The Scripture Union office is based in Perth, Western Australia. Interns will have opportunity to travel to various campsites and beautiful National Park locations as part of the programme.
What you could be doing
Scripture Union Western Australia has a range of opportunities for interns, who are full-time volunteers joining the staff team. Internships involve training and ministry exposure. The two major internship programmes are in outdoor recreation and the performing arts. These are highlighted below:
Outdoor Interns (Warriuka)
Warriuka School Adventure Camping conducts a programme of school camps, during school term, in partnership with schoolteachers. Campers participate in adventure activities, camping experiences and discussions relating activities to the Christian faith. Each camp has a Camp Director, who is assisted by Interns and additional volunteer staff.
Interns in the Warriuka Department undertake a range of camps, and assist in the office tasks that support the programme. They work on a specific project that helps develop the overall programme.
Warriuka Intern positions involve many weeks of rough camping, and a reasonable degree of physical fitness.
The type of Warriuka Adventure Camps include:
Flat Water Rafting: a unique river expedition. Students assemble the large catamaran rafts from poles, rope and inflatable rafts, then set off down the river, camping in tents along the way!
Wellington National Park: Based on the shore of the Wellington Dam near Collie, the group breaks into smaller groups to go abseiling, hiking / navigating and canoeing or rafting to an overnight campsite.
Benefits to you:
- Minister to children and young people in an outdoor setting.
- Become part of the staff of a respected interdenominational organisation.
- A steep learning curve to grow you as a Christian leader in contemporary ministry.
- Supervision and mentoring from experienced and professional staff.
Performing Arts Department
The Fine Edge Theatre Company was established in 1998 and has performed to over 80,000 people. There aim is to introduce the arts to young people using relevant themes while encouraging positive choices and decisions. Their primary and high school shows are contemporary and interactive.
The Fine Edge Theatre Company takes high quality productions into Western Australia’s’ schools, raising questions of faith and it’s relevance to daily life. The performance group is comprised of five or six 'Associate Performers’, whom are interns working within the Performing Arts Department.
Associate Performers work under the direction of the Fine Edge Artistic Director. The role involves rehearsals, performances and facilitation of group discussions. Work is based around a series of performance seasons in schools and some churches.
Moves & Voices Theatre in association with the Fine Edge Theatre Company also offer opportunities, focusing on music and puppetry.
Associate Performer Intern Positions require specific skills in the performing arts. An audition as well as an interview is part of the assessment process.
Schools Internship
You could have the chance to support and set up SUPA clubs in various parts of Western Australia. So you may be asking, what is SUPA Clubs?
A SUPA Club is a group of primary age children who meet regularly to learn about Jesus and the Christian life. The club usually meets on school premises at a time appropriate to the school community and attendance is voluntary. Activities may include stories, games, singing, drama, prayer, social events and weekend or holiday camps.
SUPA Clubs aim to:
- Encourage children to find out for themselves what the Bible says;
- Provide a warm friendly atmosphere in which children can have fun, hear about Jesus and choose to follow him;
- Provide opportunities for children to share their faith in Jesus with their friends; and
- Provide opportunities for children to help and care for one another, develop leadership skills and to serve the school community.
If this sounds like something that would really excite you, then perhaps a schools internship is for you!!
If you were interested in schools as well as Warriuka, Scripture Union Western Australia could arrange a programme around your skills and desires.
Do you think you’re suited to life down under?
Are you…
- Someone who enjoys working as part of a team?
- Committed to demonstrating Christianity in a practical way?
- A potential leader of young people?
- Good at working with people?
- Up for a laugh & hard work?
- Looking for an exciting challenge?
Then maybe you are!!
Duration
Australian interns start in January and finish in the December. UK Interns can serve a minimum of 6 months and can start either in the January or mid-year.
Costs and arrangements
Scripture Union Western Australia will arrange accommodation for you, and they will try to match you with a suitable local church.
As a volunteer you will need to arrange your own support, which includes the cost of your airfare, accommodation, food and a contribution towards training and administrative costs.
Minimum Age: 18
Cost: £4,200
Start Date: Flexible; generally January or July
Duration: six months