Learn About Our Programs
An eight-week summer program for teenage students and college-age adults seeking to grow in their relationship with God. The Summer Discipleship Program seeks to grow a believer’s relationship with God as they obey the lifelong call to discipleship.
Community
Students will be living and serving along other believers, making lifelong memories and lasting friendships.
Service
Students will be serving in various roles within our campus’ hospitatlity services; from our kitchen and dinning hall crews to our housekeeping and maintenance departments.
Discipleship
Students will engage in several weekly studies and small groups to encourage their personal walks as disciples of Christ.
Learn About Our Distinctives
A year-long schooling and leadership program for high school graduates and college-age adults seeking to receive collegiate-level education on the foundations of the Christian faith. The One Year Program seeks to equip Christians to be disciple-makers and spiritual leaders within their churches and surrounding communities.
Community
One Year Students will receive dorm-style housing alongside their other students and will be encouraged to continually engage and serve within their community.
Service
One Year Students will be treated like other staff on campus, serving within the various departments of LeTourneau’s ministry according to its needs and the God-given talents they posses.
Discipleship
One Year Students will have the opportunity to receive college credit as they attend our four primary courses: “Survey of Redemptive History”; “Systematic Theology”; “Hermeneutics & Rhetoric”; and “Integrative Spiritual Formations”
Equipped
One Year Students will be equipped to serve God and make disciples wherever God will lead them next: Ministry, Missions, College, or Career
Summers At LeTourneau
Community
Having a strong Christian community brings great joy to our summers. In addition to investing the summer in follow Jesus, we make it an essential part of the summer that students also have adequate time to rest, swim, and enjoy our Monday activity nights. We play everything from paintball to Goose Chase and ultimate frisbee! We also enjoy activities like cardboard boat races, evening bonfires, and Grimes Glen hikes.
Discipleship
This is a program about following Jesus! We have regularly scheduled teachings on the Bible, prayer meetings and cabin devotionals, along with numerous other opportunities for fellowship and growth. The God-focused environment at LeTourneau will provide students with the nourishment and challenge that they need to grow in Christ!
Service
All students will act as staff members in a designated department on camp and will cultivate an invaluable Christian work ethic while gaining new skills. Some of the jobs that students will serve in are kid’s camp, kitchen staff, dining hall, maintenance and grounds, lifeguarding, waterfront management, outdoor recreation, housekeeping, and more.
Roles and Opportunities
Application
To join us this summer, each student must fill out an application and commit to eight weeks of missional-minded ministry. However, starting in the 2023 year we are giving students who are 14 years of age the option to commit to a four-week program during the month of July. Once the application is collected, it will then be reviewed, and students may be offered one of the limited number of volunteer or paid positions. Accepted students must participate in our weekend training scheduled in June prior to committing for the entire summer. Applications can be accessed online through the link below.
Summer Staff
Job Description
The vast majority of our applicants are summer staff, meaning they serve in any department across campus from our maintenance team to the dining hall and occasionally in our summer camps. Students participate in all aspects of camp from serving our weekly guests, bonding as a summer staff, growing in our knowledge of the scripture, and enjoying camp life.
Qualifications
– Must be at least 14
– No previous camp experience required
Job Responsibilities
– Must commit to at least 4 weeks of service
– Learn to serve in one’s assigned department
– Participate in all devotions, evening teachings, and weekly staff nights (including our cardboard boat race, talent show, and many others!)
Counselor
Job Description
Counselors will act as primary team leaders for groups of 8-10 summer campers. They will lead teams throughout the summer Monday through Friday.
Qualifications
– Must be at least 17
– Prior camp experience is preferred
– Minimum commitment of at least six weeks throughout the summer
– Willingness to earn a lifeguarding certification is preferred
– Must attend summer camp training weekend unless there are extenuating circumstances such as school conflicts or long distance.
Job Responsibilities
– Lifeguarding
– Lead activities
– Primary Team Leader
– Lead small groups
– Fielding activity and agenda questions
– Responsible for safety and children on your team
Summer Intern
Job Description
Summer interns will be responsible for numerous parts of LeTourneau’s summer ministry season. Working primarily in our summer camp, interns will take primary leadership roles in planning and leading our daily activities as well as training counselors and CITs. Tasks for interns may include directing counselors to gather materials for activities, lead debriefing and prayer meetings, and teaching daily devotions as well as assisting the Discipleship Coordinator with leading THEWAY Summer Program Staff.
