Question 1

What are the dates for Camp 2027?

Accepted Answer

Good news! Camp Sunshine is excited to offer six sessions in 2027. The tentative dates for our 2027 sessions are: June 4-7June 9-12June 14-17August 2-5August 7-10August 12-15Registration will still open in January 2027 via Camp Doc. If you’d like to attend with any friends or family, please coordinate with them to choose your dates! Pioneer Trails has a lower capacity than either of our other locations. Our capacity for campers and counselors at each session will be lower. We see this is an opportunity to offer more sessions, allowing our campers to choose a session date that works best for them! Campers are still limited to just one session of overnight camp. As we continue to explore this partnership, we hope to add even more sessions in coming summers!

Question 2

Why did Camp Sunshine choose to leave our Camp Blodgett and Camp Henry locations?

Accepted Answer

As we’ve been exploring program expansion, we knew that we could not expand to more overnight sessions at our current camp locations. In 2026, Camp Sunshine had only 20 spots available for new campers, but 60 campers applied. Additionally, three of our four sessions filled in less than four days for returning campers! We were devastated to have to turn away long-time campers due to lack of space! We know that there is a demand and need for overnight camp (and respite) that is beyond the capacity of our current locations.

Question 3

Why did Camp Sunshine choose Pioneer Trails?

Accepted Answer

Pioneer Trails offers many great assets that we believe will better serve our campers. The grounds are completely wheelchair accessible and while there are some rolling hills, the paths are well maintained and easy to navigate. Pioneer Trails Camp is owned and operated by Pioneer Resources, a non-profit focused on serving people with disabilities in Muskegon and Ottawa counties. You may have even seen their buses!For the last two years, Camp Sunshine staff and the Pioneer Resources team have been in discussion about partnership opportunities and options to allow us to work together to create a shared vision for the future of Camp Sunshine. Camp Sunshine will be leasing the space in 2027 and continuing the conversations about future opportunities!

Question 4

Who is Pioneer Resources?

Accepted Answer

Pioneer Resources has been serving the disabled community in Muskegon and Ottawa counties for decades. Pioneer Trails was founded and built with the vision to give individuals with disabilities opportunities for outdoor recreation! There’s a great alignment between these two organizations and we’re thrilled to relocate to a space that was designed with accessibility and inclusion in mind!

Question 5

What will be different about Camp Sunshine at Pioneer Trails?

Accepted Answer

The Camp Sunshine team is still working out the details for our program schedule next summer, but most of our beloved Camp Sunshine activities will still be available at Pioneer Trails! You can look forward to a similar daily schedule with some fun new opportunities. Pioneer Trails is located on the shores of Big Blue Lake in Muskegon County, and we’ll be able to enjoy lots of swimming and boating. We will still have Creative Expressions, archery, slingshots, bingo, and our usual evening activities like the dance, games, and Talent Show. We will end our days around the campfire with signing, reflections, and s’mores!

Question 6

Will you still have 1:1 pairing?

Accepted Answer

YES! The spirit of Camp Sunshine will remain the same as it has been since 1983! We will still offer 1:1 pairing with volunteer counselors and a four-day, three-night overnight camp.

Question 7

Why can’t we just stay at Camp Henry or Camp Blodgett?

Accepted Answer

While we are grateful for our long tenures at both Camp Henry and Camp Blodgett, we are limited in our ability to offer more sessions of camp due to their own camp schedules.

Question 8

What about other programs like Harvesting Sunshine, Sunshine in the Snow and Adventure Day?

Accepted Answer

Harvesting Sunshine 2026 will take place on October 10 at Camp Henry, as it has in past years. In 2027, Sunshine in the Snow will be on hiatus as our camp location (Camp Pinewood) is no longer available for rental. We’re planning even more fun opportunities for community and connection this year, so be sure to keep an eye on our emails and social media for more information!

Question 9

What are the facilities like at Pioneer Trails?

Accepted Answer

Come and see! We’re hosting an Open House on October 4 at Pioneer Trails, with opportunities to tour the space and ask questions. Let us know if you’ll be able to join by filling out our RSVP form here!

Question 10

Will the cost of camp change because of this new location? And will you still accept respite?

Accepted Answer

The cost for Camp Sunshine 2027 will be announced later this year. Camp Sunshine will continue to accept Respite payments in accordance with state regulations.

Question 11

What should I tell my camper about this change?

Accepted Answer

We know that the news of this move will be hard to hear for some of our camper community and that there are many memories and connections to our Camp Henry and Camp Blodgett locations. We’ve put together a special document that you can use when discussing this change!  Click here to access the Plain Language Guide.

Question 12

What about 2028 and beyond?

Accepted Answer

Camp Sunshine is exploring long-term opportunities to partner with Pioneer Trails for summer camp and more. We’ll share more information as this partnership comes together. Camp Sunshine remains dedicated to our mission, “to offer experiences that model and nurture a culture of inclusion, grace, and joy, through which people with and without disabilities can transcend barriers and value both their own gifts and the talents of others.”

Question 13

What if I have more questions!

Accepted Answer

We’re always ready to hear from you! Please reach out to our team with your questions. We’ll share more information with our community as we are able to.

An Update from Camp Sunshine

Frequently asked questions