GPS Christian Camp Internship

The main goal of GPS would be to guide you spiritually. We achieve this by the following means:

Book study —

Each semester, interns will work through a book offering sound spiritual insights that challenge the reader to grow in wisdom.

Weekly Bible studies —

Interns participate in a weekly small group with other staff members. A mix of a pre-formed curriculum (Firm Foundation) and staff planned classes will form the topics.

Biblical classes —

We believe II Timothy 3:16, and use God’s Word to profit the GPS students. Studies may include doctrine, OT and NT surveys, and book studies.

Scriptural memory —

Interns are challenged to memorize portions of Scripture throughout the year.

This apprenticing division of the GPS program is huge! In addition to attending a training conference, Interns are able to work within the different departments at RVR, and gain hands-on experience. The areas of learning are:

Programming —

Camp interns will spend the majority of time shadowing staff in the programming department in every season of ministry: outdoor education, retreats, and summer camps. We desire each guest at RVR to have an unforgettable experience. Interns will learn to deliver “WOW” moments as we serve our guest. This learning will include: hosting guest groups, facilitating high-adventure activities, planning programs for our Winter Meltdown Retreats, preparing the property for guest groups, summer camp planning, and leading teenage staff (TNT Program) during weekend retreats.

Marketing & Staffing —

GPS students will participate in classes that communicate RVR’s marketing strategy and staff hiring philosophy. They will also join the staffing coordinator on recruiting trips, and will take part in camp fairs as RVR seeks to serve more families. Interns with a special interest in this area may be asked to plan trips, gather marketing materials for campaigns and events, as well as write content for the RVR social media and web presence.

Operations —

Interns will have the opportunity to apprentice RVR’s skilled operations team as they maintain existing facilities to meet the RVR standard. GPS students will also be trained in preparing the RVR grounds for events and in safety procedures. This experience may include housekeeping tasks, lawn care, and RVR vehicle training.

Administration —

All interns will be exposed to RVR’s administration tasks. Interns showing an interest in this area may learn RVR’s registration database and assist in the guest experience through email and phone interaction. Administration shadowing may also offer experience in customer mailings, event planning, and our retail store.

Development —

The development team offers training to all interns in regard to raising support. For those interns wishing to further their experience in development, they may join an event committee (i.e. River Valley Run), and volunteer for a 95.1 SHINE-FM concert. Whether at events, writing to donors, or one on one visits, those who apprentice in this area will gain the crucial experience needed for work in a non-profit.

Christ not only grew in favor with God (spiritually), he also grew in favor with man (relationally). Ministry is primarily people centered, and the GPS camp internship offers countless ways to grow in this area. Guest services is a big part of what we do at RVR (and with 15,000 annual guests, that’s a lot of people-interaction), and we share our methods and caring culture with GPS students as they gain skills to better relate to guests.

In addition, with a full time staff of 40, interns will grow relationally as they work side by side with camping professionals. As part of a team of 8-10 interns, the community of students quickly become tight-knit. Interns learn conflict resolution, as well as skills to affirm and love their fellow interns.

At RVR, we work hard and we play hard. This pillar stems from an RVR Core Value – Life To The Fullest. We believe that recharging is necessary and can be a lot of fun. Interns will experience at least one group trip per semester as a time to “get away” and have fun as an intern family. Past trips have included: kayaking/canoeing camping trip, escape rooms, Assateague Island, and white water rafting, to name a few. Interns help to plan/program the trip as another intentional hands-on learning opportunity. Additionally, GPS students are encouraged by full time staff to get involved in activities during non-work hours.

During this semester interns learn the ropes. Each area of learning (spiritual, vocational, etc) will be geared toward laying the groundwork on which to build the rest of the year. Interns are trained on all adventure activities, support weekend retreat host, get a feel for the outdoor education program, and choose the area in which they will apprentice. The RVR staff retreat is during this phase and helps begin solid relationships between interns and RVR full time staff.

The second portion is designed to hone the skills learned in semester one. Interns help plan and implement a winter camp program, continue Bible study, participate in RVR’s New Years Revolution party, and attend a CCCA sectional conference. Interns go through a summer camp interview process and are assigned their summer camp role at this time, and there is a Christmas break during this semester.

During this phase interns begin hosting weekend retreats, putting into practice all they have learned until this point. They now facilitate outdoor education school groups, and begin to plan their area of summer camp. Interns attend camp fairs with RVR’s marketing team, as well as visiting colleges to recruit summer staff with our staffing coordinator.

Summer camp is an exciting time, and is the main reason many interns take part in the program. Interns have had several months to help plan their area of summer camp – it’s time to make it happen! Over 2500 campers enjoy our camp program, and we desire to see an excellent program. The GPS culminates during this awesome experience!