Moolmanshoek Leadership Development Centre
Want to be an Intern at Moolmanshoek LDC?
Our reason why…
The word ‘Intern’ can mean many things. In some organisations it means come and do all the odd jobs that our staff are too busy to do, help out, etc.
At Moolmanshoek LDC we see this very differently.
Feeding into and discipline the Interns is our ministry. Camps and other things we do is an out flow of that. So we feed into the Interns and they feed into the campers, guests, etc.
Rather than help out other staff, they essentially are the staff team and each incoming group of interns steps up under the mantle of responsibility for this ministry, taking the place of the interns that have gone before them.
They serve as the front line in every aspect of operations and ministry at Moolmanshoek LDC including group facilitation, cleaning, housekeeping and food preparation.
The interns learn to plan and run small group activities and/or devotions for church youth and schools as well as an outreach ministry to all other guests visiting Moolmanshoek LDC.
“For many this is a journey of healing, wholeness & restoration”
For others it’s a time to put life as they know it on hold and give everything to God to shape and mould them as He wills, to break up the hard ground of their hearts or turn lukewarmness into a passionate, reverent love for the things of God.
In every relationship, one is the source of influence and the other the one being influenced, for good or for bad. Our interns typically leave with a deep sense of who they are in God and go back into those key relationships as a powerful influencer, rather than drifting in and out of negative influences and being drawn to compromise to stay popular, most often from a lack of really knowing and owning their identity in Christ.
ABOUT MOOLMANSHOEK LDC
Moolmanshoek LDC is a not-for-profit interdenominational Christian camp and conference centre situated in 3300 hectares of Private Game reserve. The farm Moolmanshoek was declared a South African natural heritage site (#199) in 1994. The first camps were held at Moolmanshoek way back in 1974 and our rich camping history has grown much over recent years. The farm has been lovingly restored over a period of more than 40 years to as close as possible to the original Eastern Free State picture. Behind the camp site are gorgeous peaks that form part of the Witteberg mountains and they offer breathtaking views on several scenic hikes. Other paths take you into the middle of our reserve where you can easily find large herds of plains game, typical to our area. Moolmanshoek LDC and PGR is family owned, for more history on the family, please check out Moolmanshoek PGR’s website at www.moolmanshoek.co.za
The Moolmanshoek LDC camp site is used to run camps for schools, churches, the SA department of education, families, etc with our primary focus and reason for being to bring healing, discipling and equipping young people from all over the world through this intern program.
The camp setting and situation makes a really effective training ground for shaping young hearts and lives.
be still & know…
“learning prayer, fasting and Bible study habits that will last a lifetime”
Most of the pictures in this guide are actual views from Moolmanshoek LDC or easy walking distance nearby. There’s something amazing about coming away and seeking God in a place like this, looking into the clear night sky at millions of stars or sitting on a rock and looking out over the hills and mountains in the distance.
If you’ve never spent regular time away from everyday life to seek God with all your heart, you’re in for a life-changing experience. Living at Moolmanshoek LDC means you don’t need to travel to get away to an isolated place – you’re living in one. There are lots of quiet scenic places to get alone with God. He will honour your commitment to time spent seeking after Him. During the internship you’ll build habits that will deepen your intimacy with the Lord and build your faith as you see God answering your prayers and changing lives around you.
“Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God” – Luke 6:12
Again and again in the Bible we see that Jesus set himself apart and spent extended time with God in prayer. If Jesus really needed this how much more do we?
“read through the Bible completely in 18 weeks”
Interns are personally mentored towards maturity in their relationship with the Lord and are encouraged to develop a strong, consistent prayer life and personal devotional habits that will change their heart and affect many lives around them back home after the internship.
LIFE SKILLS
Learning to be a blessing to others through practical service is a core foundation of our internship program.
“Building a servants heart through practical service”
Interns will be trained to be capable and effective in each of the following areas. Serving in these areas also allows us to significantly reduce the internship program fees, keeping them well below what would be expected for any full-board accredited course of study.
Food Preparation
Training for food preparation begins with safe food handling and storage training, followed by practical training sessions with our chef. Interns will use these skills to assist in the preparation of camp and team meals.
Cooking & Food Service
Whether you like to cook or have never tried it, you’ll be very capable in the kitchen by the end of the internship, which is a valuable life skill for your future. Interns will be trained to prepare and serve meals, and will occasionally share the cooking responsibility for some intern team meals when no camps are in, as well as cook breakfast or supper for some camps.
Kitchen Clean Up
After camp meals are prepared or served, a small team of interns will be responsible to operate the dishwasher, wash pots and clean the kitchen.
Cleaning Rooms, Dorms & Bathrooms
Interns are trained in general cleaning to a commercial standard, safe use of chemicals and safe handling of waste materials. Interns work in small teams to clean the cabins, bathrooms and common areas after each camp.
