Mostly everything about this experience was incredible. It was a job that most of the time didn't feel like work because I was able to make even a small difference in many peoples' lives. This position was perfect for every part of my personality and the gifts that God has given me. Through my leading of evening activities and program elements like devotional times and the gathering, I was able to help others to enjoy themselves and connect them to God and I simply cannot see anything better than that. I way really able to grow as an individual and learn how to work as a part of a team and with those in a community different than my own.
What I wish was different
I wish that there was more time off to de-stress and focus on ourselves spiritually. There was always something that had to be done and we only got about a day and a half off between the weekends. I love that I was pushed, but towards the end it felt as if I was being pushed a little too hard and could have been more intentional with connections if I had gotten more rest.
Advice
One piece of advice is to be completely open going in. God can use you in any way He wants if you are open to it and do not have any expectations. Be your true self.
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Ministry Support Coordinator
June - August 2019 • Window Rock, AZ
What I liked
I like how the main part of my job was supporting the youth by vision casting the why of what we are doing and helping each person posture their hearts with cultural humility as they enter a new community.
What I wish was different
I wish I had better utilized the self-care plan I established before entering my site.
Advice
I would not take a summer course while you work with Youthworks. I decided not to take summer courses while working with them, and I thankfully had space to breathe and be refreshed. I would also encourage everyone to be present and take advantage of your breaks.
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Kids Club Coordinator
May - August 2019 • Logan, WV
What I liked
Working with Kids! Showing the Love of Jesus!
What I wish was different
The intensity!
Advice
Do hard things!!! You will grow so much!
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Work Projects Coordinator
May - August 2019 • Chicago, IL
What I liked
I loved the real life skills of networking with local ministries, partnering with outreaches, and leading youth to serve Christ and others.
What I wish was different
I wish that the work days were shorter in order that we could have more energy and more productivity during our work.
Advice
Go into it ready to serve, not expecting a ‘normal’ schedule, comfort, or the whole job to be layed out for you, but rather be ready to go above and beyond to meet the needs of the communities you are working with and the youth you are leading.
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Community Service Coordinator
May - August 2019 • Portland, OR
What I liked
I loved being able to work in a new community and crest relationships in the community along with our middle and high school students.
What I wish was different
Advice
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Work Project Coordinator
May - August 2019 • Niagara Falls, NY
What I liked
I loved getting to work with a variety of people in a really cool location. It was also amazing to see how fast God can work through people
What I wish was different
Advice
The job is not easy and there will be a lot of stress but it is all worth jt
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Works Project Coordinator
June - August 2019 • Marvell, AR
What I liked
It taught valuable hard skills in leadership, management, organization, and administrative work. Also it taught valuable soft skills in communication, relation, relationship building, and hospitality.
What I wish was different
That I had been more thoroughly trained prior to my work and supported during that time.
Advice
Don't be afraid to ask for help. You cannot manage the job on your own. Learn to rely on your team because they're there to help you.
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Ministry Support Coordinator
May - August 2019 • Logan, WV
What I liked
My time as a Ministry Support Coordinator in Logan, WV was a wonderful learning experience. This was a great opportunity to apply myself in a youth ministry setting. Above all else, my favorite part of the summer was getting to develop relationships with my ministry team and community members.
What I wish was different
Similar to all short term ministry experiences, there is the chance of burnout. However, with a great deal of self care, my team made it though the summer without any serious burnouts.
Advice
If you choose to do an internship with YouthWorks, commit yourself to the ministry of loving God and loving others. It was one of the most challenging experiences of my life, but it was simultaneously one of the most rewarding as well. This ministry allows you to both share the love of God and see the joy of following him.
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Community Service Coordinator
May - August 2019 • Beckley, WV
What I liked
A chance to get plugged into a new community; to make connections and friendships that are still ongoing.
What I wish was different
Advice
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Work Projects Coordinator
May - August 2019 • Columbia, MS
What I liked
I loved being able to be a self-starter and make my mission site my own. I also enjoyed partnering with local ministries in living out the great commission
What I wish was different
I wish the heart of YouthWorks would be more focused on God and less on the people they serve.
Advice
It's hard, and you will encounter people that you don't agree with. stand strong in your faith, while loving others
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Kids Club Coordinator
May - August 2019 • Window Rock, AZ
What I liked
I loved the people that I got to know in Navajo Nation where I was placed. Working as a Kids Club Coordinator was an amazing experience and I absolutely loved working with the kids. The YouthWorks leadership is incredible and I learned so much through this experience.
