An Unexpected Opportunity
After graduating from a secular college with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Biology, the job hunt began. During months of searching for a job, employers would ask “what do you want for your career?”. Upon pondering this question, I finally determined a concise answer. I want a job in which I can inform the public about nature and the conservation of it. Now, I’m not exactly a tree hugger, but I do believe in being good stewards of the natural resources God has provided. During my job search, I didn’t actually expect to be able to work in my field, as I moved to a small town after marriage.
One day I got a phone call about an application. I don’t even remember the job as it had been a click to send my resume. Anyway, the woman said she saw my degree and was wondering if I would be interested in another position at the same organization. As the phone call continued she explained it was a Christian based organization to be sure that wasn’t a problem. She then told me it was a position teaching 5th graders outdoor science classes at a camp about an hour away. I realized this job sounded perfect. She asked if I could meet the next day for an interview.
A Niche Ministry
I had never felt called to teaching as I had faced evolution in my education and did not want to be required to teach it. Through research and the book “Darwin’s Doubt“, I even discovered the creator of the evolutionary theory has seen its flaws, so why teach it as fact? However, I also did not want to be required to avoid the topic and only teach creationism either. I told my husband “I don’t want to teach faith, I just want to teach science.”. This is the approach I took during my interview.
She said they didn’t teach evolution and had both public and private schools attend the program. They encourage their teachers to incorporate Christian teachings for Christian schools but to simply show youth from the public school the love of Christ. Their goal through this ministry is for the youth to return for the camp where they can freely hear the gospel.
After our hour-long conversation, I was offered the job on the spot. I was almost in tears, shocked leaving the facility to discuss it with my husband as I never thought my dream job would fall in my lap. It’s an hour from our home and not the greatest pay, but it was the perfect job. My husband agreed that this had to be God. I accepted the job and have been working with kids ever since.
Science and Christian Principles
Through this program schools bring their 5th grade class to the camp for three day of fun recreation time and outdoor classes. Classes include teks for the schools testing in fun, active learning games. The classes incorporate American history, teamwork, compass and survival skills, entomology, forces of flight, and so much more. My two favorites incorporate ecology. One class allows the youth to determine the water quality of the lake by using nets to capture significant organisms. These organisms’ toleration for pollution levels reveals to student the water quality. This is just one of the projects students participate in during these classes. We also can incorporate life lessons promoting Christian principles and obviously incorporate scripture for Christians schools.
In retrospect, I can see how God has been preparing me for this journey over the past few years. My niece being born and bringing out my silly side to be able to work with kids. My recent college graduation bringing innovative ideas to the classes. Purchasing a used vehicle, the day before my interview an hour away. The pieces just fell into place. I am now surrounded by amazing kids and positive Christian women during the week. This is a ministry I never knew existed, but I am so excited to be able to share my passion with the next generation.
It all began with “Facing the Biology Challenge” Are you encouraging your child’s dreams in your homeschool?
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