wilderness leader internship
WILDERNESS LEADER INTERNSHIP (wLI)
Ages 18+
Our Wilderness Leader Internship (WLI) is an intensive experience in wilderness leadership that will enable you to disciple, equip and empower Christ-like leaders in the wilderness classroom. This internship is designed for mature leaders 18+ who have a desire to make disciples and are excited to place themselves in a context where they will learn, grow and lead.
In May, you will head out on the Wilderness Leadership Expedition (WLE), our cornerstone wilderness course. Following WLE, you will receive over three weeks of Wilderness Instructor Training, followed by two months of "field experience" as an instructor leading our wilderness programs for youth and adults. Interns will serve as key members of our Summer Team, investing in younger staff and students. You will end the summer as a Coldwater Wilderness Instructor, qualified for future leadership opportunities with Coldwater.
This internship will allow you to grow and be formed as you prepare to intentionally invest yourself in others. This internship is for you if you are:
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Interested in leadership development, youth ministry, mentoring and adventure programming
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Seeking growth in your character, relationships, spiritual intimacy and the way you serve
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Desiring to be sharpened as a leader, refined as an educator and empowered as a disciple-maker
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Looking to be challenged and encouraged to grow in your relationship with Christ and interested in discipling others to do the same
As a Wilderness Leader Intern, you will:
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Participate in our Wilderness Leadership Expedition (WLE)
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Have significant opportunities to lead
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Receive wilderness skill instruction
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Have the opportunity to obtain your Emergency First Aid, CPR-B, Bronze Medallion and Bronze Cross certifications
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Develop a Christ-centered philosophy of leadership
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Be trained in and practice experiential learning, adventure education, small group development, facilitation, debriefing, program design, 1:1 counseling and spiritual formation
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Participate in an intentional Christian community
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Gain experience teaching and instructing
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Receive financial compensation for program leadership in July and August
There is no fee for participating in this internship and positions are limited. Accepted interns will be asked to fundraise to cover a portion of their in-camp expenses (room and board) and certification fees (Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross, Emergency First-Aid and CPR-B). This will allow interns to invite other people in their lives to join and enable them in this ministry opportunity. We have a process in place and will support you in doing this!
All accepted interns must be certified as a Wilderness First Responder prior to heading out on WLE in May.
Date: May 7–August 27, 2024
Location: Camp Norland in Verner, ON
Arrival and departure info will be emailed to participants closer to the program's start date.
If you have any questions or are looking to obtain your Wilderness First Responder certification, email michellem@coldwatercanada.org for a list of course opportunities.