What does it mean to be an authentic leader, a leader with integrity?
The pursuit of leadership is a journey often hindered by challenging obstacles and times of self-doubt. It is a journey of the heart, mind, and spirit; a path that few choose to take. Do not be fooled. Leadership is a difficult calling.
There are several programs at Youth Dynamics for leadership development for a variety of age groups. Please join us on this fantastic journey.
TOADS
Our weekly TOADS adventure group meets 8-10 days a summer and gives young people a chance to step into outdoor leadership.
- Ages: 12-18
- Season: June – August
- Length: 8 hour days throughout the summer season
- Group Size: varies
- Cost: varies
Life and Leadership Training
The 6-week Life and Leadership Training (LLT) is an opportunity for young adults to work closely with stateside missionaries who use wilderness adventures to share the love of Christ.
During the six-week internship, students will experience discipleship, adventure, challenge, and leadership. Some of the adventures that students may experience include inflatable kayaking, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, horseback riding, backpacking, hiking, challenge course, and mountaineering.
This is a highly relational and discipleship-based program, emphasizing individual and group exploration of culturally relevant topics and present experiences. Throughout their time at the base, staff will provide quality guidance and support towards these processes:
Build character, communication, and bonded community.
Develop a solid faith foundation, Christian worldview, and values.
Provide life skills, leadership training, and wilderness adventures.
Cultivate a heart of service and mentoring mindset.
Advance with vocation and personal mission clarity.
Our heart is to see each student leave with a deeper relationship with God, a vision for their future, and confidence in their leadership!
- Age: Juniors and Seniors in Highschool
- Season: July 5 – August 14
- Length: 6 weeks
- Group Size: 2 – 6 people
- Cost: $2,100 per person (scholarships available)
Summer Staff
Each year Youth Dynamics hires a select number of young adults to help lead adventure trips for teenagers in the Pacific Northwest as Summer Staff.
As a member of the Summer Staff team, you will be trained to guide teenagers on a variety of wilderness activities, including whitewater rafting, rock climbing, backpacking, challenge courses, horseback riding, and kayaking. You will be mentored and work alongside our seasoned staff to design ministry programs, assist in group facilitation, and help with the logistical details that come with each trip. As you serve, you will have the opportunity to lead and spend valuable time participating in mission work!
As a relational adventure ministry, Youth Dynamics desires to give teenagers the opportunity to experience God’s creation through adventures, while connecting those experiences to real-life situations they are facing. As a Summer Staff, you are often the one coaching a student through an emotional moment while rock climbing or the one listening as they open up about their life while kayaking. These are powerful moments that provide space for God to use you in a life-changing way.
Summer Staff opportunities are available at each of our Adventure bases. Each base is unique because of the location and the demographic of people they serve but united by the same heart to help young people discover life with Christ. If you connect with the heart of Youth Dynamics’ ministry, please submit an application and we’ll contact you!
- Age: 19+
- Season: May – September
- Length: all summer
- Group Size: varies
- Cost: $1,500 per person
At Youth Dynamics, we recognize that the questions, learning, or appetite for adventure that a young person desires to experience extends through high school and into their 20’s. The leadership development opportunities are a few options that speak to the heartbeat of the staff who serve with Youth Dynamics. Each of these programs or employment opportunities is full of spiritual mentorship, adventure, and rich community.
Let’s adventure together!
If I'm applying for summer staff, what if I can't stay the whole time due to college schedule?
We can usually be flexible with school/college schedules. Please apply or call if you have more questions.
Do I have to have any experience with outdoor adventures to apply?
No, you do not need any adventure experience for any of the leadership development programs that you apply up for. We will train you!
Where will I be staying?
The Leadership Pursuits program is outdoor camping only. The Life and Leadership and Summer Staff positions are a combination of camping and staying in staff housing.
Do I have to believe in God to participate?
The Leadership Pursuits program is for students who are curious or unsure about their faith.
The Life and Leadership Training program is for students who believe in God but have questions or want to become more rooted in their faith.
Summer Staff positions are for young adults who have a personal relationship with God and want to share that with others.