Qualifications
– Must be at least 18
– Prior camp experience strongly preferred
– Strong leadership skills
– Strong organizational skills
– Must be able to attend staff training weekend
Job Responsibilities
– 40 or more hours a week
– Primary activity leads
– Lead teams if needed
– Must be willing to learn and lead
– Primary summer staff cabin leaders
– Assist the Discipleship Coordinator and Program Director with Summer Camp and THEWAY Program planning
Raising Support
Since we offer THE WAY Summer Discipleship Program completely free to our students and provide them with a small weekly stipend, we do ask that each student raise support by sending out 20 letters and praying for God’s provision (please see an example of support letters in the application – camp will mail the letters at no cost to the students). The goal for each student is to raise $175 a week. These funds will help to pay for the students’ financial stipend (between $75-$100), meals, lodging, training, discipleship materials, and special activities each week. Those unable to raise the $175 will still be invited to camp!
To guarantee every student has the opportunity to participate in THE WAY program, LeTourneau has established the Avis & Gerri Fund, which is funded by LeTourneau supporters. For those not requesting financial compensation, we do accept volunteers. For more information about volunteering for the summer, or at any other time of the year please see our volunteering page!
A Look At Previous Summers at LeTourneau
Summer 2022
Summer 2023
Summer 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
Do students in THE WAY Summer Program receive any financial compensation?
Since we offer THE WAY Summer Discipleship Program completely free, we do ask that each student raise support by sending out 20 letters and praying for God’s provision (please see an example of support letters in the application – camp will mail the letters at no cost to the students). Our students are given a small stipend if they send out support letters to 20 people. The stipend amount will vary based upon age, prior experience in camp ministry and position during the summer. The goal for each student is to raise $175 a week. These funds will help to pay for the financial stipend, meals, lodging, training, discipleship materials, and special activities each week. Those unable to raise the $175 will still be invited to camp!
Where do summer students serve?
Students serve on campus in a variety of jobs. Some of the jobs that students will serve in are kid’s camp, kitchen staff, dining hall, maintenance and grounds, lifeguarding, waterfront management, outdoor recreation, and more! If you have skills that you think would be best applied to a specific location, then please indicate that on your application.
What is an average day like for a student in the Summer Program?
Students in our program work beside us as co-laborer’s, beginning their day with breakfast at 7AM and a morning staff meeting and devotional. After we address the needs for the day, students will head into their department to serve for the work day. During the evenings, we will have activity nights, devotionals, and other time to be free and rest! With that said, the schedule changes regularly during the summer so students’ official days off each week will be determined that specific week.
When does THE WAY Summer Program begin and end?
THE WAY Summer Program is an eight week program that runs from late June to early August every year. A four week commitment is available for 14 year olds only.
How old do I have to be to apply?
To live on campus and serve at LeTourneau, students must be at least 14 years old. For financial compensation, students must also have a work permit in accordance with THE WAY summer application. Applicants 18 years and older are equally as welcome as there are a number of jobs that require that age limit, so don’t hesitate to apply!
Do students get any days off?
Yes! Students get regularly scheduled days off each week although the specific date (whether it is Friday, Saturday, or some other day) is subject to change and will be determined by their age.
Where do students in THE WAY Program live?
All of our students live on campus in cabins with designated cabin leaders and LeTourneau staff.
Applications for Fall 2025 coming soon!
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About The WAY
WAY Summer Program
Summer FAQ
Way One Year
One Year FAQ
Our Curriculum
How many years have you spent studying English composition and literature, or mathematics and natural sciences like biology and chemistry? Now how many years have you spent studying your faith? THE WAY School of Discipleship offers an intensive curriculum of theological study and practical ministry application that builds the character and habits of Godly men and women. Students will grow in their appreciation for scripture in weekly classes focused on understanding the Word of God and loving Him with all your mind, heart, and soul. Students will immediately begin applying the principles of Godly living through specialized training in ministry settings, evangelistic outreach, and missions outside of camp. Each student’s week is balanced to allow for involvement in a local church and fellowship opportunities with students and staff.
Example Weekly Schedule
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
| Service on Campus | Class | Study | Class | Service on Campus | Partial Service on Campus | Sabbath and Rest |
Classes
We believe in a holistic education, and for that reason we have designed our curriculum to approach the study of scripture and its application to our lives in an integrated, specialized model of teaching. There are four distinct courses for the One-Year Program at LeTourneau—Redemptive History, Biblical Hermeneutics and Rhetoric, Theology and Philosophy, and Integrated Spiritual Formations.
