In 1977, the fly in resort began to look more like a camp as cabins, a chapel, and camper park were added. With the development, the need for a board of directors became evident and was quickly put in to place. That first Sky Lodge Board of Directors appointed Fletcher Simpson to be the pioneer Camp Director in 1979. Fletcher and his wife Carolyn led the new camp for the next four years.
In 1983, Fletcher stepped down and Alan Mellinger took the helm as the next camp director. In his time as director, he creatively addressed needs that were arising at Sky Lodge. One of the most significant needs was to appoint someone to head a formal maintenance department. There was a lot to take care of on almost 100 acres of property! Walter Brannon joined the Sky Lodge team in 1984 as the Maintenance director.

By 1985, Al and his wife Diane moved on, and the Board of Directors chose Steve Hankins to be the next director of Sky Lodge. Steve and his wife Terry would serve faithfully at Sky Lodge for the next four decades. Sky Lodge saw significant growth under Steve’s leadership. The Lord brought many people, both volunteers and paid staff, to add to the ministry happening at this small Wisconsin camp. In the early to mid 90s, there was much new construction that added to the campgrounds, including our notable Chapel/Recreation building, as well as 2 new cabins. These new buildings allowed for growth in numbers at favorite programs like Junior Camp, Young Teen Camp and Family Camp, with attendance doubling from the time that Hankins took over as director.

The added numbers created a need for additional staff. Out of that need, a staff program called The Zone, formally started in 1998 under the direction of Dawn (Anson) Young. Not only did The Zone meet the need for increased work around Sky Lodge, but more importantly, it served as a discipleship program as college aged foremen lived, worked, and played with high school crew members during the summer months. Many leaders (pastors, counselors, camp directors, youth workers, and more) have emerged from this staff program that emphasizes service, community, and closer connection with God.
Steve and Terry retired after almost 40 years of service to the Lord and campers at Sky Lodge.  The next era of ministry at camp is being led by Dawn Young (yes, the same Dawn who developed The Zone program). In April 2024, after 13 years away from Wisconsin and Sky Lodge, Dawn returned to serve as the new Executive Director along with her husband, Wes.

Over the last five decades, the Lord has used the people, programs, and setting of Sky Lodge to change countless lives. Myriad volunteers and staff have been a part of making Sky Lodge into the place it is today. Many more people cherish this camp and view it as a home away from home.  With the Lord’s favor, we will continue to provide a place where people can “get away from it all,” to find deep connection with the Lord and restoration for their bodies and souls for many years to come.

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