Life skills build relationships of trust and demonstrate God’s love for campers and guests through practical service
be still & know…
“learning prayer, fasting and Bible study habits that will last a lifetime”
Most of the pictures in this guide are actual views from Moolmanshoek LDC or easy walking distance nearby. There’s something amazing about coming away and seeking God in a place like this, looking into the clear night sky at millions of stars or sitting on a rock and looking out over the hills and mountains in the distance.
If you’ve never spent regular time away from everyday life to seek God with all your heart, you’re in for a life-changing experience. Living at Moolmanshoek LDC means you don’t need to travel to get away to an isolated place – you’re living in one. There are lots of quiet scenic places to get alone with God. He will honour your commitment to time spent seeking after Him. During the internship you’ll build habits that will deepen your intimacy with the Lord and build your faith as you see God answering your prayers and changing lives around you.
“Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God” – Luke 6:12
Again and again in the Bible we see that Jesus set himself apart and spent extended time with God in prayer. If Jesus really needed this how much more do we?
“read through the Bible completely in 18 weeks”
Interns are personally mentored towards maturity in their relationship with the Lord and are encouraged to develop a strong, consistent prayer life and personal devotional habits that will change their heart and affect many lives around them back home after the internship.
ELECTIVES
Local Community Ministry
Our local community is very much a rural area. We will create an opportunity for our interns to serve at the local village of Mautse with friends at their Glow Kids project. This project serves local children with an after school care and homework service. Our interns will have the unique opportunity to serve these young children and share in their lives.
Horses
Our horse program is directed by our own horse whisperer and breeder, Wiesman Nel. Wiesman grew up on Moolmanshoek and has ridden just about every corner that Moolmanshoek can offer and beyond. His passion for horses and care for their comfort and well being are exemplary, following the best natural horsemanship methods. Definitely no spurs and brute force methods at Moolmanshoek.
We are truly blessed to have a family member that cares and loves our horses so much.
The stables at Moolmanshoek takes care of more than 250 horses and it is an incredible process to witness and to be part of. Our horses are truly a pleasure to ride and to get them and keep them in this condition takes lots of hard work. The stables will be a wonderful place to bond with an equine friend and learn new skills.
Regardless of your level of experience or prior knowledge, even if you’ve never been on a horse but you’d really love to learn, this is a very special opportunity.
Music
Interns with musical abilities are encouraged to form a worship band during their internship and to sing or play during camps and other ministry events.
Elective time is used to prepare and practice a number of songs which can be used whenever the opportunity is given.
This elective & the Creative Arts one below are based on using the gifts you already have in new and creative ways, rather than learning a new instrument or skill for the first time
Creative & Performing Arts
Skills in creative or performing arts areas such as painting, drama and dance can be used to develop and perform a variety of thought-provoking art works, skits and performances that can be a very effective and contemporary to way to share a message of hope through faith in Jesus.
Outdoor Projects
Outdoor site development projects are always happening at Moolmanshoek LDC. Project examples include designing and clearing new and established hiking trails, making log seats, helping to build an outdoor chapel or developing new activities.
Most of the 3300 hectares are undeveloped natural veldt so there’s lots of opportunity to work in this area and make a lasting contribution.
be still & know…
“learning prayer, fasting and Bible study habits that will last a lifetime”
Most of the pictures in this guide are actual views from Moolmanshoek LDC or easy walking distance nearby. There’s something amazing about coming away and seeking God in a place like this, looking into the clear night sky at millions of stars or sitting on a rock and looking out over the hills and mountains in the distance.
If you’ve never spent regular time away from everyday life to seek God with all your heart, you’re in for a life-changing experience. Living at Moolmanshoek LDC means you don’t need to travel to get away to an isolated place – you’re living in one. There are lots of quiet scenic places to get alone with God. He will honour your commitment to time spent seeking after Him. During the internship you’ll build habits that will deepen your intimacy with the Lord and build your faith as you see God answering your prayers and changing lives around you.
“Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God” – Luke 6:12
Again and again in the Bible we see that Jesus set himself apart and spent extended time with God in prayer. If Jesus really needed this how much more do we?
“read through the Bible completely in 18 weeks”
Interns are personally mentored towards maturity in their relationship with the Lord and are encouraged to develop a strong, consistent prayer life and personal devotional habits that will change their heart and affect many lives around them back home after the internship.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Applications are open to anyone age 18 to 30 from any country. Good health and reasonable physical fitness are necessary as the internships are physically demanding. Proficiency in both reading and speaking English is required.
When do the semesters start & end?
Our semesters start in January and August each year. They run for approximately 17 to 18 weeks (roughly 4 1/2 months).
Can I do more than one semester?
Both semesters are very similar and so are designed to be done only once.
How many?
We typically only take 6 to 8 interns each semester. As a team here at Moolmanshoek LDC, we carefully pray about each applicant before making a placement offer. Our intention is to keep the number of interns small so that we can mentor and disciple more thoroughly and engage in the life of the intern on a deeper level. Our aim is to get to know YOU and journey alongside you for this time. It is one of our greatest honours and joys to be part of each intern’s life and watch the Lord work through them.
