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Forge Internship

Camp Westminster
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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.