By Jonah Pearson (Tops Internship Coordinator)
Every year, The Tops interns embark on a national ‘trek’. The aim of this almost two-week trip is to explore what Christian camping looks like in different contexts, meet other incredible people in Christian camping and be transformed by their experiences.
We spent 10 days in Victoria this year, visiting Camp Coolamatong, Mill Valley Ranch, CYC Phillip Island Adventure Resort, and CYC Forest Edge. Amid canoeing, horse riding, zip-lining, mountain boarding, and high ropes, the interns had the opportunity to engage with remarkable leaders who value people above the day-to-day tasks they must complete.
However, it’s not all fun and games. While we stay at these sites, we get involved as much as possible. We assisted with dinner services, serving food and cleaning plates, vacuumed and mopped cabins in preparation for new guests, and helped haul bags off buses when they arrived.
One impactful moment for the team occurred when we assisted with home renovations for a new staff member’s house. We were staying at Mill Valley, where a new cleaner was about to join the team. She would be moving into an old log cabin located on-site. The Tops team spent the day weeding, shovelling green waste, mowing, and creating a space that feels like home. Later, we heard the new staff member’s story and learned about the significance of joining the team and living on-site. We realised we played a small part in transforming a house that would greatly bless a family.
We walked away feeling like we had contributed to something bigger than ourselves, even if we may never see the full impact. It was a challenging and humbling experience that we would ultimately carry back to The Tops.
After 10 days on the road, our experience left us with a few thoughts and questions. What does it mean to contribute to something bigger than ourselves and leave a legacy? What is my next best step? What is our purpose? And how do we stay ‘mission-minded’?
The Tops Internship Program is designed to journey alongside young emerging leaders and champion them to explore and discover their personal calling.
By creating meaningful connection and a place to belong, the Internship invites individuals into a two-year, live-in temporary community experience, filled with growth and fun The two-year process facilitates environments for professional workplace upskilling, character development, discipleship and gaining valuable life skills.
Interns undertake a Diploma of Christian Studies facilitated by the Australian College of Ministry (ACOM) and expand their understanding and critical thinking about faith in Jesus. This also includes a two-year, spiritual formation journey with trained facilitators and a personal spiritual mentor.
Each year the Internship includes a discovery experience either nationally or internationally to visit and serve other camping ministries, to grasp a broader understanding of the dynamic nature of temporary community environments.
Application processes commence in November with annual intake each January. Head to https://thetops.com.au/internship/ to apply.
Read more stories from churches of Christ in NSW & ACT HERE
