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Student Leader Apprentice

What is Sla?

The FUGE Student Leader Apprentice (SLA) program is a two-week experience for students who love camp and want to gain hands-on leadership experience in a camp environment. Students go behind the scenes at FUGE and learn valuable leadership skills within the camp ministry setting. SLA is designed for students who are about to enter or who have just completed their senior year in high school.

Application and references are due by December 31. If you are selected to participate, you will be notified via email in February.

Apply For the 2027 SLA Program
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Stephen G., Senior Pastor

“It is such a great opportunity to expand your leadership and step outside your comfort zone. The Lord shows you so many things about yourself and just true reliance on him. You learn so many things from each staffer you meet and get to see a lot of the behind the scenes of what they do. You will make lasting friendships with the people you meet and get to share your experiences together. It is an experience that you will never forget and something I wish everyone could experience.”

Meredith G. – North Greenville University

David W., Youth Pastor

“It’s two weeks to grow as a leader in any facet of their life, especially if they want to do staff one day. You will grow so much spiritually, and there are so many great people that have the opportunity to pour into you. It is a great time to listen to the Lord in what he has planned for your life.”

Will D. – Union University

Jylian L., Volunteer Leader

“It’s an amazing program that has given me a one-on-one opportunity to learn and observe a spiritual leader. It has pushed me towards growth and has showed me how to confidently lead and care for those around me.”

Kate P. – Southwestern Seminary

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During the first week of the program, students will participate in a variety of experiences including a personality and leadership assessment, ministry sites, recreation, Bible study, development of leadership skills, prayer experiences, worship, etc. During the second week, students will be apprenticed to a FUGE Camps staffer and will gain hands-on camp experience. Students will serve in a variety of roles assisting the overall camp program. The apprentice week will give students a first-hand look at camp ministry as well as prepare them for future leadership roles.

Join the SLA Program

Where is SLA?

Locations that are offering SLA in 2027:

  • North Greenville University (Greenville, SC)
  • Union University (Jackson, TN)
SLA Information/Forms

We are currently accepting applications for 2027. If you have any questions, please email [email protected]. Once you complete your SLA application you will receive a separate email from SkillSurvey with steps to complete your references, so be on the lookout for that email upon application completion.

  • 2027 SLA Info

2027 IMPORTANT DATES AND REQUIREMENTS IF SELECTED: We ask that you fill out your application by December 31st, 2026. You must also have 3 references submitted by December 31st, 2026 in order for you to be considered. If you are selected to participate, you will be notified via e-mail no later than February 1st, 2027. 

For questions, please contact Averi Phipps

EMAIL [email protected]

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LIFEWAY CHRISTIAN RESOURCES. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

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LIBERTY YOUTH PROTECTION TRAINING
LIBERTY YOUTH PROTECTION TRAINING

Please note:  All camp staff, volunteers, church leaders, etc. will need to complete the trainings in Active Network at least 3 business days prior to the start of camp.

  • Click the link below. Once on Active Network, click “2026 Youth Protections/CSA Training – Summer Camps Staff (External)”, then add FUGE Camp to your cart, go to cart, select “checkout”, and follow the prompts to complete the required trainings.
  • Link:  ACTIVE | Liberty University Camps
Ridgecrest Recreation Waiver

The Ridgecrest Recreation Waiver is now an online form. Group leaders will receive the link for their session of camp in the email that Ridgecrest sends with their housing assignments. 

Braya Faust

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SCHOOL INFORMATION // 

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Madeline Milburn

NUMBER OF YEARS SERVED IN STUDENT MINISTRY // 

ORIGINALLY FROM // 

SCHOOL INFORMATION // 

FUN FACT // 

Emma Jackson

NUMBER OF YEARS SERVED IN STUDENT MINISTRY // 

ORIGINALLY FROM // 

SCHOOL INFORMATION // 

FUN FACT // 

OPTIONAL:

If you want your group to participate in the BOLD course during afternoon hang time, you will need to sign up by emailing [email protected]. 

This is an additional cost that is not included in your camp cost and can be made directly to Berry College, if your group is participating in the BOLD course. Click here for more information.

International Mission Board (IMB)

https://www.imb.org/fuge/

The International Mission Board teams up with local churches to share God’s love with people all across North Africa and the Middle East (NAME). These places are packed with amazing history. It’s where Jesus’ story began! This summer, you get to be part of bringing hope to kids and families who live there. 

