Internships

Our internship is a full-time, year-long position with a stipend, room, and board provided. Interns will learn how a Christian retreat center operates and will have a chance to build relationships and network with organizations such as Christian Camp and Conference Association, Pittsburgh Kids Foundation, Coalition for Christian Outreach, churches throughout the Pittsburgh (and beyond!) region, and more.

The Laurelville staff is a team, working together to offer Christ-like hospitality to all who come to encourage spiritual growth, healthy community, and care of God’s creation. Interns are an important part of this team, helping us to serve over 20,000 people annually in the Laurel Highlands of southwestern Pennsylvania. Interns will be provided with the chance to acquire skills and knowledge relevant for a variety of career and ministry fields. We aim to provide our interns with the time and space to grow and develop as they explore new opportunities. It takes caring, skilled, and dedicated people with a heart for Christian service to fulfill our call to ministry every day. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the internship and when does it start? 
Our year-long internships begin in August with the option of a second year. If you would like to start before August – let us know!

What will I be doing as an intern?
A little bit of everything! The majority of the internship will be spent in Guest Services, helping to care for the guests who visit Laurelville. However, during your time here, you will be challenged and equipped to grow in all areas of our ministry, including dining hall, housekeeping, marketing, promotional trips, leadership, and maintenance. If you excel in a certain area or we see a specific set of strengths emerge during your time here, we will encourage growth in that area and help you develop these skills for future careers.

What will I get out of my time as an intern? 
A lot! You don’t have to want to work in summer camping to get incredible professional experience that can directly impact your future. From learning basic maintenance, to being included in the many facets of running a nonprofit organization, there are countless ways for you to grow and network during your time here. On top of that, we love to teach people fun skills outside of work! You could learn how to budget, or find out how to change the brake pads on your car, learn to swim, or practice your baking skills.

What is Laurelville looking for in an intern?
We are looking for young adults who have a desire to learn, grow, and join a community of people committed to service. The ideal candidate is looking for purpose and direction in their life and is willing to work with our staff to help find that at Laurelville and beyond. If you are unsure of your next step, taking a gap year, or looking for a new experience, this internship is for you!

What is Laurelville and where is it located?
Laurelville is a year-round retreat center located about an hour south of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands. While it started as a small summer camp in the 1940s, it has grown to an organization that hosts over 20,000 people annually. Hosting groups is the main part of our work at Laurelville but we still hold youth camps and adult programs throughout the year and interns are given opportunities to work with the programming department along with Hosted/Guest Services.

Where will I live?
Interns live on Laurelville grounds in staff housing.

What would my schedule look like?
Interns work 5 days per week and are off for 2 days. In the fall, winter, and spring, we try to make sure your 2 days off are consecutive. In the busy summer months, this may not be guaranteed. Weekend and evening work is frequent. Interns have off 1-2 weekends per month, depending on the time of year, and have time off for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.