GPS Christian Camp Internship

The main goal of GPS would be to guide you spiritually. We work toward this goal together in various ways, including making it a priority every week as a group to spend time together either directly in God's word, working through a book study, or partaking in beneficial classes together.

Spiritual growth also comes through practice! As you learn and start becoming more involved in the programs RVR offers to guests, you will have more and more opportunities to practice serving and contributing to the spiritual growth of others as well.

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 BRIGHT-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 over 10,000 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.

Interns will grow relationally as they work side by side with our full-time staff and fellow interns. Interns work and live together, which creates strong community and opportunities for growth. Interns will learn conflict resolution as well as skills to affirm and love their fellow interns.

At RVR, we work hard and we play hard. We believe that recharging is necessary and can be a lot of fun. Interns will experience several group trips throughout their year 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.