We’re focusing on a country that has become a safe place for people who had to leave their homes because of war. It’s a place where God is doing some amazing things! Teens just like you are helping share the hope of Jesus with people from different backgrounds. 

Your mission workers are helping families hear about Jesus in all kinds of ways. Many people are hearing the good news of Jesus Christ every day. 

Here’s the cool part: YOU get to be part of it. Your prayers, mission offering, and everything you learn this summer helps you join in on what God is doing in this amazing place.

Nathan Howard

COORDINATES // Carson-Newman University, Camp Tanglewood, Berry College, Missouri Baptist University, and Southern Seminary

NUMBER OF YEARS SERVED IN STUDENT MINISTRY // 10+

ORIGINALLY FROM // Winston-Salem, North Carolina

FUN FACT // Enjoys officiating sports.

Abi White

NUMBER OF YEARS SERVED IN STUDENT MINISTRY // 5+

ORIGINALLY FROM // Mt. Sterling, KY

SCHOOL INFORMATION // Graduate of University of the Cumberlands.

FUN FACT // I can quote all three High School Musical Movies from beginning to end.

Averi Phipps

NUMBER OF YEARS SERVED IN STUDENT MINISTRY // 5+

ORIGINALLY FROM // Charlotte, NC

SCHOOL INFORMATION // Graduate of Appalachian State University

FUN FACT // I have an identical twin sister that also works camp. 

Stephen Clarke

NUMBER OF YEARS SERVED IN STUDENT MINISTRY // 5+

ORIGINALLY FROM // Tampa, FL

SCHOOL INFORMATION // Graduate of University of South Florida

FUN FACT // Owns a Christian clothing brand called inspirenow.

Claudia Hallquist

NUMBER OF YEARS SERVED IN STUDENT MINISTRY // 4 years

ORIGINALLY FROM // Helena, AL

SCHOOL INFORMATION // Graduate of Auburn University and Lipscomb University

FAMILY INFORMATION // Married to Ryan since 2019. They have a daughter named Shiloh and a golden retriever named Harper.

FUN FACT // Has been chased by a bear and successfully outrun it.

Taylor Smith

COORDINATES // Brewton-Parker College, Cedarville University, Glorieta Conference Center, Jenness Park, Regent University, Tusculum University

NUMBER OF YEARS SERVED IN STUDENT MINISTRY // 5+

ORIGINALLY FROM // Cincinnati, OH

SCHOOL INFORMATION // Graduate of the University of South Florida.

FAMILY INFORMATION // Married to Ryan since 2025.

FUN FACT // She has 3 bionic joints.

Melina Baird

COORDINATES // Milligan University, North Greenville University, Southern Wesleyan University, University of Mobile

NUMBER OF YEARS SERVED IN STUDENT MINISTRY // 15+ years

ORIGINALLY FROM // Newport, TN

SCHOOL INFORMATION // Graduate of Carson-Newman University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

FAMILY INFORMATION // Married to Mark for 10 years and they have 2 children together — Hutch and Addie Mae.

FUN FACT // She loves to travel and meet new people.

Amanda Rhein

COORDINATES // Louisiana Christian University, Mississippi College, William Carey University, WorldSong

NUMBER OF YEARS SERVED IN STUDENT MINISTRY // 10 +

ORIGINALLY FROM // Jackson, MS

SCHOOL INFORMATION // Graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi

FAMILY INFORMATION // Married to Steve and mom to Jayse and Liam. They have two dogs — Louie and Mabel.

FUN FACT // Fluent in American Sign Language.

John Wiley

COORDINATES // Aldersgate Retreat Center, Carson Springs Baptist Conference Center, Chowan University, Highland Lakes, James Madison University, Liberty University, Southeastern University, Southwest Baptist University, Union University

NUMBER OF YEARS SERVED IN STUDENT MINISTRY // 10+

ORIGINALLY FROM // Lexington, KY

SCHOOL INFORMATION // Graduate of Eastern Kentucky University

FAMILY INFORMATION // Married to Mary since 2013 and they have three children – Caleb, Nora Kate, & Addie. They also have a dog named Berkley.

FUN FACT // Distant relative of Kentucky Fried Chicken founder, Colonel Sanders.

Kyle Cravens

COORDINATES // Ridgecrest, Southwestern Seminary, & Eastern University

NUMBER OF YEARS SERVED IN STUDENT MINISTRY // 25+

ORIGINALLY FROM // Princeton, KY

SCHOOL INFORMATION // Graduate of Murray State University

FAMILY INFORMATION // Married to Danette since 2000 and they have one son named Colin.