Where do we live?
All interns live on site in comfortable staff housing, typically with two or more interns sharing each room. Separate accommodation is provided for male and female interns. We may have some limited facilities available for young married couples.
What’s available to do in our free time?
Living at Moolmanshoek LDC is like living in a national park, surrounded by thousands of hectares of private game reserve with an abundance of native animals and birds all around.
There are over 40kms of hiking trails on our property.
We have one swimming dam, an abseil site with a daunting ladder, a high ropes course with a foefie slide (zip line), volleyball, and are currently making plans to open a cosy coffee shop with a great selection of books to read.
Food
Food is a signature item at Moolmanshoek LDC. Every time we cook for camps, we take careful consideration to make sure that each meal is prepared fresh from scratch with generous portions and plenty of healthy options. We supplement many of our meals with homegrown fresh herbs and cultivate some of our own vegetables.
When camps are here at Moolmanshoek LDC, the Interns eat with the campers and staff after helping prepare the meal. We usually have our camp meals outside in our big outdoor lapa, weather permitting. Eating with campers offers the interns the opportunity to get to know the campers on a more intimate level, and to share what God has been speaking to the interns. We highly encourage interns to take advantage of this opportunity to pour into the lives of those around them and impact the campers.
When no camps are in, breakfast and lunch are typically self-serve. Dinner is cooked by our chef for interns and staff with the interns helping as needed.
We eat dinner together every night around a big communal meal table with interns, staff and any guests that may be visiting
Costs
We raise funds through our camping ministry and the intern’s hard work throughout the year to subsidise the intern cost. Our strategic intent is to keep fees as affordable as possible without sacrificing the high quality and impact the program continues to have.
Internship cost is just R28 980 for 18 weeks. Around R230 per day all-inclusive
Prices are in South African Rand and include all meals, accommodation, transport including transfers from and to Oliver Tambo International airport, utilities, tuition and course materials.
Additional Expenses:
International interns: please see “international interns” tab for additional costs.
‘Pay as you go’ option
The internship fees above are assuming payment in full prior to the start of your semester.
There is an option to pay as you go (subject to the approval of a mutually agreed payment plan) for an extra 12% (ex: R32 460 instead of R28 980). Payment plans are typically the total amount due divided into equal monthly payments throughout the semester.
Sponsorship
Some limited sponsorship funds may be available to assist those families with severe financial difficulties after fundraising is done through their local church and family members.
Applicants who believe they really need to be here as an Intern may apply as a step of faith, regardless of their financial situation or the affordability of fees. In that case, please indicate on the application form that you are yet to raise funds and may not be able to immediately accept a position if one is offered.
We are modelling our Intern program after the Intern program of Attunga Camp in Australia. Our friends in Attunga have seen over the years that more than 70% of all their past interns have come from outside Australia. We believe in the benefits of cross-cultural ministry training and warmly welcome applicants from other countries.
Additional costs
International interns also need to budget $600 to $800 for :
The Internship fees per semester (paid up front) is R28 980 (South African Rand).
South African Visas
Please contact your closest South African Embassy or Consulate for information regarding the necessary visa paperwork.
We strongly recommend that you start your visa application process as soon as you are accepted into the program to ensure on-time arrival.
Do not hesitate to contact us with any paperwork needs or questions.
Taste of South Africa
As an intern, you’ll also be part of the Taste of South Africa tour in your semester so you’ll get to see and experience some of the best tourist spots and breath-taking scenery in this part of South Africa.
Total Cost Example in US dollars
As an example, here are the various costs totalled, then converted to US dollars.
The total amount in US dollars would be USD $4,195.
*Please note: fees are subject to the varying exchange rate.
Never the Same
If you’re considering applying for a Moolmanshoek LDC internship please start by praying seriously and consistently about it (and invite your parents and a church leader to pray along with you).
“Pray, pray and pray some more”
In many ways it will be one of the hardest things you’ll do in your life but if you give it everything, it will be that time you look back on as the most formative and significant in shaping who you are (not just what you end up doing) in the years ahead.
It’s always easy to put on a mask and a smile but often not so easy to open up and deal with things that are needed. When you’re ready our mentors will journey with you and the sensitive stuff will be handled with dignity and respect.
It’s taking a step to say “God, everything for you….teach me…mold me…break me a little if you need to, but don’t leave me the same as when I started”
For some of you that’s mostly about your past, dealing once and for all with brokenness that’s a result of your decisions or someone else’s that have affected you, often in ways you may not fully understand but you know something’s not right.
For others it’s about going deeper with God, getting past any lukewarmness and apathy and holding nothing back.
For others it’s about practical skills, training and an amazing adventure making deep, new friendships with others from all over the world who will stay in your life (and you in theirs) no matter what.