Our summer staff program is based on the conviction that we are all in need of continued growth and development. Like a continuous renovation project, our hearts are being shaped and remodeled no matter where we are in life.
We strive to assist youth in constructing their lives in Christ.
This program is a job, so it takes effort and commitment. Yet, The Zone's atmosphere feels far more like a camp retreat. The Zone consists of high school Crew, Foremen, and Staff Deans, and each plays a vital role in helping the camp.
Our Community
The Zone Staff 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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The Zone Staff 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.
A 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 The 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 cabin clean up after camper departure.
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We give up personal rights and preferences in order to live harmoniously in The Zone.
A Community of Fun and Friendship
Getting to be part of Zone Staff is a golden time in life. Jokes, phrases, and stories will be shared and treasured for years to come. But 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 Staff are worthwhile growing experiences.
A 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 The 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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Devotions regularly
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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
Things to look forward to in The Zone:
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Free access to all 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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A piano and a drum set are available for your use
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Spontaneous fun like ultimate frisbee, lounge karaoke, gigantic forts, pillow fights, night swims, staff horse rides. You never know what will happen!
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Girls Nights/Guys Nights
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Weekly town trips into Montello
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Big fun staff outings on the weekends
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Henry Vilas Zoo
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East Town Mall
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Noah’s Ark Water Park
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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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LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR SUMMER POSITIONS
We offer a wide variety of positions, each 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 - check us out! It's our desire that you learn a lot, build some great friendships, and grow closer to Christ!
FOREMAN
Apply here if you are out of high school and are willing to spend a full summer working hard while you refine your ability to guide young people into closer relationships with God. We want you on our leadership team!
Our Mission, Goal, & Method
Our Mission
The mission of The Zone program is to create and guard a total experience emphasizing following Christ; resulting in the discipleship of high school students as they live, work, play, and worship along side college-age adults.
Our Goal
Our objective is to lead our crew members into maturing relationships with Jesus Christ. A mature relationship is an interactive one in which the disciple seeks the guidance of the Spirit and responds to His leading in their life.
Our Methods
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Provide spiritual direction through a daily ministry of service
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Provide fellowship activities through focused and trained foremen
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Provide accountability
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Assist in the development of habits for spiritual growth