FUN FACT // Has an alter ego — Flava Crave.

Joe Hicks

NUMBER OF YEARS SERVED IN STUDENT MINISTRY // 25+

ORIGINALLY FROM // Big Spring, TX

SCHOOL INFORMATION // Graduate of Baylor University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

FAMILY INFORMATION // Married to Michelle since 1990, 3 daughters, Karis, Kali, and Kaia.

FUN FACT // Was a pole vaulter in High School, with 13’ 6” being the official best jump.

OPTIONAL:

If you want your group to participate in laser tag or ropes course during afternoon hang time, you will need to sign up by emailing Scott Darnell at [email protected].

The LaHaye Rec & Fit Equipment Rental Agreement is only for the Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre, if any churches are planning to use that facility throughout the week. They must book that time themselves directly with Snowflex and they will be responsible for any additional fees. This is not included in the cost of camp.

Click HERE to access the form.

 

Click HERE to submit the form.

The LaHaye Rock Wall Assumption of Risk form is a form only for those that want to use the LaHaye Rock Wall during Hang Time. The Rock Wall is first come, first served and is included in the price of camp but is only available during Free Time, and not during Track Times.

Click HERE to access the form.

The LaHaye Recreation and Fitness Center Assumption of Risk form is for ALL participants that wish to take part in any activities during Track Times or Hang Time in the recreation center. While not everyone will use LaHaye, it’s wise to have everyone complete one of these forms. The form is listed below.

 

Click HERE to access the form.

 

Click HERE to submit the form. 

Coming soon!

  • If my church uses MinistrySafe, will that count for my Child Protection Training requirement? 
    • Yes. If your church uses MinistrySafe and you have completed that training within one calendar year of your DEPARTURE date from camp, that course will suffice for this training requirement.
  • Can I share my login information with another adult volunteer who still needs to complete their Child Protection Training course? 
    • No. Each adult attending camp will have to create their own login and complete the course in their name.
  • I keep running into an error trying to login or access the Child Protection Training course. Who should I contact? 
    • Please reach out to [email protected] if you are experiencing any technical difficulties or errors with the MinistryGrid site.

  • October Email

  • November Email

  • March Email

  • April Email

  • Group Name: FUGE
  • Date(s): June 17 – June 21
  • **FUGE ONLY** Church Name: (insert church name)

 

Every year a portion of the mission offering received at camp goes back to the local community through MFuge grants. Local ministries that we partner with can apply for the grant to continue ministry throughout the year. It is amazing to see how the Lord uses these ministries throughout the year.

North American Mission Board (NAMB)

“We lead the country in everything you don’t want to lead the country in.” 

If people know anything about South Dakota’s Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Matt Hadden says it’s probably that.  

“We have 80% unemployment, the average lifespan of an adult male is 50 years, and the teen suicide rate is 300% higher than the national average,” he says. “Several years ago, we had 26 teenagers take their lives in a three-month period. If that happened anywhere else in the country, it would be national news.”

Matt is a missionary with Send Relief, Southern Baptists’ compassion ministry arm. He and his wife, Amanda, along with their four kids, run the Čhaŋkú Wašté Ranch on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, home to the Oglala Lakota people. 

“Čhaŋkú Wašté means ‘Good Road,’” he says, “and there’s a reason we call it that. The Oglala are essentially an unreached people group right here in the center of our country, and there’s so much brokenness here. Most people on the reservation, kids especially, have been through traumatic experiences or are living in crisis mode. And so, we are absolutely an evangelistic ministry, but our approach is through compassion ministry.”

Much of what the Haddens do at Čhaŋkú Wašté is built around an eight-week-long summer kids’ camp. “We do a really big, glorified VBS,” Matt says. “It’s a safe place for kids to learn and celebrate who God made them to be. They learn Bible stories, they play games, they do arts and crafts, and really, we just all have a lot of fun.” 

When you give to the FUGE Missions Offering, you’re helping provide basketballs, Bibles, crayons, and anything else missionaries like the Haddens might need to share Christ in an unreached place.  

Pray that Matt and Amanda will be fully supplied so they can meet needs and see God change lives in South Dakota. Giving to this project will go a long way towards making that happen.

To learn exactly what your offering dollars can do in places like South Dakota and how missionaries all over the U.S. and Canada are meeting needs and seeing God change lives, go to namb.net/lifeway-camps.

Top 10 Things New Churches Need to Know Before Camp