Meet the Staff-Steve and Sarah Jones

To know a place by its smell suggests a degree of intimacy that most of us don’t possess. Steve and Sarah Jones are the exception when it comes to Campus by the Sea. Since the mid 1970’s, they have been involved with the retreat and conference center. They were both brought to family camp by their parents when they were children. As teenagers they both attended high school camp and later worked as summer staff. At some point along the way, Christian Camping became their vocational choice and we are delighted that they decided to focus their energies at CBS.

Meet Sarah

“I am grateful to have grown up in a family that values Christian ministry, traveling, adventure, being immersed in nature, and the pursuit of a fulfilling life path. I have very fond memories of camping with my parents and two sisters. I first visited CBS in the summer of 1977 when I was six months old with my parents who were InterVarsity Staff at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. We went to family camp throughout my childhood and I considered CBS a favorite place. I was attracted to CBS for its rugged beauty, remoteness, and servant minded staff. It was a fun place that shaped my faith considerably. After graduating from high school in 1994, I came to CBS to work on the waterfront as a lifeguard for the summer and… never left! Okay, I left in 1998, traveled, worked, graduated from UCR with a degree in Liberal Studies, got married, and then came back in 2003. Upon return I served as the Office Manager until our second son was born. I enjoyed the variety of tasks the job required such as accounting, boat driving, administration, guest services, and even some landscaping. CBS is a great place to apply many interests and skills with one focus.”

Meet Steve

“I grew up in a rural setting and am the youngest of four boys. I was encouraged to explore the outdoors independently and with my family. I even delivered newspapers on horseback when I was eleven years old. To this day I feel most comfortable in non-urban settings. I came to CBS family camp with my family in 1976. I felt loved and cared for by the people. Hand-in-hand I loved and was amazed by the island/wilderness setting. I returned to CBS for a visit in 1993 which morphed into a very long-term commitment.I have now spent 18 years in camping ministry, 15 of which were at CBS. Along with employment in commercial fishing,teaching sailing, mechanical repair, and building trades, my time at CBS has given me a fitting education for the role of Facilities Manager. Both Sarah and I are licensed USCG captains and certified scuba divers. We love how our interests meld with work at CBS.”

Island Living

Steve and Sarah live “in town” (i.e. Avalon). It gives them the opportunity to be involved with other young families with children who have made the island their home. Saran serves as a board member of the co-op preschool where their son Nathan (almost 4) will attend again this year. Weston (almost 6) is thrilled to be in kindergarten at the public school. Sarah is available to run errands for camp, pick up supplies, mail, groceries, and shuttle folks to the doctor, serving as the camp/town liaison. Steve “commutes by skiff to CBS each day. Traffic is pretty minimal, although dolphins and sea lions are sometimes a cause for slowing.

In their free time the Jones enjoy sailing their sailboat and exploring the island’s remote coves. Steve says “Sailing is a hobby that helps center me. I love the challenges and peace offered by harnessing the wind to move through a body of water. It is pure and simple”. The boys love boating, swimming, and playing with friends they’ve made in Avalon, although, the CBS play yard continues to be their favorite place.

Both Steve and Sarah are excited to help others compassionately live out the mandates of the gospel. They believe that a life lived fully and well is one that embraces God’s dynamic leading each day. They are eager to work with their fellow staff members to make CBS a place where our guests can shed distractions and encounter the Living God.

The Smell of Campus by the Sea

So what does Campus by the Sea smell like? Sarah describes it as a concoction of aromas that include: “the smell of fresh bread baking, the rock jetty at low-tide, burgers grilling on the beach, latrines in the breeze, ski boat exhaust on the water, squid bait on the pier, brewed coffee in the dining room, smoke at the campfire, and tent canvas in the sun. Stir in a mix of eucalyptus, chaparral shrubs, and old wood of the Main deck. One nose-full of this olfactory cocktail… you can’t help but smile.”