Gap Year program at RockRidge Canyon

CREW CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PROGRAM AT ROCKRIDGE CANYON

SERVE. GROW. PLAY.

A life lived with purpose

There are times in life to stop, reflect on our past, evaluate our purpose and map out our future. Developing solid skills for adulthood and determining one’s life purpose while moving into and through post secondary education is one of those perfect times. Living, serving and growing at RockRidge Canyon might be the right choice for you right now.
First and foremost, as Leadership CREW you have a desire to grow in your faith in Christ. You will have the opportunity to serve with excellence, be challenged with new experiences, live in a faith community and gain valuable work experience.

You’ll live in a rural environment, surrounded by other people like yourself who really want to grow in their leadership, vocational skills and spiritual development . We think you’ll come away from your experiences in this community better equipped to make choices about your future plans, education and career.

Think ahead to the day you’ll fondly look back and say, “It was a gap year well spent.”

CREW leadership Challenge Course

Leadership CREW

Together you form one community, sharing your skills, life and faith. Your service plays a vital role as together we host guests during RockRidge Canyon’s rental season, an essential aspect of what makes the summer youth season possible. As Leadership CREW, you’ll also be part of ministry service in our local community of Princeton BC.

SERVE

Serve at a world class Young Life Property and Retreat and Conference Centre
Leadership CREW live and serve together, building real life vocational skills within the invigorating RockRidge Canyon community.
As a large, diverse property, RockRidge Canyon offers an amazing opportunity for young adults to gain a variety of work experiences that will provide vocational training in Food Services, Housekeeping & Guest Services and Site & Facilities.

Fall Session   NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

  • Tuesday, September 5, 2023 – Monday, December 4, 2023
  • 10 positions

Christmas Break: Dec 5 – December 27

Winter Session  NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

  • December 28, 2023 – April 28, 2024
  • 8 positions

Position Opportunities

Food Services – Vocational experience in Food Services (kitchen prep, bakery, dishwashing, and dining hall service) Food Safe certification is an asset.

Guest Keeping – Vocational experience in Housekeeping and Guest Services (hospitality, retail, outdoor recreation, challenge course, and meeting space setups/operations)

Site & Facilities – Vocational experience in Site & Facilities (maintenance, landscaping, snow removal). There may be an opportunity to assist in a variety of trades (electrical, plumbing, painting, and woodworking)

Room and Board

The program includes shared accommodations in our Wolfe Creek Lodge and meals. Self-serve breakfast. Lunch and Dinner are provided. Leadership CREW serve as volunteers with room & board and a $1000/month stipend included for each session (December will be prorated). Work is approximately 40 hours per week, which may include weekends. In November/January/February/March work hours are reduced and more focus is spent on discipleship and leadership training.

Skill Building
Leadership CREW has the opportunity to learn vocational skills in a Retreat and Conference setting and obtain certification in some roles. This is an incredible opportunity for those Christian young adults wanting first-hand experience to try out some of these vocations or for those interested in pursuing a career in these fields of service. RockRidge Canyon is piloting a secondary program that will offer apprenticeship and hours towards Red Seal certification in some roles.

  • Food Service experience (Kitchen, Bakery, Dining Hall)
  • Hospitality experience (Housekeeping and Hospitality)
  • Guest Services experience (Barista, Retail, Challenge Course)
  • Site & Facilities maintenance experience
  • Food Safe, Serving It Right certification in some roles
  • First Aid training in some roles
Intern Prayer

GROW

Grow in your faith personally and together in community

Leadership CREW have the opportunity to deepen discipleship by growing in their personal relationship with Jesus Christ and developing a strong faith community. Local ministry opportunities include youth ministry with middle school or high school students or community service with local Food Bank and Community kitchen.

  • Morning devotional and prayer with property staff
  • Weekly CREW Bible Study and Worship
  • Guest speakers on Spiritual and Leadership Development
  • Personal 1 on 1 check-ins with Leadership Coordinator
  • Local ministry opportunity with youth or community outreach
  • Local church attendance and involvement

PLAY

As a community you will have the opportunity to play together

  • Serving, growing and playing together
  • Eating meals together
  • Fun weekly events, on or off site
  • Exploring the property and local area together
  • Use of outdoor recreation equipment (lake, bikes, canoes, kayaks, snowshoes, ice rink, tube hill, etc)
  • Other activities may include swimming in our pool, wakeboarding in the early fall, the party barge, cross country skiing, snowboarding, hiking, just hanging out in a hammock, campfires. Inside you’ll find lots of quiet lounges, a coffee shop, a huge games room, plus a fitness room on Main Street.
Crew Leadership Program

QUALIFICATIONS

Core Competency and Eligibility Requirements

  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • 18-25 years of age
  • Growing relationship with Christ
  • Community focused
  • Team player
  • Servant attitude
  • Flexible

MENTORSHIP

Leadership CREW will be mentored by our Property Staff and a Leadership Coordinator, who will be leading devotionals, bible study, fun activities and local ministry experience. RockRidge Canyon Property Staff are committed to the growth and development of young adults to nurture and develop skills that are foundational for career development and spiritual growth.

FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES

Leadership CREW will have the opportunity to apply for our Summer Intern Program (May – August) which provides leadership to our Young Life Summer Camping program.

Leadership CREW will also have the opportunity for future apprenticeship for vocational training in a variety of areas under specific Red Seal property staff.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of the CREW program?
CREW members serve as volunteers with room & board and a $1000/month stipend included for each term. Volunteer hours are approximately 40 hours per week, which may include weekends.
Are there any extra costs?
Your room and board is covered within the program. Any other personal costs are covered by the CREW participant. Out trips, such as snowboarding at Apex Mountain are optional. RockRidge Canyon may cover the cost of transportation and other fees, depending on the event.

Personal costs such as transportation to training and home, passport, vaccinations, travel health insurance and personal toiletries are not covered.


Is CREW available to International students?
Generally yes. Please contact our office for Visa eligibility and requirements.
Is the CREW program new?
Our Fall Crew program has been running for over 15 years. The addition of an 8 month program is new with more focus on leadership and discipleship training, as well as local ministry experience. As well, the CREW program increases continuity for RockRidge Canyon and flexibility for participants as the terms reflect college fall and winter semesters and breaks.
Do I need to be involved in Young Life to apply?

No. CREW welcomes everyone of college age to apply.

If you are already part of the Young Life missional community you’ll understand our approach to serving and evangelism. If you’re not, you’ll quickly get it and fit right in.

Can I do just one semester of CREW?
Yes. Please note your intentions within your application.
Will I receive a certificate of completion?

Yes. We are also happy to provide references for participants who have successfully completed CREW.

Will I receive College Credits or Experiential Credits?
This is not a college accredited course. However some colleges/bible schools have recognized the RockRidge Canyon CREW program with experiential or Intern credits or Co-op programs. There is an opportunity for apprenticeship hours for vocational colleges so please be sure to chat with us if you have further questions.
Do we get days off?

Definitely. CREW is not set up as a 9-5 work day or school program and volunteer shifts may vary throughout the months. However, we fully believe that even as God rested we need healthy rest too. That includes days off!

Can I apply for a Summer Intern position after CREW?

Certainly! Participants who successfully complete the CREW program will have the added benefit of property skills and knowledge. Each application is adjudicated on its own merits.