Program Specialist Internship
This internship is focused on camping career development. Key focus areas of learning include hospitality/retreat management, children/youth ministry and development, administrative management, event planning, program and partnership development, and ACA policy review. In this role, you will participate in and learn about all that happens in the non-summer seasons of camping ministry life. This will include working with the After School program daily. You will also learn about designing programs and teaching staff effective leadership skills in relation to mission and goals. You will play a leadership role for the summer camp season as well. Interns will live in a Christian camp community which prays, worships, plays, and works with one another. Additional mentoring from seasoned camp professionals will help prepare you for your career in camping or other ministry fields.
Qualifications
Applicant must have passion and experience working with children or youth, working in the outdoors, and sharing God’s love with children and youth. We are looking for a team member with a strong work ethic, excellent communication skills, gifts in hospitality, creativity, flexibility, and ability to work both in a team and independently. Applicants must be willing to have a flexible schedule and work some evenings, weekends or holidays as needed. Candidate must be 21 or older.
Goals
Integrate into the Community: Develop a comprehensive understanding of Chestnut Ridge's mission, vision, and operational procedures.
Build Leadership Skills: Develop effective leadership by shadowing full-time staff, studying leadership literature, and implementing learned concepts. This includes taking initiative, managing time, delegating tasks, and motivating and inspiring others.
Prepare for Summer: Develop long-range planning skills by participating in physical and logistical camp preparations and develop compelling summer camp themes and activities.
Enhance Summer Staff Development: Develop management skills by participating in the recruiting and hiring of summer staff as well as designing and implementing effective training programs for summer staff.
Build Innovate Programming: Develop creativity skills by creating new programs and initiatives aligned with Chestnut Ridge's mission.
Deliver Exceptional Programs: Hone program implementation skills by facilitating engaging outdoor education and afterschool experiences for various age groups.
Master Operational Roles: Develop competency in daily operations through participating in administrative tasks, retreat hosting, and staff management.
Key Responsibilities
• Providing leadership for the After School program
• Teaching classes for Outdoor Education field trips
• Facilitating the ropes course
• Lifeguarding (if certified)
• Planning programs, hosting, and preparing facilities for retreat and school groups
• Design, plan, and implement summer camp activities and programs
• Participate in the worship life of the community
• Organize, acquire, clean, repair, and care for program equipment
• Prepare equipment, grounds, and programs prior to the start of summer camp
Other Responsibilities
On occasion, interns must also be willing to help with
• Meal preparation/clean-up in the kitchen
• Housekeeping
• Maintenance
• Gardening and livestock care
• Office administration tasks
• Behind the scenes organization
• Other duties as assigned
Compensation
$340 per week + housing, utilities, meals (when served to camp guests)
Interns live in a 4-bedroom home with other camp staff. Interns will have their own private bedroom and share bathroom, living, and kitchen spaces.
Questions & Apply
Please direct any questions regarding this position to nick@campchestnutridge.org or 919-304-2178
Alternatively, you may submit a detailed resume and cover letter with references to nick@campchestnutridge.org.