For more information go to: www.mounthermon.org/internships

Position Objective:

The Ponderosa Lodge Intern will gain knowledge, ability and skills pertaining to programming in a camp setting within the Ponderosa Lodge program. They will assist with the planning and implementation of MHA programs under the leadership of the Director of Ponderosa Lodge, in a manner consistent with MHA’s mission, vision, beliefs and standards of conduct.

General Qualifications:

The Ponderosa Lodge Intern is a Ministerial position. Ministerial staff render their work, stewardship, relationships and behavior as evidence of being followers of Jesus Christ while embracing and affirming Mount Hermon Association, Inc.’s (“MHA”) Christian mission, vision, beliefs and standards of conduct. They are responsible for defining, cultivating and leading MHA’s Christian community, conference programs, and retreats. All staff join into our community life of prayer, worship and spiritual activity, including but not limited to staff meetings, attendance at programs, Bible Study, and staff gatherings.

Key Job Accountabilities:

•  Ponderosa Lodge Ministry Key Accountabilities
  • Assist with the design, coordination and leadership of summer and fall programs by taking part in key vision strategy, theme development, and implementation, as well as acquiring the experience of taking a retreat from beginning to end. 
  • Participate in the process of recruiting summer staff, including but not limited to participating in making contacts about camp, interviewing, and hiring.
  • Participate in the theme development process including planning, coordinating and implementing all thematic elements.
  • Create three, intentionally designed theme ideas to present to the Program Team, and to add to a personal portfolio.
  • Provide leadership in summer programs in a key summer staff leadership role.
  • Perform any other duties as assigned by Supervisor.
• Intern Program Key Accountabilities (10% to 15% of your time)
  • Thoughtfully engage in coursework and readings assigned by the Intern Program Director, in order to grow in your understanding of God, yourself, and your vocational calling.
  • Attend, engage, and contribute to weekly Intern Program meetings and trainings.
  • Participate in two Intern Retreats, and one all-staff retreat.
• Other Responsibilities (up to 25% of your time)
  • Serve cross-departmentally in order to learn other skills and service roles in camping ministry. This includes, but is not limited to: Dining, Facilities, Accommodations and Guest Services (hosting on a weekend day).
  • Help facilitate a Guest Group event during the Thanksgiving holiday week, in partnership with Mount Hermon’s Guest Services team and other departments.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None during the year

During the summer/fall season: supervise the Forum Coordinator, Activities Coordinator and the Program Coordinator, along with their respective teams.

Education/Certifications/Licenses:

• Bachelor’s degree required.

Work Experience:

• Experience working with junior high and high school students.
• Experience with youth programming preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to articulate the gospel of Jesus Christ as communicated in Scripture.
• Ability to demonstrate a personal, committed and thought-through faith in Christ.
• Positive role model, listener, enthusiastic leader, and friend.
• Possess creativity, willingness to learn and ability to plan and implement programs.
• Ability to work as a team member and maintain a teachable attitude.
• Ability to navigate conflict in a healthy manner; possess a commitment to communicate with authenticity, honesty and kindness in all circumstances.
• Possess a commitment to lean into difficulty, and not shy away from hardship.
• Ability to engage in a variety of outdoor activities.

Physical Demands:

The physical environment requires the employee to work both inside and outside in heat/cold, wet/humid, and dry/arid conditions. Requires sitting, standing, squatting, stooping, twisting, ability to lift and carry 50 lbs., etc.

Additional Requirements:

• Must agree to and comply with MHA’s employee driving guidelines for MHA-owned vehicles and personal vehicles for business purposes.
• Adherence to the basic principles as expressed in MHA’s Mission, Vision, Beliefs and Standards of Conduct.
• Adherence to company dress code and professional standards for personal grooming and appearance.
• Satisfactory completion of background investigation as well as ability to provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States

Wage: $16/hour minus deductions for housing. (*Wage and lodging deductions may change effective January 1, 2025)