Growing Leaders
Investing in our leaders is the heart of Coldwater’s ministry.
Instructor for summer,
leader for a lifetime.
At Coldwater, leadership development begins with the Wilderness Leader Internship. New leaders integrate their unique leadership style with the technical skills needed to safely and effectively led in the wilderness classroom. Coldwater instructors are exposed to values and disciplines that endure long after their season with Coldwater. The best candidates for a summer internship are people who prioritize faith in Christ, care for others and are dependably teachable. Investing in our leaders is the heart of Coldwater’s ministry.
What does this experience involve?
Participate in a 21-day Wilderness Leadership Expedition: Coldwater’s cornerstone leadership course for wilderness leaders.
Receive significant opportunities to practice leadership and gain field experience leading outdoor programs.
Connect with God and your peers through His word, your experience, intentional reflection, challenge and more.
- Learn the various important roles of an outdoor leader in our 14-day Wilderness Instructor Training Course.
- Engage in rigorous peer teaching, role playing & interaction involving wilderness skill instruction.
- Study the Biblical foundations of Christ-centered leadership.
- Gain 8-day Wilderness First responder (WFR) Certification and 2-day Wilderness Waterfront Safety Certification.
- Become proficient in various wilderness skills.
Multiple opportunities to lead students on wilderness expeditions using Coldwater’s teaching model.
Receive encouragement and feedback from your leaders and peers between each trip.
Bring about lasting change in wilderness course participants.
Job Description: Wilderness Leader Intern (WLI) (May 10 - August 6, 2026)
Internship Description:
Wilderness Leader Internship is a summer immersion opportunity for young adult and college-aged leaders, focused on developing ministry capabilities as a Christian educator, mentor, and wilderness instructor. As a Wilderness Leader Intern, you will discover and experience first-hand the thrill of teaching and leading in the wilderness classroom. Interns join our leadership team and are equipped to bring about lasting change in wilderness course participants. Interns receive intensive training, including industry-standard safety certifications, and free room and board and a $2000 stipend.
Responsibilities:
Training: May 10 – June 27, 2026
- Participate in an introduction to sustainable ministry practices including: rhythms of work/rest, active pursuit of one’s own personal faith in Christ, intentional relationship building with mentors, and a simple support raising process.
- Participate in Coldwater’s 21-day Wilderness Leadership Expedition.
- Complete Wilderness First Responder and Wilderness Waterfront Safety Certifications.
- Learn the various roles of an outdoor leader in Coldwater’s leadership training seminar.
- Study the Biblical foundations of Christ-centered leadership.
- Engage in rigorous peer teaching, role playing and interaction involving wilderness skill instruction and facilitation of guided reflection.
- Participate in a healthy, vibrant Christian community Mink Lake.
Field Work: June 29 – August 6, 2026
- With a coleader and Coldwater Program staff, build student-centered wilderness courses.
- Complete Program Designs and Course Plans.
- Participate in presentations and debriefs, with Coldwater staff and fellow instructors.
- Collaborate with a team to coordinate logistics required for extended wilderness tripping.
- Work with wilderness tripping gear, instruct hard skills and complete necessary repairs.
- Welcome students and families to Mink Lake Wilderness Basecamp.
- Facilitate 1-2 week long wilderness expeditions in Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Superior National Forest.
- Lead parent and student experience at post-program Celebration Day services.
- Embrace rhythms of hard work and intentional rest.
Qualifications:
- Spiritual maturity to be able to listen, care for and lead others in alignment with Christian values.
- Commitment to intentional community life and choices, with goals of growing in faith and character.
- Excellent management and organizational skills, including basic computer skills.
- High value of others, with particular attention to listening to others.
- Able to make mature decisions under pressure and reliable to carry significant responsibility.
- Humble teachability, eagerness to learn.
- Readiness to face challenge, try new things, willingness to accept the unknown.
- At least 21 years of age.
Application Process:
- Complete online application.
- Distribute Reference form to 3 references.
- Go through interview process with Coldwater Staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have other questions? If you still don’t find your answer, feel free to contact us directly.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes! Coldwater Foundation is a registered 501c(3) non-profit organization in the state of Minnesota. All donations are 100% tax deductible. We depend on your generous donations to further the Coldwater mission. Giving receipts are issued to our donors in a report at the start of the new year.
I’d like to make a change to my giving. Can you help me?
If you’d like to make a change in your giving, check first with your donation method. For Donorbox donations, you can update your giving there. If you donate through billpay, contact your bank to make changes. If you have questions or need further assistance, give us a call, or reach out to jen@coldwaterfoundation.org.
Why do Coldwater staff raise support?
Coldwater is a small, independent non-profit ministry—not funded by a parent denomination or larger camp network—so the mission depends on generous partners.
Program fees cover only part of the actual cost of wilderness training. We keep tuition far below market rates so every student can participate, regardless of financial ability. (Comparable wilderness programs cost three to four times more.) We also provide scholarships for any family that needs help.
To form excellent leaders, Coldwater invests deeply in staff development. Each instructor receives a 3-week training trip, a month of intensive leadership preparation, and a full Wilderness First Responder certification—all at no cost to them. Housing, meals, and a summer salary are also provided.
Because we prioritize training, accessibility, and care for our leaders, program income cannot fully cover staff costs. Support raising helps supplement salaries so instructors can serve without financial strain and allows us to keep courses accessible to students.
Too many ministry workers experience burnout. Every staff member needs a team around them. The support-raising model builds that team by surrounding each leader with prayer and financial partners. This approach strengthens our people, sustains their ministry, and allows Coldwater to prioritize high-quality training, rest, and long-term health.
Supporting staff is one of the most strategic ways to invest in Coldwater’s mission—because excellent leaders are what make transformational experiences possible.
What is Coldwater's Statement of Faith?
Can you tell me about Coldwater’s Annual Banquet?
Facing challenge is the means by which we become stronger, more aware, and more ready for whatever comes next. We believe that within struggle is a great opportunity for growth. Embracing challenge is a valuable mindset for when life gets difficult.
