Spiritual Internship Program at the Woodlands

The following is gives the details on the program.

Project Goals

• To experientially equip a seminarian committed to pastoral or specialized ministry for the practical work of the church in community and, through a concentrated mentoring relationship with a seasoned pastor/clinical counselor, to assure the acquisition of professional tools necessary to succeed in pastoral leadership.
• With carefully designed exposure to a disabled population to help a seminary intern to acquire a high level of comfort with disabled persons, to develop a non-anxious presence, and to nurture an in-depth sensitivity to the people with whom he/she works and the issues they face.

This was the fourth year of the Spirituality Internship Program at the Woodlands. We were able to accomplish the following goals:

• To experientially equip a seminarian committed to pastoral or specialized ministry for the practical work of the church in community and, through a concentrated mentoring relationship with a seasoned pastor/clinical counselor, to assure the acquisition of professional tools necessary to succeed in pastoral leadership.

• With carefully designed exposure to a disabled population to help a seminary intern to acquire a high level of comfort with disabled persons, to develop a non-anxious presence, and to nurture an in-depth sensitivity to the people with whom he/she works and the issues they face.

The Internship - This internship provided an unprecedented experience for two participating seminary students and the children with whom they work. The Woodlands makes available rewarding activities to people with disabilities or chronic illnesses. Its campus is free of social, physical, and psychological barriers so that individuals can enjoy full inclusion, acceptance, and freedom to participate in a variety of enriching activities. Its mission is based on five philosophies: socialization, recreation, environment, culture, and spirituality. This internship focuses specifically on two aspects: 1. training seminarians in pastoral care and counseling with a unique population struggling with chronic illnesses or disabilities; and 2. providing spiritual support to campers, counselors, families, and the community.

Training - This opportunity incorporates comprehensive supervision and learning objectives into the summer experience. The internship begins with an introduction to The Woodlands and an extensive two week (10 full days) educational component covering illnesses, disabilities, medical care, and special needs of the participating individuals. In addition, we discuss ways that seminary students might help to better meet the spiritual needs of children with disabilities or chronic illnesses. This educational aspect includes basic pastoral care and counseling theory and techniques.

Following the introduction, seminary students participate in an eight week internship focused on pastoral care, counseling, and spirituality (4 full days per week for 8 weeks for the full-time intern;  and two full days per week for 8 weeks for the part-time intern), which focuses on regular interaction with the children at The Woodlands, planning and implementation of workshops for the children, group discussions, individual pastoral counseling, and the design and implementation of a weekly service for the camp and community. Examples of pastoral care and counseling activities include: a discussion group on spiritual questions, struggles, obstacles, and growth; meditation for relaxation, stress, pain management, and spiritual wholeness; educational lessons focusing on the present, the labyrinth, skits for personal growth after lunch, spiritual music, and many more; providing a presence at the camp for those in need of pastoral care and counseling; and a service for spiritual renewal for those wishing to attend. There is a beautiful chapel available for these activities, which also incorporates a wheelchair accessible labyrinth. Housing for the interns is available if needed and carpools can also be organized.

Summary - The Spirituality Program at the Woodlands Foundation was enhanced to better meet the needs of all of the individuals we served. During our time with the campers, it became obvious that there was a deep need for the campers to be allowed an opportunity to express and share their questions, beliefs, and struggles, in an open, non-judgmental, and caring environment. We also realized that the population we served should include campers, counselors, their families, and the community as well. Finally, we hope to expand the spirituality program beyond the summer months, to span the entire year.

The number of people touched by the spirituality program is immeasurable. This year we not only enhanced the program as it related to campers and counselors through the creation of new lessons, activities, and more individual contact; but we reached out into the community, contacting churches, creating brochures, inviting the community to activities such as walking the labyrinth and ecumenical services. We invited the community to participate in activities we offered, but also to contribute as volunteers at The Woodlands. We believe that those who volunteer and work at The Woodlands receive just as much, if not more, than the people we serve. We believe that the program was very well received by the camp and community as a whole, while we remember the contact we had with each individual. We look forward to its success in the future and we sincerely thank you for your support of this worthwhile endeavor.