Life as an Intern

Why An Internship?

An internship is an opportunity for a Christian leader to respond to the call of God on our lives, and to experience serving in committed Christian ministry. It is an opportunity to discover gifts, develop new skills, meet life long friends and search out a vision for what God is calling you to. It is a chance to totally dedicate your life to God for a whole year, learn to rely on Him and have Christ invest in you in such a way as to increase your impact for the Kingdom for the rest of your life.

This could be the GAP Year of your life!

Why an Internship with SU Victoria’s - SOAR Adventures Program?

SU Victoria’s - SOAR Adventures program is a unique environment providing several key factors making it ideal for an internship:

  • Location – Based in Bendigo, and working in the town and surrounding areas, with a small but growing team of committed Christians.

  • Support – with SU’s experience working in over 140 countries and in many different circumstances we have developed a training program that is relevant, stimulating and life changing. We have mentoring and support networks in place that will nurture and bless young adults as they serve as an intern;

  • Ministry – The SOAR Adventures program works with young students who are at-risk of being excluded from their school, who are in conflict or crisis with their families or are suffering from depression or demoralization. The program aims to promote positive life choices and decision-making amongst the participants, assisting to empower them to achieve their goals and full potential. The students accepted in the program have the opportunity to reach their God given potential. What Do Interns Do?

Interns are trained to provide professional leadership to school and private groups we work with. SOAR Adventures runs both the School program, as well as commercially run outdoor education trips. The staff team hold relevant industry qualifications and are very experienced in a broad range of Outdoor Adventure program experiences. During the course of the year interns completing a wide range of training, both practical and theoretical, during their 12 month term. ‘On the Job’ training and designated blocks throughout the year provide ongoing opportunities for interns to develop communication and organisational skills. Interns are involved in all aspects of the program life including admin and maintenance. Whilst the bulk of the time is spent leading small groups on school session and Adventure trips, interns are also allocated time for study, maintenance and program planning. Daily and weekly meetings are all vital components of an interns schedule.

Is An Internship 24 / 7?

Interns and permanent staff are expected to live in the Bendigo region to be close to the office, but we can assist with finding accommodation in the area. Interns work with staff in the office and running programs on a 9am to 5pm work day schedule, unless more time is required for travel to schools further away. Interns will also be involved in camping trips which generally run Wednesday to Friday, these trips travel to different locations around Victoria, and food is provided during this time. Interns will also be involved in maintenance, study and planning for upcoming programs and trips.

What Makes Up A Typical Years Program?

An internship with SU Victoria’s - SOAR Adventures commences early January and finishes early December, making approximately a 48 week term of service. Of this there would be:

  • Approximately 16 weeks of trips.

  • 20 weeks of schools sessions

  • 3 weeks allocated holiday leave

  • 4 – 5 weeks of training

  • 2 – 3 weeks of maintenance / program planning and development

What Pastoral and Personal Support Will I Receive as an Intern?

We recognise that internships are physically, mentally and spiritually demanding. So we’ve put in place a number of strategies to support interns in their service:

  • Permanent SOAR Adventures Staff – the staff team comprises a Director, who oversees the operation of the program; 2 program facilitators, 1 for each set of 4 schools, and an administration/trip support/logistics coordinator. These staff are mature and experienced Christian leaders dedicated to the furtherance of the Gospel, and committed to the development of young leaders through the internship program. Social times sharing meals, camping or the extra activities above represent key opportunities to support each other and grow in fellowship as a community. Importantly, at the commencement of the year the leadership team outline a number of essential guidelines on how to life in and develop good community.

  • Mentoring – Interns are each linked with a mature Christian person in the local community who is keen to support the ministry of SU Victoria by being available to encourage and meet with young leaders.

  • Local Churches – SU Victoria and SOAR Adventures enjoys active and strong support from local churches. It is expected that everyone serving with SU Victoria attends a church each week, as this is so important for our spiritual nurturing and growth.

What Sort Of Person Is Suited To Work As An Intern?

The type of people SU Victoria’s SOAR Adventures are looking to appoint as interns will display the following characteristics:

  • A passion for youth ministry, particularly youth at-risk.

  • A love for God and desire to grow in relationship with Him and serve him though their life;

  • An enthusiasm to learn and work in the outdoors;

  • A sense of fun and adventure with at least a moderate level of physical fitness;

  • An ability to be led and to work well within a team environment.