INTERNSHIPS

Internships in ministry

Reach the next level personally and professionally

Thank you for taking an interest in the Internship in Camp Ministry (ICM) program. In this nine month program, Timber-lee offers unique paid internships in a variety of departments which provide hands-on experience designed specifically to equip participants with ministry, communication, and teaching opportunities.


Alongside the work experience, Timber-lee aims to help interns grow personally in their spiritual walk within a Christ centered community. Interns will have the opportunity to live and learn with their peers about themselves and their relationship with God.


  • Internship Basics

    Timber-lee is located on over 600 acres in scenic Southeastern Wisconsin, and is home to one of the largest residential Outdoor Education and youth retreat programs in the Midwest. ICM interns have the advantage of working in many different areas of camp, thus gaining knowledge through hands-on experience, as well as learning directly from a seasoned, professional staff. Every week, time is set aside for interns to meet and learn about spiritual disciplines and the camping ministry.


    Interns are paid biweekly on a stipend/salary pay base, and can expect between 30-40 work hours in a week.  Interns have free housing onsite, and meals are provided when guests are on grounds. Interns will enjoy a camping experience to kick off the program and will have the opportunity to attend the CCCA conference in the spring.

  • Seasonal Specifics

    Our internship runs from mid-August through mid-December, and from January through May.


    During the program, interns have an influence on the Outdoor Education program through teaching/facilitating classes and hosting guest groups. The OE program runs throughout the entirety of the program year, but peaks during the fall and spring. Throughout the program year, interns help in the planning, preparing, and implementing of over a dozen of Timber-lee’s youth group and parent/child retreats.

  • Professional and Personal Growth

    Your ICM experience will be intertwined with the overall purpose, vision, and mission of Timber-lee: spiritual transformation, learning experiences, meaningful relationships, and significant memories. The program itself is built around the idea of being a Christ-centered community which enables growth in the areas of interpersonal communication and relationship building, and a deeper understanding of the importance of a closer personal walk with Jesus. In order to foster those areas of growth, time will be set aside each week for program participants to come together in Bible studies and class time led by dedicated staff members.

  • Community Life

    Our desire is to maintain a Christ-centered ministry empowered by the Holy Spirit. All Timber-lee staff members are encouraged and expected to pursue a daily personal walk that reflects a commitment to Jesus, seeking to please Him in every area of their lives. Interns will be encouraged to pursue God, serve others, care for oneself, and celebrate the many gifts God presents each day.


    Interns are provided community, recreational, and spiritually-focused opportunities throughout the year in order to experience meaningful relationships, learning and growth, significant memories, and spiritual transformation.

  • Qualifications

    We select individuals who are passionate about helping others grow in a closer relationship with Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit working in them. It is our desire that our interns will leave with lasting memories and close friendships, numerous valuable learning experiences, and a deeper spiritual life.


    Specific Requirements


    • Have a sincere love for God and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ

    • Be able to fully participate in the entire program: for the duration of the selected 4- or 5-month program

    • Be a college graduate (preferred)

    • Must be 18 years or older 

    • Have enthusiasm for contributing to a learning and teaching environment

    • Possess excellent communication skills, and have the ability to teach and lead a group of students

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Types of Internships at Timber-lee

Timber Challenge

The Timber Challenge (TC) department is responsible for the delivery of Timber-lee’s challenge course programs. This includes our 900’ zip lines; 22-element two-level high ropes course; 40’ climbing tower; and a variety of outdoor recreational offerings including archery, canoeing, and cross country skiing. ICM participants will spend 30-40 hours per week gaining practical, hands-on experience guided by established leaders in the outdoor adventure industry.


Documented instructor hours can be used for practitioner/manager certification in various industry associations. In addition, interns gain experience in youth retreat program planning and implementation as they live and learn about year-round camp ministry.

Saddle Horn Ranch

The Saddle Horn Ranch (SHR) is home to Timber-lee’s 35 horses, animal farm, and leather shop. ICM participants will spend 30-40 hours per week gaining practical hands-on experience in the saddle, guiding trail rides, on the ground caring for the horses and other farm animals, and in the classroom teaching students how to safely maneuver on and around a horse.


Interns will also learn how to operate our tractor to drive for hayrides, teach leather craft projects, and explain the roles that different types of animals play on a farm. While training is provided, SHR interns must have experience with, and be comfortable both on and around, horses. They also must possess the ability to work in all types of weather. In addition, interns gain experience in youth retreat program planning and implementation, as they live and learn about year-round camp ministry.

Science Center

The Science Center at Timber-lee is a state-of-the-art, 14,000 sq. ft. facility that houses more than 60 animal species, has nine indoor classrooms, and has more than 35 different interactive displays. ICM participants will spend around 40 hours per week gaining practical, hands-on experience in teaching and leading groups of students, ranging in age from pre-k to 8th grade (predominantly focusing on 5th-6th grade) in a variety of science and outdoor skills classes.


A Science Center-based intern has the opportunity to walk away with skills in teaching, curriculum development, and animal care. In addition, interns gain experience in youth retreat program planning and implementation, as they live and learn about year-round camp ministry.

Public Relations

The Public Relations Internship is part of the Advancement Team and is responsible for informing the public about what is happening at Timber-lee Ministries. This includes but is not limited to, distributing press releases, planning and publicizing community events and youth events, and promoting the ministry at conferences. 


The Public Relations  Internship is a great opportunity to build skills in communications, public relations, event coordination, and system management.


The successful Public Relations Internship candidate will expect to travel, engage with the public, and establish new relationships with those that come into contact with Timber-lee.


Must be 18 years of age or older. 

HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?

Please reach out with any questions that you have about the Internship in Camp Ministry Program at Timber-lee!

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