The Internship Program – Leading and Learning

In 2018, I was privileged with the opportunity to move from my small town in Texas, to Washington to participate in the Internship Program here at Black Diamond Camp. I spent my time as an Intern learning the ins and outs of camping ministry and loved it!

During the Internship, we were able to shadow each of the departments at Camp and through that, I learned I love working with our Retreat groups. I started working full-time at camp in 2020 as a Guest Services Event Coordinator.

This past year, I had the opportunity to lead the Internship Program. I worked with 5 amazing Interns Jess, Cole, Alex, Jagger, and Rachel. Each of them taught me so much over the last 9 months and I cherish so many fun memories with them. Knowing them is a gift!

The Internship Program is the perfect opportunity to learn the ins and outs of camp ministry or to get your foot in the door of Christian camping.

Throughout the last 9 months our Interns had opportunities to shadow each department here at Camp from Day Camp, to Group Camp, and even our OPS Team! Shadowing different departments gives you an idea of what happens year-round to make Camp an amazing experience for our campers!

Additionally, our Interns were able to do a “camp swap” with a different camp in the area to have an idea of how other camps operate in the Pacific Northwest and what makes each camp unique!

From recruiting trips, to being a Day Camp counselor, there were so many other fun and exciting things these Interns were able to experience. I’m so glad I was able to experience it all with them and I look forward for next year and all the memories we will make with our 2022 – 2023 Interns!

-Kaelin Lara, Guest Services Event Coordinator