Give a Year at The Pines
Are you called to serve?
Now accepting applications for the 2024-2025 season!
What is The Missionary Program?
At The Pines, it’s not just about what you’ll give but what you’ll gain! Designed for passionate young adult Catholics interested in full-time ministry or spending a year developing their skills to work with youth, this program offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn in a dynamic environment, deepen your faith, cultivate diverse ministry skills, and emerge as a leader ready to serve Christ wherever He calls you!
The Mission
Over the course of a year, immerse yourself in a dynamic learning environment where you’ll plan impactful programming and strengthen your leadership abilities, all in the context of a vibrant and collaborative community.
Our Missionary Team leads multiple types of retreats for campers who visit from August to May. We host Confirmation, Awakening, and Leadership retreats for middle school and high school students, an Environmental Education program for 5th graders, and family programs that include Family Camp, Mother + Daughter Retreat, and Father + Son Retreat.
On a typical day, you’ll be facilitating fun activities like sending kids down the double zipline, giving talks, inviting campers into prayer experiences, and leading discussions with small groups.
Skills You’ll Gain
Expertise in leading retreats and formation activities
Proficiency in various ministry skills with youth
Advanced program planning and execution abilities
Community building and fostering interpersonal relationships
Adaptability and problem-solving in diverse situations
Cultivation of empathy and compassion in serving others
Appreciation for nature and outdoor education strategies
Time management and organization in a dynamic environment
Missionary Housing
The Mission House will be your home at The Pines. The Mission House can host up to 16 missionaries. The house is divided into two wings: male and female. Each wing includes 4 double-occupancy bedrooms, 2 bathrooms with two showers in each, a living room, and a washer and dryer. The wings are joined by a shared kitchen and dining area. Pictures coming soon!
We also have limited space in separate housing for married couples who are interested in our Missionary Program.
Formation
Nestled amidst the breathtaking Piney Woods of East Texas, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the glory of creation — the perfect backdrop for spiritual growth and personal development.
You might feel like you’re on a personal retreat each day! Our missionaries have opportunities for spiritual development through communal Morning Prayer, time for personal prayer, daily Mass approximately twice a week, opportunities for Adoration, weekly formation sessions diving deeply into Scripture, and ongoing individual check-ins with the Director of Formation.
Community
Form bonds that last a lifetime with other missionaries and staff members! The Missionary Program experience at The Pines Catholic Camp involves living in a Catholic community, collaborating with others to host impactful retreats and programs, and contributing to the needs of the camp to support our mission, all while growing in holiness with each other through prayer and the Sacraments.
You will thrive with the mentorship and guidance of our camp directors and staff and build relationships in and outside of the work of ministry. Our missionaries often come together for dinners, game nights, and adventures on and off camp!
Missionary Program Perks
Stipend
We do not require our missionaries to do any fundraising to participate in our program. In fact, we provide you with a generous monthly stipend!
Room & Board
It probably goes without saying, but we are excited to share the hospitality of The Pines by hosting you, as well. Our lodging is comfortable and cozy, and you are welcome to enjoy nearly all your meals with us in the Dining Hall throughout your program.
Balance
We know that burnout is the leading reason why people in ministry end up leaving their roles. Over the course of the year, you’ll get time to rest between programs, holiday breaks, and vacation time. Many of our missionaries use their time off to travel home to see family!
Benefits
Our goal is to care for each missionary as a whole person, which includes making sure we provide health insurance for participants.
Legacy
What you do here as a missionary matters — for years and for eternity. We truly believe that a year of service will allow you to deepen your faith while developing your skills to share the love of Jesus here at camp and in the world.