What is the mission of Project Sunshine?
Project Sunshine of Nevada is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing a nurturing, fun, educational, and cost-free camping experience for children with critical illnesses, and for children who have been abandoned, abused, or neglected.

How did Project Sunshine begin?
Kari Tillman founded Project Sunshine in 1999 after she was a Counselor at a camp for kids with special needs. She realized how special the camping experience was to children who did not have the opportunity to enjoy what most kids see as a normal part of growing up. She understood the incredible impact that being outdoors and making new friends had on these children who have spent most of their lives in doctor's offices and hospitals. It was then that she organized Project Sunshine, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose primary focus is to raise financial and volunteer support for various camps for children with critical illnesses and children who have been abandoned, abused, or neglected.

How does Project Sunshine work with other non-profits to achieve their goals?
Project Sunshine selects non-profit organizations whose clients are children with special needs such as critically ill, abandoned/abused or life altering situations. Project Sunshine specially designs camps for children keeping in mind their specific individual needs.

Who funds the camp program expenses?
Since its inception, Project Sunshine's mission has specifically included raising the funds necessary to facilitate camping programs. By doing so, both the co-hosting non-profit organizations, and the families of the children served, have no financial burden. Project Sunshine plans, coordinates, manages, and funds each specialized camp, making it possible for the organizations that we work with to stay focused on their missions.

What are some of the costs associated with producing a session of camp-and how much does it cost in total?
One session of camp costs approximately $69,000-$90,000. Some of the main costs include: Food (three meals per day for 300+ people including campers and volunteers), transportation, tent & golf cart rentals, tee-shirts/hats, insurances, supplies for things like arts & crafts, activity fees for things like horseback riding and paid staff.

What fee is charged to kids' families for their camping experience?
There is no charge to the camper's or their families, or to the various non-profit organization's who assist in co-hosting each camp. Sometimes the co-hosting organization will choose to purchase specialty items or finance a special activity, but that is left to their discretion. Project Sunshine is committed to raising the funds to fully support these programs without creating financial burden to the co-hosting non-profit organization or the children and their families.

Do you pay your camp staff, or are they volunteers?
Project Sunshine utilizes both volunteers and paid staff…and both play a very important role. Hundreds of volunteers are utilized during each camp season- as camp counselors, activities directors, arts & crafts directors, canoeing instructors, and also helping to supplement our medical staff. Volunteers are interviewed and trained and undergo a thorough background check. In addition, we have what is called a “Core Team”. This team consists of many vital and specialized positions necessary at camp, such as our Security and Utility Team, Head Chef and Core Kitchen crew, Medical Staff, Lifeguards, and the Directors who plan and coordinate camps. Our core team members essentially clear their summer calendars to ensure that camps run smoothly, and are compensated for their commitment.

Where do funds come from to operate camping programs?
Project Sunshine of Nevada works diligently to secure operating funds for these programs. The money comes from a variety of sources; primarily from special event fundraisers, such as the annual Art & Innocence Celebration, and private donations.

Who oversees, governs, and guides Project Sunshine?
Project Sunshine of Nevada is governed by a Board of Directors who oversees operations, plans strategically for the future, and ensures that all funds are managed appropriately. The Board of Directors also gives direction to the Executive Director and staff.

Who are some of your largest donors?
Project Sunshine has garnered the support of some of southern Nevada's most prestigious corporations, organizations, and citizens. We are fortunate and blessed with this sort of grass roots support. Some of our largest donors are: The Brett Torino Foundation, Southern Highlands Charitable Foundation, Schettler Family Foundation, Bell Transportation, Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group, Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada and Colliers International. We have many, many other donors for whom we are grateful.

What role does the Brett Torino Foundation play?
The Brett Torino Foundation has provided an amazing, beautiful refuge for Project Sunshine camping programs since 1999, Torino Ranch. Project Sunshine does not currently have a formal agreement with the Brett Torino Foundation; however, we are seeking to establish a formal agreement between the two organizations. Additionally, Project Sunshine is seeking additional facilities to host other specialized summer camps.

Does any portion of my donation to Project Sunshine go towards capital improvements at the Ranch?
No. Donations to Project Sunshine go into an operating fund for camp programs. None of this money has been, or will be used to fund capital improvements at Torino Ranch. Project Sunshine of Nevada is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization with a specific mission. We are obligated ethically, legally, and morally to keep monies in the exact fund they for which they are donated.

Who makes capital improvements at Torino Ranch?
All capital improvements at Torino Ranch are made at the discretion of the ranch owner and funded by the ranch owner.

What activities do the campers participate in at camp?
Daily activities include: swimming in the pool or lake, rock climbing, challenge courses, canoeing, arts & crafts, theatre, hiking, archery, horseback riding, scavenger hunts, hayrides, train rides, various sports and much more.

How many campers participate in each camp session?
It varies, and each year we grow. On average, our camps accommodate 85 to 125 campers per session.

What illnesses do the children have?
Each camp is specific to some types of illnesses, disorders, handicaps or special situations. Some Campers have illnesses such as Cancer, Leukemia, Sickle Cell anemia, AIDS and other blood disorders. Other campers might suffer from arthritis or they may have been abused or abandoned.

Is there Medical support at the camps?
At a minimum, there is one Pediatric Oncologist or Pediatric Doctor, four or more registered Oncology nurses and a number of other medical support volunteers available during those specific camp sessions that continuous medical supervision is needed. Most often the medical staff volunteers consist of the same doctors and nurses who care for the children with critical illnesses outside of camp so there is a comfort level in place. The medical staff, doctors and nurses, all from the Las Vegas area, provides medical supervision of the highest quality.

What if a camper needs treatment, blood counts checked etc?
Camps specifically designed to accommodate children with critical and life-threatening illnesses utilize our fully equipped Medical center that is designed and suited to meet each camp's specific needs. Each of these camps has a dedicated staff that always includes a pediatric oncologist and two or more hematology oncology nurses. They reside at the Medical center and provide continuous medical supervision.

What is the counselor/staff to camper ratio?
Each camp has its own guidelines to work within. In most situations the counselor to camper ratio is 1 to 1. There are some camps where the ratio is 1 counselor to 2 or 3 campers, depending on the type of camp.

Where do the children come from?
Project Sunshine's support focuses on camps based in Nevada. Most often the children come from Nevada but there have been special circumstances where children from California, Utah and Arizona have asked to participate in a specific camp. We do our best to accommodate any child.

How does a camper or volunteer apply?
Simply send us an email at volunteer@projectsunshineofnv.org or write us at:

Project Sunshine of Nevada
6787 W. Tropicana Ave, Suite 250
Las Vegas, NV 89103
Attn: Application Request Department

Or call: 702-434-3699

We will send you the appropriate application for the camp you are interested in attending.

What is your website address?
Our website is located at www.projectsunshineofnv.org

Additional information about Project Sunshine's status:
Project Sunshine of Nevada is a 501(c)(3) organization, and as such is tax-exempt. As required by law, Project Sunshine receives a full financial audit each year by an independent CPA Firm. As a public charity, this financial information is available to the public. If you would like to receive a copy of the audited financial statements please contact Project Sunshine's office at 702-434-3699.