Within these four classes students will cover a comprehensive survey of the Old Testament, the New Testament, and Church History, along with learning the fundamentals of interpreting scripture and teaching. Students will also gain exposure to the breadth of Christian philosophy and theology, helping them to express the Christian Worldview as taught by Scripture in its application to personal holiness, evangelism, ethics, and counseling. The purpose of growing in our knowledge of God is to be transformed in the renewal of our minds, that we may love and cherish God as He is and to worship Him in Spirit and Truth.
Tuition and Application
There is no tuition! We are grateful to be able to invest in the lives of our students and to offer our 2025 program free of charge. There will be no cost for books, classes, activities, or housing during the course of your program. We do offer an optional trip to students within the program at a minimal fee. To help offset the cost of this ministry, we ask all of our students to share their desire to join THE WAY School of Discipleship with as many of their friends and family as possible so that these loved ones might encourage our students through prayer and financial support. Support that the students raise is provided to them through the ministry as a weekly stipend.
Applications for Fall 2025 coming soon!
Transfer Schools
Through our partnership with Eleven:6, our students can transfer up to 30 credits to any of our partner schools! Credits will be enrolled through Anchor Christian University, and all transfer agreements are handled through Anchor. From Cedarville University to Clarks Summit University, our students can take the skills and knowledge that they learned from LeTourneau into a Bachelor’s degree and further.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does THE WAY One Year Program begin and end?
THE WAY Program runs from September to September every year. This means that students will complete at least nine months of theological education and leadership training at LeTourneau (from September to May) and then have three months of full-time, paid ministry experience during the summer (June-September).
Do students in THE WAY One Year Program live at camp?
Yes! All of our students live on campus in either our newly built dormitories or in another location on LeTourneau’s property.
Do students in THE WAY One Year Program receive any financial compensation?
We ask all of our students to share their desire to join THE WAY School of Discipleship with as many of their friends and family as possible so that these loved ones might encourage our students through prayer and financial support. Support that the students raise is provided to them through the ministry as a weekly stipend.
Do I have to spend the Summer before the One-Year-Program starts?
No! But, it is suggested that students interested in joining us for Fall 2022 also consider joining us for the summer as there is no better introduction to our ministry than the summer! With that said, students in our One-Year program will be expected to remain with us for the full year completing nine months of theological training (September-May) and three months of paid, full-time ministry (June-September)
What is an average day like for a student in the Discipleship School?
Students in our program are treated as fellow staff members, beginning their day with our morning staff meeting at 8AM. After we address the needs for the day, students will either go to class until the late afternoon or head into a department to serve for the work day. During the evenings, students are usually free! With that said, depending on the need the students may go with the Discipleship Coordinator to various ministries in the Canandaigua-Rochester area to serve beyond LeTourneau.
Where will I serve?
Students serve on campus in a variety of jobs. During the conference season (September through June) the most common jobs on campus are serving our guest in hospitality, our dining hall, the kitchen and with our maintenance and grounds team. During the summer, our students are often leaders in their departments from our overnight kid’s camp, lifeguarding, outdoor recreation, and more! If you have skills that you think would be best applied to a specific location, then please indicate that on your application.
Is there a Second-Year Program offered?
Yes! In 2021 we welcomed our first Second-Year student who is currently studying Greek and the works of Saint Augustine and C. S. Lewis. As a student progresses through the One-Year Program, they may be offered an invitation to stay with LeTourneau for a second year of paid ministry and study.
Do students need to have a driver's license or a vehicle?
No! Students are not required to have either a license or a vehicle on campus.
Hear from Past Students
I developed a firm, foundational understanding of my faith through The WAY School of Discipleship. I went from being a believer who struggled to understand his Bible to being able to clearly articulate what I believe and why. The education I have received has helped me to be a better leader, worker, brother in Christ, and a better friend. My time at LeTourneau, though tough at times, has made an invaluable change within my walk with God!
Derek Ballard
Discipleship Coordinator
Derek is passionate about transformational discipleship. To Derek, this means that becoming a disciple of Christ entails that we follow Him, and are gradually transformed in a greater likeness to Christ. Through this process of transformation, by the power of the Holy Spirit, in which we follow Jesus as our Lord and Savior, is THE WAY to experience life as God intended it. Derek seeks to train up disciples into godly young men and women who are equipped and ready to serve the Lord in whatever service God may call them to, bearing the image of Christ wherever they go, and making more disciples along the way. It is through this process of transformational discipleship that we build up the kingdom of God for His glory and for the joy of His people! Currently, Derek is pursuing his Master of Divinity from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and he is excited to see where God will lead in the coming years, and to see God work in and through the lives of His disciples!
Phone: 585-554-3400
Email: dballard@letcc.org