What I wish was different
Advice
If you work for YouthWorks, be prepared to have one of the hardest but most rewarding experiences of your life. I didn't really know what to expect going into it and it was definitely more physically and emotionally challenging than I expected. Even though it is hard, it is so worth it and you will look back on it as one of the most amazing summers of your life. God is doing amazing work through the people at YouthWorks so I highly support anyone who is thinking about working with them.
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Ministry Support Coordinator
June - August 2019 • Philadelphia, PA
What I liked
I enjoyed interacting with youth in high school while getting to develop meaningful relationships with them and be a spiritual mentor to them over the summer.
What I wish was different
I wish that I had more in-depth training for the job, in that I was thrown into a new experience during which a lot was expected of me, but with little training.
Advice
One piece of advice about this experience would be to consider doing it prayerfully, and with help from outside voices such as friends and family.
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Ministry Support Coordinator
May - August 2019 • Indianapolis, IN
What I liked
I loved how the job challenged me. The days were long, ranging anywhere from 15-18 hour days, getting little sleep and doing tough jobs. However, it pushed every day to be a better person. I had the opportunity to meet so many interesting and inspiring people and I learned so much about myself.
What I wish was different
I wish there could be more than just 4 people at a site. It was often so much work for just 4 people and if not every one was carrying their weight, things got stressful.
Advice
You are capable of more than you think! You might not think you can accomplish everything a YouthWorks job entails, but with the help from God and your co-workers you can make a lasting, powerful and inspiring impact in the community you are serving.
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Ministry Support Coordinator
May - August 2019 • Heart Butte, MT
What I liked
It allowed me to express my creativity and leadership, while still being a structured environment engineered to grow and stretch me in many aspects.
What I wish was different
I wish I had been provided with more training. We had four days to train for the whole summer.
Advice
The youthworks summer is what you make it. It's very stressful, so stay on top of self care, but enjoy the little things God reveals to you.
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Kids Club Coordinator
May - August 2019 • Sisseton, SD
What I liked
This is a great organization, a great way to serve a local community having the opportunity to build upon many skills.
What I wish was different
There’s not anything I can say that I wish would’ve been different.
Advice
Go with an open mind and a heart to serve.
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Kids Club Coordinator
May - August 2019 • Adirondack, NY
What I liked
My job, the community, the team I worked with!
What I wish was different
More time for rest.
Advice
Go to God with everything.
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Site Director
May - August 2019 • Saint Paul, MN
What I liked
I enjoyed being able to meet new people from all across the world and connect our dreams to a bigger and better worldwide picture. It was so fun to be a servant of God and to other people and witness how it is to live life without many resources. This summer was a summer of GIVING wholeheartedly, which was the most amazing part. It was emotional, it was a lot of hard work, and it was definitely an uncomfortable experience but it was very well worth. For the first time in my life, I was able to be the change I wanted to see in the world! The best part was being able to develop more on a spiritual level, learning the stories of other people while also being able to develop a new passion for underprivileged youth.
What I wish was different
I only wish the company was able to transition to more electronic paperwork. Everything else is great! Everything is already prepared for you! It is up to you to do your best!
Advice
Pray hard, every single day. All of your coworkers are chasing after the same thing as you - a deeper relationship with God! There will be times where you are uncomfortable and ready to go home, but push through it! The end is closer than you think and the satisfaction at the end is the best feeling in the world! Remember, you are there for a reason and while you are there you should make the best of it! This opportunity is truly an once in a lifetime experience!
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YouthWorks Ministry Camp Counselor
May - August 2019 • Minneapolis, MN
What I liked
I had the opportunity to travel this summer due to this summer job/volunteer opportunity. I was able to spend my summer helping a community in need, serving at soup kitchens, providing daycare-like services, habitat for humanity help, etc.
What I wish was different
I wish I had learned about this opportunity earlier, so I would have been able to better prepare for this summer.
Advice
If you are able, DO IT. It was a life-changing and growth inducing opportunity for me personally and I loved the service and relationship based aspects of the job.
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Ministry Support Coordinator
May - August 2019 • Rapid City, SD
What I liked
I really appreciated the materials and resources that Youthworks provided for me to do my job well. I learned a lot about leadership and working with people, which is beneficial to both my engagements on campus and my hopes in a future career.
What I wish was different
I wish I had been placed with a more coherent team with a stronger, more mature leader. That was a difficult issue to navigate.
Advice
Communication is key in building your relationships. If there is an issue, speak up about it, and work at growing with your team.
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Site director
June - August 2018 • Philadelphia, PA
What I liked
Leadership opportunities, building relationships, facilitating ministry, stretching myself
What I wish was different
Care supports are minimal. My physical and mental health failed
Advice
The most difficult but potentially rewarding summer of your life. Not a cushy desk internship
