EXPERIENCE SUNLIGHT RANCH
Connect With the Outdoors
WHO WE ARE
Sunlight Ranch is run by a not-for-profit operating foundation located on thousands of acres in Merced County, California.
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Guests of the ranch include individuals, both youth and adults, from all walks of life and from all over North America. We exist to help youth groups, adults, religious groups and veterans have a stronger connection with the great outdoors.
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Being outdoors and away from the hustle of business, school and other endeavors is a rewarding experience. We believe being outdoors is wonderful! Few things have the same power to inspire, heal, connect, and nurture us. And that’s not just our opinion. Scientists have proven that spending time in nature improves our physical and mental health, relieves stress, and brings us together. That is why Sunlight Ranch is committed to creating opportunities for joy and discovery in the outdoors.
WHAT WE OFFER
At Sunlight Ranch, we strive to empower our visitors through our variety of programs. Our Educational Workshops are designed to provide experiences unique to the outdoors of Central California. We are happy to be the driving force behind the development of leaders, and have found that their time on Sunlight ranch makes a profound difference in their lives.
CAMPOUTS
Have Fun and Learn
There aren't many better ways to learn about your surroundings than to actually experience them first-hand. We cherish the opportunity to help our guests have an epic overnight adventure while educating them about life, important camping skills, leadership development, and more.
CATTLE OPERATION TOURS
Animal Husbandry
Sunlight Ranch is also home to a working cattle operation. Cows play a vital role to the ranch environment and help keep the grasses low to avoid fires. Come learn about how a cattle ranch works.
WILDLIFE TOURS
Wildlife Education
Sunlight Ranch is home to an astonishing amount of wildlife. These animals are beautiful, wonderful, and we have a lot to learn. We are excited to help educate our guests about the surrounding wildlife.
SUNLIGHT RANCH MULTI-DAY ADVENTURE
We have teamed up with Defense Strategies Group made up of Navy SEALs, Army Rangers, Green Berets, and Marine Raiders to help train and give guidance to guests of Sunlight Ranch where they participate in the most epic adventure of their lives!
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Through this format our guests are able to truly make life changes through physical challenges, learning valuable life skills, having unbelievable campfire programs, and dialogue.
TEAM
Where the Passion Begins
RICH AND CINDY THAWLEY
President/Secretary
Rich and Cindy are co-founders of World Financial Group. It is through Rich and Cindy's vision that we are able to enjoy the Sunlight Ranch. Through their continued generosity, hundreds of lives are impacted on a weekly basis.
TREVOR AND ALISHA THOMPSON
Chief Financial Officer/Board Member
Trevor has a full-time career in the Financial Services Industry. Trevor and Alisha love the outdoors, they have a passion for helping others, and giving of their time and resources. They also have three beautiful daughters that can often be found pitching in to help when and where they can.
RON PEZZINI
Infrastructure Planning Manager
Ron is a general contractor and has a vast amount of experience in building and planning. We are grateful to have Ron on the team. Ron has one daughter.