Being part of the Sonshine crew meant a lot to me. It was awesome and wholesome experience. People would thank me and tell me what a great job we all doing as the team. I was asked many times if we get paid to do such a great job and my answer was that we volunteered and there is nothing better in life than to know that you are doing great job for GOD. You get to meet all other Christians united together in Christ in the same place, which came from all over the country just to worship and listen to the wholesome music. Sonshine Rocks and I can’t wait until next year!!!
Vitali
Working SRT at Sonshine is simply the most relaxing and refreshing time I experience all year long. My 9-5 has me sitting at a desk punching a keyboard all day. At Sonshine I meet new challenges, which vary from year to year. A couple years ago I got to work crowd control for Thousand Foot Krutch then jump right into a Relient K crowd and miss Audio A's set due to a trip to the EMT tent and an encounter with two liters of IV and a really cool nurse. This year I got to tell a couple seven year old girls the Barlow Girl signing line had been cut off ... where was that Relient K crowd again? The challenges are many and varied, and the work I do is always appreciated by someone. One of the most rewarding things for me is when someone, whether guest or artist, comes up and thanks me for the work we're doing. I come to Sonshine each year like a rusty old sword, all chipped and pitted. I get ground, heated and beaten for three days and go home forged anew, renewed and full of energy for another year.
Jason Doehling
This year seemed to be the year of people wanting to join our crew. I was of course, gladly telling them of the process and encouraging them to be involved when one person asked me that really tough question: "Why the heck do you drive all the way to Minnesota for a concert you don't even go to so you can suffer through the heat and volunteer as security? I mean, what is the point?" I really had to think for a second and then my best friend, Charlie's words came into my head; "We are here to exemplify the love of Christ through keeping people safe and helping this music ministry be successful." After answering like that, I really kept an eye on how I was speaking to my problem sites and just people in general. My favorite two mini moments of seeing God's hands in people happened behind skatepark and in the shower. Behind skatepark, my partner Charity and I ran across a woman who we got to help locate a young man. This particular young man had lost his wallet with all his cards and spending money ($50) in it at the lake and the woman had found it. She took huge initiative and really worked to find him with a series of phone calls, but before they could connect, her cell phone died. She used mine and while we waited for him to get there we all got to share stories. It was a definite good moment. The second one (in the shower. . . I know. . . wierd. . . ) really put a spotlight on God's ability to bring people together in a true community. I was working with my hair in front of the mirror and a woman who was in there let me use her face lotion. We got to talking and sharing stories and hopes and dreams and beliefs and before I knew it, I was french braiding her hair and she was offering to pray for my sister and mother who don't know Christ yet. God uses so many beautiful, intricate, small moments like this to show His true character to us. I am so grateful that Sonshine has given me an opportunity to witness so many of them.
~Meg~
Doing security has to be the one of the best experiences that happens to me every year. It is an amazing time especially since you meet new friends and can talk to anyone and we all share the same beliefs. Even after Sonshine you still communicate with all these people and look at them as a second family, I know that I do. We show all our love for God by singing as well or listening to music and it doesn't matter who you are, no one will look at you differently when you do this as well. Doing Sonshine security is a great experience and I will do it every year and the memories and friends you make are priceless.
Sincerely,
Louis Christensen
Not sure what to say or better yet how to put my feelings into words. The best moment that I felt or had, was during a song where the artist wanted everyone to lift their hands towards the Heavens and hold the hands of the person next to them. I was in the trench and at that moment I felt the need to connect both sides of the crowd together by reaching out to a person on both sides. At that moment all 25,000 had been connected and I felt the awesome power and presence of our Lord. I do not know why I did that, it is unlike me. I had to fight back the tears of joy, thinking how great this must be for our Lord to hear 25,000 people all at once lifting there hands and voices to Him in praise. It was a great honor to be there this year and be a part of your team. Thank You.
Jeff Melberg
Sonshine means that I get to stand and bake in the sun and freeze in the night.
Sonshine means that I sleep in a hotel room full of people and smelly Sonshine shirts.
Sonshine means that I hear outrageous reasons how ______ got in their tent.
Sonshine means trying to unravel the complicated stories of Sonshine campers friendships.
Sonshine means having 200 people share their sweat with you during crowd control.
Sonshine means hearing the most bizarre reasons why someone doesn't have their wristband on.
Sonshine means breathing so much dust that your boogers turn black.
Sonshine means getting so sweaty that your earplugs don't stay in.
Sonshine means drinking so much water that you have visited every porta-potty twice.
Sonshine means golf carts that are too fast or too slow or start on fire.
Sonshine means raiding the artists’ tent for food on the last night!!
I'm a lifer, and I am hooked. I have already started counting down to next year's Sonshine. But the best reason would have to be the security crew; life-long friendships are born at Sonshine. The list is endless and is the most rewarding experience of my life! The security team is the by far the best group of people I know with endless talents and abilities from all walks of life.
~Kelly~
Sonshine to me is a spiritual-recharging. I get to meet so many new and wonderful people and hear incredible stories of their individual walks with Christ. It really readies me and boosts me for the coming year. The drive is nothing when you look at the rewards.
~Missouri~
This is one of the most diverse groups of people I've ever met! We come from so many different backgrounds and all come together for a common purpose and through that we become family. I have made some wonderful lifelong friends who I know I can count on for anything. I would not trade my time with these people for anything! Throw in some awesome music, good food, and great fellowship, how can you ask for a better weekend???
~Becca~
Watching 10,000+ kids scrunched into an area the size of the infield of a baseball diamond, with their hands up and praying and singing softly, it is truly a sight to be seen. Talk about getting into ones personal space. I would stand in front of the stage, watching them, thanking God for this generation. They are so much more knowledgeable, respectful and considerate than I was twice that age. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this group.
~Peter~
Being on SONSHINE security was the most memorable experience for me. Not only meeting the bands and meeting my favorite artists, but working with Christian people working out problems in a Christian manner was amazing. GOD calls us in so many ways, this year at SONSHINE God called me to an amazing person all weekend and he opened my heart and helped me listen to what God needed from me, also GOD called me to his band. By following God's call I would have never thought to go see my new friend and eventually to the band. Through all of this I have opened my heart and eyes to be closer to Jesus.
~Nerissa~
I would like to start off by thanking every one of the supervisors and veterans for making me feel like a veteran. As a rookie I had felt like I was going to be an oddball but it wasn't like that at all. My experience as a Sonshine Security member has made me feel that there is more than just having fun at a concert...there are people who have to keep the concert-goers safe. That’s not all we did though...we were the concert-goers also so it wasn't work, work, work and no play. Once again thanks for making this such a memorable experience. God Bless and see you all next year.
~Sam~
The reasons I come to Sonshine every year are simple. I have been attending
Sonshine for 10 years, and have been on crew for 4 of those years. I love giving back to Sonshine what it has given me. I also love seeing those people every year that make Sonshine so special. The spirit feels rejuvenated inside you, and last but not least, after every year, I know and remember why I come back every year.
~Ryan~