Life and Leadership Training

Life and Leadership Training Internship

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 and engage in discipleship, adventure, service projects, challenges, and leadership opportunities. Some of the adventures students may experience include inflatable kayaking, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, horseback riding, backpacking, hiking, challenge course, and mountaineering.

This highly relational and discipleship-based program emphasizes 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: Incoming or Graduating Seniors
Date: June 29th-August 9th, 2026
Length: 6 weeks
Cost: $2,100 per person (scholarships available)

To Apply:

Complete the online job application and reference forms.

Apply Online

Online Reference Form

Applicants must have three references that meet the following criteria:

References must not be family members
One reference must be unaffiliated with Youth Dynamics
One reference must have known them for at least two years prior to applying to the program
One reference must be a teacher or employer

“I learned what the name Creator really means, how it applies to God…(and) How God has planted me in each and every place for a specific reason.”— Former Participant

Questions? Just email staffing@yd.org!

FAQs

What if I can't come for all six weeks?

It is important to have full attendance for the entire 6-weeks. Please reach out to us if you would like to discuss a specific schedule situation.

What will I do during the LLT?

In general, an LLT’s schedule is balanced between assisting with base operations and supporting adventure trips. Base operations can include helping pack food/gear for an upcoming trip, cleaning up food/gear, and grounds maintenance. When helping on adventure trips, LLT students may be placed in appropriate leadership roles, including participation in trip activities and assisting with group facilitation. In the midst of their schedule, LLT students will steadily work through a Bible reading plan and participate in relevant topical discussions with our staff.

Do I need to be a strong Christian with leadership experience to be an LLT?

No. However, full engagement with our Bible reading plan and in discussions around faith in Christ is something we expect from LLT students. We are looking for students who desire to grow, ask good questions, and wholeheartedly engage with the program.

What if I can't afford the cost? Can anyone apply for scholarships?

We never want money to be the reason why someone doesn’t participate in the LLT. We offer scholarships that students can apply for, along with flexible payment plans. Friends and family can also contribute directly toward a student’s scholarship. If you really want to do the LLT, please apply, and we will work through the finances with you.

Will I be trained as a guide?

No. Our training period is over by the time that LLT’s arrive, and we also cannot legally certify anyone under the age of 18 to guide with us. That being said, LLT’s will receive informal training throughout their experience and have frequent opportunities to practice new skills under our supervision. If you are interested in being a guide with us in the future, this is a fantastic way to start learning and practicing those skills.

For Parents:

Can I visit my LLT student during the 6 weeks?

Yes, we would love to schedule a time for you to come visit your LLT student. We discourage spontaneous drop-ins because we can’t guarantee that your LLT student will be on-site. The local LLT coordinator would be happy to share their schedule with you and figure out a time that works best for everyone.

Will me LLT student have their phone during the program?

Yes. It is helpful for our staff to be able to contact them via cell phone during the LLT. However, we will encourage healthy independence and boundaries from their phone throughout the program. We desire to help each student create new rhythms with technology that are easily transferred as they return home.