Program Purpose
The Forge Internship is a structured, Christ-centered program designed to develop young adults into servant-leaders who are spiritually grounded, professionally skilled, and personally mature. Interns gain hands-on ministry experience while supporting Camp Westminster’s mission to provide exceptional camp and retreat experiences that share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Key Objectives:
- Spiritual formation and discipleship through structured mentorship, Bible study, and devotional practices.
- Leadership development across multiple camp departments with measurable outcomes.
- Practical experience in ministry operations, guest services, administration, and program delivery.
- Professional growth including communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills.
- Development of a portfolio documenting achievements, leadership growth, and certifications.
- Contribution to Camp Westminster’s operational excellence and guest experience.
- Creation of a long-term leadership pipeline for staff and ministry initiatives.
Program Structure
- Duration: 1–2 years (flexible with academic schedules and credit requirements)
- Weekly Commitment: 30–40 hours, including rotation tasks, mentorship, reflection, and optional academic integration
Rotational Experiences:
Interns rotate through multiple departments to ensure a broad skillset and hands-on exposure:
- Program & Activities: Plan and lead camper activities, special events, outdoor adventure programs, and team-building exercises. Interns learn program design, risk management, and camper engagement techniques.
- Guest Services & Hospitality: Manage group check-ins, assist with logistics, provide Christ-centered hospitality, and gain skills in customer service, communication, and conflict resolution.
- Kitchen & Food Service: Support meal preparation, service, dishwashing, and food safety protocols, learning teamwork, operational efficiency, and health standards.
- Equine Program: Hands-on horse care, instruction, safety supervision, and equine program management to develop responsibility, attention to detail, and leadership.
- Facilities & Grounds: Assist with maintenance, landscaping, event setup, and hazard recognition, gaining practical facility management experience.
- Administration & Camp Store: Support office operations, registration, data management, inventory, and guest service to build organizational and administrative skills.
- Recruiting & Staff Development: Observe and support recruitment processes, staff onboarding, and mentorship, learning strategic planning and human resources skills.
Curriculum & Development:
- Year 1 (Core Development): Spiritual formation, leadership foundations, rotational experience, reflection journals, and servant-leadership skills.
- Year 2 (Advanced Leadership, Optional): Mentorship of Year 1 interns, strategic project leadership, operational oversight, higher-level responsibilities, and portfolio completion.
Mentorship:
- Program Director provides structured mentorship, goal-setting, performance feedback, and spiritual guidance.
- Full Time Staff offer role-specific training and support to ensure competence and growth in departmental tasks.
- Weekly reflection journals, mentor logs, and biweekly meetings track spiritual, personal, and professional development.
- Mid-semester and end-of-semester evaluations provide formal feedback and measure program outcomes.
Program Benefits
- $1,100/month stipend plus a $100/month end-of-internship bonus, based on performance and finishing well.
- Camp housing with internet and utilities included
- Meals during camp service periods
- Access to all camp facilities and program areas
- Certification opportunities: CPR/First Aid, Lifeguard, High Ropes/Challenge Course, Food Safety, Leadership and Communication Training
- Internship/practicum credit eligibility for academic programs
- Hands-on experience in ministry, operations, and leadership
- Networking and mentorship with experienced camp leaders and staff
- Opportunities to present projects and reflections for college credit or professional portfolios
Expected Outcomes for Interns
- Deepened spiritual life and Christ-centered identity
- Strong leadership, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills
- Practical experience across multiple areas of camp operations
- Professional portfolio documenting growth, projects, and certifications
- Preparedness for future ministry roles, workplace leadership, and community service
- Improved resilience, adaptability, and servant-leadership habits
- Competence in handling real-world challenges in ministry, operations, and guest services
Oversight & Evaluation
- Program Director oversees holistic intern growth and evaluates progress using structured rubrics and reflection portfolios.
- Rotation staff provide department-specific feedback and mentorship during practical tasks.
- Weekly tracking of competencies: leadership, teamwork, communication, problem-solving, professionalism, equity, and inclusion.
- Formal mid-semester and end-of-semester evaluations include rotation staff input, mentor observations, and portfolio assessment.
- Continuous improvement processes allow the program to adapt to intern needs, camp operations, and guest requirements.
- Risk management and safety protocols monitored across all rotations.
Alignment with Camp Westminster Mission
- Interns contribute directly to high-quality camp and retreat experiences.
- The Forge reinforces Camp Westminster Core Values: Represent Christ, Make it Better, Communicate, Collaborate.
- Provides a sustainable leadership pipeline for future camp staff and ministry initiatives.
- Extends the impact of Camp Westminster into interns’ future ministry, workplace, and community engagement.
- Supports the mission by ensuring interns actively embody camp values in all interactions.Camp Westminster Intern
Desired Qualifications
- Strong personal relationship and walk with Jesus Christ.
- Commitment to Camp Westminster’s mission statement.
- Single, college student or graduate, 19-25 until the end of the internship term.
- Positive interpersonal skills to relate well with co-workers, supervisors and guests.
- A strong love for and desire to work with children and youth.
- Desire and ability to work outdoors.
- Ability to accept guidance and supervision; teachability.
- Good character, integrity, and adaptability.
- Available to work long and varied hours, and weekends.
- First aid certifications preferred.
- Enthusiasm, sense of humor, patience, and self-control.