Graduate Programs Overview
The Graduate Programs in Outdoor and Adventure Leadership through the Wheaton College Graduate School are designed to deepen your walk with Christ, sharpen your thinking about leadership and ministry, and equip you with the skills to implement programs in multiple applications of outdoor adventure ministry. This unique training and mentoring experience integrates collaborative learning, community living, and hands-on experience in the leadership laboratory of HoneyRock, the Northwoods Camp and Campus of Wheaton College.
History
The Wheaton College Graduate School has been training leaders in this field since 1968. At the HoneyRock campus, the curriculum is both practically oriented and academically rigorous. Your instructors are leaders in higher education and experts in adventure ministry.
Desired Outcomes
As a student in this program you will be pushed to ask the right questions, discover who you are, clarify your calling, know why you do what you do, and finish with a view of God’s mission in the World. The program leaders desire to send out thoughtfully grounded, personally mature, practically skilled outdoor and camp ministry leaders.
Programs
The Outdoor and Adventure Leadership concentration is designed for current camp ministry professionals, as well as those looking for excellent training to launch them into this field. There are four ways to experience this excellent and life shaping training:
Discern your calling—10 month internship
Graduate Apprenticeship Program: This a 10 - month community and experientially based program. Gain valuable leadership experience in a program role at HoneyRock while you are mentored by our professional staff. If you are interested in outdoor, adventure or camp ministry but not yet ready to commit to a full degree or career track then this program is for you.
Equip your Calling—2-year residential Master’s degree Christian Formation and Minstry
This is a two-year residential program in which students live at HoneyRock and have a crucial role in the ministry. This option provides students the opportunity to gain experience, integrate classroom learning with practice, and be part of a vibrant camp community. Engagement in this community while you are serving in camp ministry will transform you as a person while preparing you as a professional for the global Christian camp and outdoor adventure movement. The income from the role helps offset tuition.
Advance your Calling—multi-year modular Master’s degree in Evangelism and Leadership
This is a modular program in which students take courses one week at a time several times a year in the Evangelism and Leadership department on Wheaton's Campus or at HoneyRock. The Evangelism and Leadership degree is designed to equip leaders to think critically and act creatively to embody and communicate the gospel in our contemporary multi - ethnic world. This program is especially designed for individuals who currently hold a role in ministry and want to expand their skills and thinking in the field.
Engage your Calling—2 year graduate assistantship position
HoneyRock operates as a year round Christian camp while preparing leaders for the Church and society worldwide. As such, there are a variety of leadership roles designed specifically for full-time graduate students while they are studying with us. The Graduate Coordinator positions are available on an alternating basis every other year, provide a modest stipend, on campus housing and are a fantastic way to integrate your learning with actual leadership experiences. Students in these positions can participate in either the Christian Formation and Ministry or Evangelism and Leadership programs.
Masters Degree: What is the difference between the Christian Formation and Ministry an and Evangelism and Leadership Degrees?