, or even a family rental or retreat, all while the ministry keeps its focus on faith, leadership, and belonging. The reach goes beyond Nebraska, too, through camp leadership training and partnerships in Mexico and Zambia.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Day Camps
Week-long day camps at Sonshine, Shiloh, and Solaris for grade-based groups including Explorer, Adventure, High Adventure, Teen Adventure, Trek, and Leader in Training.
Overnight Camp
Three-night and five-night overnight camp sessions at Solaris for Journey, Expedition, and Leader in Training campers.
Leadership Development Programs
Programs that help youth and young adults build leadership skills, confidence, and service experience.
Hang Time
Twice-monthly Monday evening gatherings for 6th–12th graders with games, snacks, worship, Bible teaching, and small group discussions.
Spring Break Camp
Day camp during spring break for K–9th grade campers with camp activities and bus access.
Camp Sonshine Junior
A three-day camp experience for Pre-K children ages 3–5 who are potty trained.
Grandparent Camp
An afternoon program for grandparents and grandchildren that includes camp activities, dinner, and shared family time.
Lil’ Sibs / Sibling Day Camp
A day camp for younger siblings, including preschool-aged children, with shared groups and camp activities.
Trail Life and American Heritage Girls
Chartered faith-based, scout-style troop programs for boys and girls.
Camp Sonshine International
Camp leadership training and camp experiences in partnership with ministries in Mexico and Zambia.
Facility Rentals and Retreats
Year-round use of camp facilities for families, churches, schools, and organizations.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
To unlock and unleash kingdom builders by leveraging camp experiences to create a place to belong and become.
Who they serve
Children and teens from pre-K through 12th grade, their families, and community groups.
Their impact
- In 2024, served over 4,000 campers between three sites in Nebraska.
- In 2024, served almost 1,000 campers at two international camps.
- In 2007, the first summer offered four weeks of camp and well over 100 children experienced camp.
How your donation helps
- Staff scholarship fund support for college tuition, mission trips, and living expenses
- Camper scholarships
- Capital projects and facility expansion, including the SCHEELS Gym
- International initiatives in Mexico and Zambia
- General fund support
Our story
Jeff and Trisha Keiser wanted to bring to families near Lincoln, Nebraska the kind of camp ministry they had seen in Maryland. After moving to Nebraska in 2006 and spending nearly ten months in planning and preparation, Camp Sonshine opened its doors to its first campers on July 9, 2007.
Stories
The people behind the work.
In their words
Camp Sonshine is one of the gifts we get living here in Lincoln. The counselors really care and build into the kids. That’s what kids need.
There is no judgment, no bullying, no one is left out or left behind, it is amazing!
Making Memories. Changing Lives.
Events
The Power of Camp
annualAnnual fundraiser and celebration event.
Give to Kingdom Builders Month
annualMay fundraising campaign for staff scholarship support.
Hang Time
twice monthlyMonday evening gathering for 6th–12th graders with games, snacks, worship, Bible teaching, and small groups.
Spring Break Camp
annualSpring break day camp with family registration options.
Grandparent Camp
annualA family event where grandparents and grandchildren spend time together at camp.
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles Camp Sonshine has shared.
Current needs
- Staff scholarship fund support
- Camper scholarship fund support
- Capital project funding for the SCHEELS Gym
- Monthly donors for The Blueshirts
Volunteer opportunities
- Summer staff positions
- Assistant Counselor volunteer program for students entering 10th–12th grade
- Snack Shack service
- Spring Work Days
- Prayer Team
Recognition & press
Press & mentions
Partners & funders
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
What ages can attend day camp?
Day camp is organized by grade level. Explorer is for 1st–2nd grade, Adventure is for 3rd–4th grade, High Adventure is for 5th–6th grade, Teen Adventure is for 7th–9th grade, Trek is for 1st–6th grade at Solaris, and LIT options are available for middle school and high school students.
What ages can attend overnight camp?
Overnight camp includes Journey for 3rd–6th grade, Expedition for 5th–9th grade, and Leader in Training for 9th grade during Journey weeks.
What is Hang Time?
Hang Time is a twice-monthly Monday evening program for 6th–12th graders. It includes games, snacks, worship, large group Bible teaching, and small group discussion.
What is Camp Sonshine Junior?
Camp Sonshine Junior is a three-day camp experience for Pre-K children ages 3–5 who are potty trained. It runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and includes camp activities like wagon rides, waterslides, the snack shack, and a petting zoo.
What international camp partnerships does Camp Sonshine have?
Camp Sonshine works with Vida International / Lee Short Ministries International in Mexico and Partners for Life Advancement and Education Promotion in Zambia to support camp experiences and leader training.
Similar nonprofits
Other youth development - religious leadership nonprofits in NE.