ABOUT ZONE
Sky Lodge's summer staff program is based on the conviction that we are all in need of continued growth and development. Like a continuous renovation project (one might call it a construction zone), our hearts are being shaped and remodeled no matter where we are in our lives. Here we strive to assist young people in constructing their lives in Christ.
This program is a job, so it requires effort and commitment. Yet, Zone's atmosphere feels unlike typical summer employment and far more like a summer camp retreat. Zone consists of high school Crew, young adult Foremen, the Staff RA'S, and our Staff Director. Each plays a vital role in helping Sky Lodge function as an environment for God to move.
Our Mission, Goal, & Methods
Our Mission
The mission of The Zone program is to create and guard a total experience emphasizing following Jesus Christ; resulting in the discipleship of high school students as they live, work, play, and worship along side young adults.
Our Goal
Our objective is to lead our staff into maturing relationships with Jesus Christ. A mature relationship is an interactive one in which the disciple seeks the guidance of the Holy Spirit and responds to His leading in their life.
Our Methods
Provide spiritual direction through a daily ministry of service.
Provide fun fellowship activities lead by focused and trained Foremen.
Assist in the development of habits for spiritual growth.
Offer individuals accountability through Growth Partners.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR ZONE POSITIONS
We offer a variety of positions with varying levels of responsibility and commitment.
CREW
If you have finished your first year of high school and are looking for a few weeks of crazy fun this summer - come join us! We have a faith based summertime community unlike anywhere else. Our hope is that you learn a lot, build some great friendships, and grow closer to Christ. Apply to be on
Sky Lodge's staff today!
FOREMEN
Check this out if you have completed high school and are willing to spend a full summer working hard while you refine your ability to guide teens into closer relationships with God. Help create Zone's community as a part of our young adult leadership team! It will be a season you won't forget.
RA'S & STAFF DEAN
Our Staff Dean and RA's lead the staff alongside our Staff Director throughout the summer.
The RA's role is to nurture the summer staff's relationships with God. They strive to keep harmony in Zone and to make sure everybody is cared about and looked out for. They are here to serve and enable Sky Lodge's ministry.
The Staff Dean is our Staff Director's right hand through the summer, as they assist and partner with them in leading and caring for the summer staff. If you are interested in filling these positions, fill out the foremen application and send an email to skylodgesummerstaff@gmail.com
The Zone Community
The Zone community is a training ground where we make our best efforts to humbly serve Sky Lodge campers.
We intend to reflect the spirit of what Paul wrote in Philippians 2:
"Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
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Zone summers are meant for creating rock-hard bonds that are forged through the highs and lows that come with doing life together. We’re here for the foundation of lifelong friendships within a community centered on becoming like Christ.
Community of Servanthood
From this strong community stems a commitment to servanthood. Being on the summer staff at Sky Lodge involves lots of hard work; which is typical of servanthood. Being a servant means working for the best interests of others - even when it conflicts with your desires. Ultimately we serve to bring glory to God.
Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ. Colossians 3:23-24
Others may never realize what you did and you may never be thanked. We don’t serve for recognition and praise. We serve to become more like Christ.
Ways we practice servanthood in Zone:
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We do the behind the scenes hard work that creates an atmosphere for God to move.
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We help the campers have a great camp experience by meeting their needs in the many different service areas around Sky Lodge.
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We participate in weekly Camp Clean Up after camper departure.
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We give up personal rights and preferences in order to live harmoniously in Zone.
Community of Worship
We sing songs of praises to God, but more than that, we worship Him with our actions, our intellect, our relationships, and our attitudes. In Zone we strive to worship God with the basic elements of everyday life.
Ways we nurture a life of worship:
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Encouraging meaningful relationships
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Loving God by serving others with a common purpose and focus
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Solitude (personal time spent with God after dinner)
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Crew Devos throughout each week
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Nightly Devotions in the guys' and girls' dorms after curfew
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Growth Partners (voluntarily sign up for one-on-one mentorship)
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Worship Nights with music and singing
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Bible Studies weekly with discussion on God's word
Community of Friendship
Getting to be part of Zone tends to be a golden time in life. Jokes, phrases, and stories will be shared and treasured for years to come. But along with great memories come arguments, fights, and friction. Yet even these can be used by God to build stronger relationships that last. When somebody comes out on the other side of resolved conflict, they are a stronger person because of it. The combinations of good and difficult that occur on Zone are worthwhile growing experiences.
Community of Fun
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Free access to the activities of Sky Lodge
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Our awesome Staff Lounge for hanging out, featuring:
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Super comfy chairs and couches
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Pool & Ping Pong Tables
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Our collection of card and board games
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Sound system with instrument hook ups
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Piano and drums are available for your use
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Spontaneous fun like ultimate frisbee, stargazing, karaoke nights,giant forts, pillow fights, night swims, and staff horse rides.
You never know what could happen!
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Girls Nights/Boys Nights
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Weekly town trips into Montello
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Weekend Staff Outings! In the past we've done things:
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Noah’s Ark Waterpark
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Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf
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Carol’s Cones Ice Cream Parlor
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Oxford Fireworks
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East Towne Mall
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Henry Vilas Zoo
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