Grow Your Skills Here
Fort’s Apprentice Staff, formerly known as Contract Staff, provides a great environment (and location) to help young people discover their skills and interests while serving at camp. Typical apprentice staffers are just beginning their professional career and are intentionally developed and equipped as part of their role. Most spend one or two years (but can stay up to three) gaining experience in their work area while meeting for weekly Bible studies, connecting regularly with a mentor, engaging with the missionary staff, and serving campers.
After their time as an Apprentice Staff, having gained skilled and experience some launch into a career, some pursue additional education, and others may be called to Fort longer-term on the Missionary Staff team.
Who are We Looking For?
General Qualifications for All Leaders
- A professing Christian, committed in both spirit and practice
- Sincere in your current walk with the Lord and desire to show that to others
- Desire to impact other people for the Kingdom of God by sharing the gospel, leading devotions, sharing testimony, praying, etc.
- Will embrace and live out Fort’s values
- Mature; responsible; independent; initiative-taker
- Flexible and willing to do whatever is asked
- A model of quality and hard work with a Godly attitude
- Demonstrate leadership skills and abilities
- 18 years old or older
Statement of Faith & Values
In order to fulfill our purpose and mission of reaching lives for Christ, we seek staff who agree with and live by the shared faith and values of Fort Wilderness. Please take some time to read Fort’s Statement of Faith & Values before applying for an Apprentice Staff position.
Positions Available
Fort Wilderness hires about 10-15 paid apprentice staffers each year. Open positions will be posted on March 1, 2024. First review of applications and setting up interviews will begin on March 30, 2024. Possible areas of service include:
- Accommodations
- Horsemanship
- Kitchen
- Marketing
- Nature Center
- Operations
- Program
- Retail
- Trip Leading
Benefits
Salary
Apprentice Staff roles are paid positions. Salary is dependent on position and experience.
Christ-Centered Community
Ask any previous staffer what their highlight of serving at Fort was, and you will almost always hear about the friendships and community they made with fellow Christ followers. Serving with others is a natural and authentic way to build relationships with those around you.
Personal & Spiritual Growth
Serving at a Christian Camp provides plenty of experience to grow personally and spiritually. We strive to be intentional with our Apprentice Staff and create an atmosphere for growth to take place. Our Apprentice Staff participate in weekly Bible studies, connect regularly with a mentor, and attend fun group nights out. Fort is blessed with incredibly gifted speakers at each camp throughout the year. Staff are highly encouraged to attend camper sessions as their schedules allow.
Work and Time Off
Working at a camp is both challenging and rewarding! Expect to work early mornings and late nights and to be called to go above and beyond your job description. Most roles will work long hours with various breaks throughout the day. During the fall and winter seasons, Apprentice Staff receive 2 days off per week. During the summer season, they will receive 1.5 days off per week.
All Apprentice Staff begin with orientation on August 27, 2024. Contracts are 13 months and run through October 15, 2025.
Katie Fetzer – Retail Coordinator 2019-2022
“Serving on Apprentice Staff gave me an opportunity to develop personally and professionally in a Christ-centered community. I grew closer to the Lord and grew as a friend and leader. During my time on staff, I experienced the sweetest and most formational season of my life which equipped me to be where I am now.”
“If you feel the Lord’s leading to join Apprentice Staff, go for it! You will have an opportunity to build lifelong relationships, serve campers, lead a team, and live in a close community. This is an experience you won’t find anywhere else.”
