NEXT Components

NEXT is a 9-month residency designed for 18-25 year olds.

When we say “residency,” we mean that our residents live and work onsite at Woodlands throughout the program.

Young adulthood is one of the most formative seasons of life. It is during these years that many of life’s biggest decisions and events take place: Where will I go to school? Who will I surround myself with? What will I do for a career? Who will I marry? What kind of person do I want to become?

We believe the choices young adults make matter and have a lasting impact on who they become. While NEXT exists because there is a job to do, NEXT is far more than just a job. It is an opportunity to live in an incredible, Christ-centered community of young adults with one shared goal: to become who God has called them to be.

Everything our residents are involved in throughout the year falls into three categories: Guest Services, Development, and Apprenticeships. Each category plays an important role in the NEXT experience.

Guest Services

NEXT exists because there is a job to do. While Woodlands is often known for being a summer camp, summer camp programming only takes place for about three months of the year. From August through May, Woodlands is primarily focused on serving as an excellent retreat center where churches and ministries can have an unforgettable retreat experience—one where the presence of God drowns out the noise and influences of culture.

Each NEXT Resident joins our Guest Services team and plays an important role in creating an excellent retreat experience for the thousands of guests who visit Woodlands throughout the year.

Guest Services is the primary responsibility of NEXT Residents. As a part of the Guest Services team, residents will help deliver an unforgettable retreat experience to our guests by:

• Serving in our dining hall and kitchen

• Working in adventure attractions and retail environments

• Maintaining the cleanliness and excellent standards of our facilities

Development

While NEXT exists because there is a job to do, NEXT is much more than just a job.

At Woodlands, we are passionate about developing people. During the nine months our residents are here, we want to steward that time well by placing them in positions that help shape them into the people God has called them to be.

Throughout the residency, residents will have opportunities to be developed by:

• Becoming a part of the Woodlands staff family

• Living and working alongside like-minded young adults

• Engaging in weekly biblical teaching sessions and accountability groups

• Receiving one-on-one mentorship

• Participating in fully funded mission trips, conferences, and outings

Apprenticeships

One of the things that makes Woodlands special is our people. We are blessed to have an experienced full time staff family who loves to invest into our residents. NEXT Residents have the unique opportunity to live and work alongside these staff members throughout their nine months at Woodlands.

During the spring semester, each resident will apprentice under a full-time staff member in a specific program or department. These apprenticeships give residents the opportunity to gain hands-on experience, explore areas of interest, develop practical skills, and learn from experienced leaders.

Areas of apprenticeship include:

• Media

• Biblical Exposition

• Maintenance

• Administration

• Xtreme

• Retail

• Platform Development

• Freestyle

• Guest Experience