This was one of the most impactful experiences of my life. This is a very unique opportunity that I didn't know existed until last year. Myself and two other team members were sent to a location within the Olympic National Park, and it was such an uplifting experience. During our time in Olympic we had the opportunity to not only host the Sunday morning worship services, but we also really connected with the community and our co-workers.
Being in these national parks, oftentimes the staff can feel isolated. You work with people from all over the world, and many of them don't have support systems or people to talk to. Henceforth, we were able to share Jesus' love with them and really connect. You hear so many testimonies- some are heartbreaking. But you have the chance to be a light and a good role model to the people around you. Not only that, but you yourself grow closer to God in so so many ways. He really opened my eyes and showed me that I needed to stop trying to control every aspect of my life- I needed to let him lead instead.
What I wish was different
My experience overall was great. We had a really good support committee in the park, however, I do wish that we had more team members. That past season ACMNP didn't have as many applicants, so myself and my two team members were the only ones in the Olympic National Park (Usually there are two other teams). But this was an unusual season, so not ACMNP's fault! We still had a great summer, I'm just an extrovert who prefers more people, haha.
Advice
Take a leap of faith. Life is short, so do things you wouldn't normally do! Let God lead you in everything. I think sometimes it's easy to fall into society's want for us to work a basic 9-5 job for the rest of our lives- but in reality? Life can be taken away at any moment- so make memories! Do what you love! Grow closer to God in every and any possible way. I don't think I stumbled upon this opportunity by chance- God definitely led me here. And now I'm going on my second year with ACMNP! So do it! Take a chance! You might just find yourself in a National Park :)
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ACMNP Recruit and Restaurant Hostess
May - August 2018 • Pisgah Forest, NC
What I liked
Flexibility of ACMNP's program
Awesome location
What I wish was different
less intensity in the restaurant job
Advice
ACMNP looks very different in different locations. Be open to new experiences and try not to go in with too many expectations!
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Team Member
June - September 2017 • Browning, MT
What I liked
I appreciated the ministry experience and getting to spend an entire summer in a national park! My job with Xanterra, the concessionaire that operates in Glacier, was also great. I made much more money than I expected and also made some new best friends, from all over the nation and the world!
What I wish was different
My team was not exactly what I had imagined, so working with them was definitely an experience. As ACMNP is an interdenominational ministry, it is reasonable that my team members were from a different denomination, but I felt a little outnumbered and would have appreciated it if their outlook on the "interdenominational" aspect of the ministry was a little more open minded.
Advice
Be confident in your ability to speak about your faith and connect with your co-workers and visitors to the park! Just talking to people made the summer one of my favorites of my life so far.
