At Miracle Ranch and Island Lake, we are passionate about training leaders. You will use and continually develop your leadership skills throughout your life as you follow Jesus Christ - showing love to people in whatever ways God directs you. As a participant in one of our leadership programs, you'll experience an exciting and challenging summer full of new friendships, personal growth, community and fun!

This program is designed for high school students who have an active faith in Jesus Christ and who desire to serve Him with their time while developing an understanding of servant leadership. Mentored by college-age leadership staff, high school staff will serve side by side in crews with our resident and day camp programs. During our traditional camp weeks, high school staff will have the opportunity to be in cabins with the campers assisting the counselor. Positions are available for 5-week sessions or the entire summer.
High School Leadership Program Information
Important Information - Core Pillars
Session Dates
Wrangler-in-Training (WIT) specifics
Frequently Asked Questions
Apply Now
The foundation of the High School Program is formed by 3 Core Pillars:
Service
Members of the program will spend part of their time each day on a crew assignment. This includes experience in food service, dishwashing, housekeeping, maintenance projects, the camp store, and activities around camp. This aspect of the program is designed to develop good work ethic and experience that one could take anywhere in life.

Discipleship
Healthy community is essential to our High School leadership program. Through authentic relationships, students will find a place where they can be real with each other and their leaders. Out of those relationships true discipleship can happen as the students are mentored by the college age leaders that work and live with them. Every student will participate in a daily spiritual/ leadership training time. These times are intentionally planned out, and will focus on teaching the foundational aspects of our faith, especially as it relates to servant leadership. In addition, students will participate in "core groups" where they will dig deeper in God's word and build close relationships with a few other members of their program. High school members will also attend summer staff meetings that include times of worship, teaching, training and prayer.
Leadership Experience
Training High School students to be servant leaders is a huge part of what we desire to do. The students will have the opportunity to daily be an example and role model to the campers and guests that will be here this summer. While working on crews in the kitchen, housekeeping and facilities departments they will have the chance to take on new responsibilities and become leaders within their group. During traditional camp weeks, students will assist summer staff in teaching activity classes, participate in leading camp games, and help with Cabin Times. Through deep relationships, mature college-age mentors, work crews and Bible studies, it is our hope that each student leaves our program equipped with leadership experience that they will want to use throughout their lives.
"Island Lake Camp created so many awesome, incredible and memorable experiences. I learned so much. This experience really brought me closer to Jesus Christ, as he took me through so many sweet adventures and challenges. Working on High School staff really changed my life. No other job that I will EVER have will be as cool as leading kids to Christ. There are so many friendships, and eye opening experiences. This is seriously the most legit thing ever!"
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Adam Truitt (High School Program Student) |
High School Leadership Programs
Term of Service: |
Dates: |
Tuition: |
| High School Hiring Weekend @ Island Lake |
April 20-22, 2012 |
no cost |
| Parent Orientation Dinner |
May 20, 2012 |
no cost |
| HS Program Training |
June 14-16, 2012 |
included |
| HS Staff #1 (half-summer) |
June 17 - July 21, 2012 |
$275 |
| HS Staff #2 (half-summer) |
July 22 - August 25, 2012 |
$275 |
| HS Staff Full Summer |
June 17 - August 25, 2012 |
$400 |
Core Pillars of WIT Program:
The WIT program will accomplish the same pillars through service alongside the wranglers, discipleship by horsemanship staff, and leadership of horsemanship classes and activities.
W.I.T. - Wrangler-in-training (Miracle Ranch Only)
A position for high school students that utilizes the unique opportunities of the horsemanship program to teach biblical truths. This position is designed for students who have a secure understanding of their faith and demonstrate a consistent spiritual life. Students will grow in their faith as they practice basic horsemanship skills and learn to use them in their Christian witness.
Term of Service: |
Dates: |
Tuition: |
| All-staff Training |
June 14-16, 2012 |
included |
| W.I.T. Full Summer |
June 17 - August 25, 2012 |
$400 |
2012 Applications
- Apply Now - Online application

"Working at CRISTA Camps has changed my life. I grew so much as a person and as a Christian. Camp taught me that God can use me in any situation, whether I’m helping prepare food for campers, or sitting with them during a cabin time (bible study). He can show himself through my physical work or in the words shared during a fireside. God is not just a Sunday morning and Wednesday night God. He works anywhere at anytime through anyone."
- Mary Diemert (High School Program Student)
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