Next Level Macon

Alert:

Applications for the 2026–2027 Afterschool Program Year NOW BEING ACCEPTED. Click Here!

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Camp Zion’s Programs

Our Programs

The After-School Program, Summer Day Camp, and E.L.I.T.E. Leadership Academy are all designed with a strong academic foundation to help students excel. These programs aim to:

  • Foster academic success.
  • Prepare students for college and careers.
  • Encourage healthy lifestyles.
  • Promote self-management and positive attitudes.
  • Strengthen parental involvement.
  • Inspire community engagement and activism.

All programs are offered free of charge to eligible students in the community. Transportation is provided to select schools and neighborhoods serviced by the Macon Housing Authority, and participants enjoy nutritious hot meals and snacks during each program.

Students also have access to a wide range of enriching activities, including tap, step, and hip-hop dance, competitive sports, swimming, culinary arts, visual arts, and more. These opportunities ensure a well-rounded experience throughout the year.

Camp Zion Program Components:

Academics

NLCDC employs experienced, certified teachers who provide students with the skills needed to succeed, aligned with the Georgia Common Core Standards. Our academic focus centers on the core subjects of Math, Reading, English Language Arts, and Science.

Our academic support services include:

  • Homework assistance
  • Individual and small-group tutoring
  • Georgia Milestone and SAT/ACT test preparation
  • Remediation programs

These resources are designed to meet students where they are and help them achieve academic success.

Youth Development

Students engage in courses that foster essential life skills to support success across all areas of their lives. These courses cover a variety of topics, including but not limited to:

  • Abstinence education
  • Leadership development
  • Character education
  • Financial literacy
  • Health and wellness
  • Conflict resolution
  • Community service

Each course is designed to empower students with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive personally and contribute positively to their communities.

College & Career Preparation

High school students in grades 9-12 have the opportunity to tour nationally ranked colleges and universities across the U.S. while gaining essential college and career readiness skills. These experiences prepare them for successful college entry and future careers through:

  • SAT/ACT preparation courses
  • Financial aid seminars
  • Career panels
  • Interview and resumé writing workshops
  • Apprenticeship opportunities

These resources equip students with the tools and confidence needed to pursue their academic and professional goals.

Our Programs

After School Program

The Camp Zion After-School Program is open Monday through Thursday from 2:45 pm to 6:45 pm from September to May. All students enrolled in the After-School Program have priority enrollment for the Summer Day Camp Program.

The Mission of Camp Zion After-School Program

To produce lifelong learners by providing a caring and creative learning environment built on genuine relationships and reinforcing academic achievement through an engaging and interactive approach.

Enrollment period

Applications are now being accepted for the Next Level Community Development Center After-School Program. The deadline to submit applications is July 31, 2026. Click the link below to download the application.

Families may pick up and return completed applications Monday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Next Level Community Development Center, 3268 Avondale Mill Rd., Macon, GA 31216.

To support families through the application process, we will host Application Assistance Open Houses on the following dates from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.:

  • Monday, June 22, 2026
  • Thursday, June 25, 2026
  • Friday, June 26, 2026|

 

During these sessions, our team will be available to:

  • Assist families with completing applications
  • Answer questions about the after-school program
  • Review applications before submission

 

A separate application must be completed for each student. All completed applications must be submitted in person at Next Level Community Development Center.

Please note that applications will be marked incomplete if all required fields are not completed.

Camp Zion After School Application 2026-2027

 

Summer Day Camp Program

 

Summer Day Camp Program

The Camp Zion Summer Day Camp Program is open Monday through Friday from 8am-4pm for 5 weeks during the summer.

The Mission of Camp Zion Summer Day Camp Program

To produce lifelong learners by providing a caring and creative learning environment built on genuine relationships and reinforcing academic achievement through an engaging and interactive approach.

Enrollment Period

The application process is currently closed.

 

E.L.I.T.E. Leadership Academy / Job Club

Empowered Leaders: Inspiring, Transforming, & Excelling

The Mission of E.L.I.T.E. Leadership Academy

To develop young leaders of character, equipped to positively impact their society and create a climate of positive peer pressure within their schools and communities.

An academy built on the premises of honor, respect, and humility, the vision is to produce high school graduates who are ethical leaders academically, socially, and professionally with a strong sense of service to others.

E.L.I.T.E. students participate in Camp Zion Job Club, a paid summer internship program designed to assist with the learning experiences of youth far beyond the classroom. The program expands the youth’s knowledge of the real world of work and helps them make better career choices while learning firsthand the impact of employment.

Details

  • E.L.I.T.E. meetings take place on the 2nd Monday of each month from 6pm-8pm from October to May
  • The Internship / Job Club involves 20 hours per week for 6 weeks during the summer
  • Requirements to be eligible for the academy include a 3.25 GPA and 16 hours of community service
Enrollment Period

Application process is currently closed.