The Seven Elements of the Zone
#1 Positive Relationships
In the United Youth Camps program, one important aspect of building and supporting the camp Zone environment is to have positive relationships. We see the tremendous effort that God puts into having a positive relationship with mankind, and at camp we want to imitate this in our interactions with each other (Ephesians 5:1).
At our summer and winter camps, we place a strong emphasis on positive relationships. We support each other, encourage each other, and cheer each other on. We are there for each other as true friends, quick with a kind word and fast to offer assistance. We don’t allow tricks, gags or jokes at another’s expense because this would quickly and effectively destroy trust and the common bond that we all share.
Some of our participants come from challenging home, school or work environments. They have been exposed to bullying, degrading talk, language that tears people down and an overall disrespect of authority figures and leaders. But at United Youth Camps, we support the Zone aspect of positive relationships. We enforce a “no-knock” policy where nobody criticizes others. Campers and staff come to camp to share a week-long experience of God’s way in action in regards to positive relationships, both in our words and actions.
The contents of the Holy Bible—with all its life examples, doctrine, instruction, correction, people and prophecy—show that God’s plan of salvation is about relationships. Positive relationships are based on Matthew 22:37-40: “Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.’” Even God’s Holy Days are about the relationship between God and mankind! Through the prophet Isaiah, God shared His frustrations about Judah and Jerusalem with how they had separated themselves from God, and had essentially shut Him out of their lives (Isaiah 59:2). God laments about not having a positive relationship with the people He loves.
Today, the society around us is in a downward spiral. With its focus on what can benefit each individual, to Hollywood-style murder and killing. From one-night stands and abortions to rebellious attitudes and hostility. The world we live in seems to put the individual above everyone and everything else, even to the detriment of others. Marriages are failing, families are broken and relationships are strained. Even the very idea of friendship has been twisted to “what can benefit me?”
God ultimately wants all mankind to repent of their sinful nature and turn their focus onto Him (1 Timothy 2:4). Sin breaks relationships and causes barriers to be built (Hebrews 7:26), and if left unrepented of, can even lead to death (Romans 6:23). But through baptism, continual repentance and God’s Spirit living in us, this breach can be healed (Ephesians 2:14). A loving relationship can be built and cultivated with our God. A positive relationship can be fostered and grown. God wants that level of a relationship with us and our children (Acts 2:38-39)!
God is all about establishing a positive relationship with mankind (1 John 2:2). At each of our six United Youth Camps, in our local congregations, and in our individual lives during the other 51 weeks of the year, we should be striving to show an example of loving God, and loving our neighbor. These two great commandments show us how tremendously important positive relationships are to God. Focus your prayers and daily actions on this biblical aspect of the Zone and make having positive relationships a priority in your life!
To learn more about the elements of the Zone please click on the following links:
