Meet Tyler “Yata” Scholz, Lakeview’s latest Program Assistant. Tyler is a relative newcomer to Lakeview, having never even heard of Lakeview Ministries until the week before he showed up to serve on summer camp. We’re so glad he did. Today, Tyler’s on a path toward full-time camp ministry, and we’re so thankful to have him working at camp this retreat season as a program assistant!
Q: How did you first hear about Lakeview?
TS: It was May of 2021. I was complaining to a friend at Concordia, Nebraska, about my upcoming summer job in Lincoln. She told me she was working at Lakeview and wanted to know if I wanted to apply, too. I told her, “No. I would have to be there in a week and a half.” When we got together to study for finals about an hour later, she handed me a computer and said, “Sign this.” It was my application to Lakeview! Not only had she had already filled it out, but she had also talked with Frisbee! I didn’t even know Lakeview existed on Wednesday. On Friday of the following week, I was heading for Indiana. Crazy!
Q: Why did you decide to become a program assistant?
TS: My second year on summer staff, Lakeview was looking for a new program director. I saw the interim director getting trained and thought it would be a fun job that I would really enjoy. In the back of my head, I thought, “Maybe I can do this.” I do a lot of hands-on programming with groups, leading activities and devotions, hosting the groups, and developing connections with them. My goal is to give them best camp experience possible. I help out with maintenance and background stuff, as well. I really enjoy the variety. I get to have so many interactions and build connections with so many people.
Q: What do you hope to gain from this experience?
TS: I want to grow in my faith and help others grow, too. I’m also gaining the ability to lead. I feel like on summer staff, you look up to the program directors. Now, I’m the one leading the activities. I’m a sucker for anything with high ropes. It’s awesome to see kids and adults grow in the short time they’re on the zipline, especially when they see everyone on the ground encouraging them to go.
Q: What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about being a program assistant?
TS: Don’t be afraid to do something you might not be comfortable with. Plunge in headfirst. Everyone around you will help you out, and you’ll have more fun even for yourself. One thing I’ve started saying, “I’m going to go all for it.” Be yourself and enjoy the experience. You’ll love the environment and the people, just as I do.
If you come out to camp this year, odds are you’ll see Yata at some point leading some programming, hard at work in the Welcome Center, serving food in the kitchen, or checking in on you during your stay. Make sure to say hi!