Next Level Community Development Center (NLCDC), operating as Camp Zion, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Macon, Georgia. We are dedicated to empowering at-risk youth and families to make informed decisions about their education, health, and social-emotional well-being. Through youth services—including after-school and summer programming—and mental health initiatives, NLCDC provides vital resources that help build stronger futures.
Our mission is to Educate, Enlighten, and Empower youth and families to embrace healthy lifestyle choices. All programs are offered free of charge to families earning 150% or less of the national poverty level, ensuring accessibility to those who need them most.
The Next Level Program is built on five core focus areas:
- Academics
- Youth Development
- College and Career Readiness
- E.L.I.T.E. Leadership Academy
- Parental Involvement
Next Level Programming:
At NLCDC, we’re dedicated to nurturing well-rounded student leaders aged 5-18 who are fully prepared for their futures. We’re deeply committed to ensuring they excel in core subjects like Math, English/Language Arts, Reading, and Science. Beyond academic excellence, our comprehensive program offers enriching activities, including dance, art, videography, golf, tennis, tumbling, pickleball, boxing, yoga, and more, alongside educational tours that span Macon and the wider United States. A cornerstone of our approach includes annual college tours, both in Georgia and beyond, ensuring students are exposed to diverse higher education opportunities. Moreover, our program features a robust focus on prevention and intervention, empowering students to make informed, healthy lifestyle choices. Through specialized sessions, they gain crucial skills in areas like sex education, drug and alcohol prevention, gang violence prevention, healthy relationships, anger management, and conflict resolution. These vital components, combined with our focus on holistic development, work together to ensure every student leaves our program college and career-ready. We equip them not only with the academic foundations but also the essential life skills, critical thinking, and broad exposure needed to navigate higher education, thrive in the workforce, and confidently pursue their chosen path. We aim to foster individuals who are not just prepared, but truly empowered to discover a world of possibilities and reach their full potential in whatever they choose to do next.
The following program components are included under the Next Level umbrella:
For more details, explore the links above! To catch a glimpse of the excitement, visit our Photo and Video Galleries.
Organization Mission
Educate, Enlighten, and Empower youth and families to make healthier lifestyle choices.
Organization Vision
To transform the lives of youth and families by motivating, inspiring, and challenging them to reach their full potential.
History
At the dawn of the new millennium, Pastor Teddy Parker, the late pastor of Bibb Mount Zion Baptist Church, turned a visionary dream into reality. What began as an outreach ministry of the church evolved into the nonprofit organization now known as Next Level Community Development Center (NLCDC). In May 2000, NLCDC launched Camp Zion, a three-week summer camp that welcomed eager boys and girls from the community.
In 2007, the organization expanded its impact with the addition of an after-school program. Since its humble beginnings serving just 35 students, NLCDC has grown exponentially, now reaching 225 students in the summer and 90 students during the school year.
This remarkable growth is a testament to the dedication and collaborative efforts of the students, staff, families, and sponsors who make NLCDC’s mission a reality every day.
Partners and Funding Agencies
As a nonprofit organization, NLCDC deeply values the generosity and support of those who make our work possible. We are incredibly grateful to our dedicated partners whose contributions ensure we can continue serving our community. Over the years, we have cultivated and sustained meaningful partnerships, and we are proud to be funded by the following government agencies, corporate sponsors, and community allies:
- Bibb County Board of Education
- Bibb Mount Zion Baptist Church
- Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning
- Chick-Fil-A
- City of Macon
- Community Foundation of Central Georgia, Inc.
- Cox Communications
- Georgia Department of Education – Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers
- Georgia Department of Human Services – Division of Family and Children Services – After School Care Program
- Georgia Department of Human Services – Division of Family and Children Services -Offices of Prevention and Community Support
- Kristy Jones CPA, LLC.
- Macon Housing Authority
- North Central Health District
- Stafford Builders and Consultants Inc.
By the Numbers
- 100% High school graduation rate
- 92% College / post-secondary education rate
- 100% Parent participation rate
- 98% Retention rate
- 99% Student promotion rate
- 99% have remained pregnancy-free
- 91% of families served fall below the national poverty level
- $0.84 of every dollar goes towards direct services for students and families