High school students entering grades 10–11 in the upcoming Fall can apply to the High School Mission Team (HSMT) program at Phantom Ranch. This immersive program helps teens learn, train, and serve while gaining hands-on experience in camp ministry, spiritual disciplines, discipleship, and leadership skills.
All participants must apply and be accepted—placement is not automatic. The program is designed for maturing Christian teens who desire to take their relationship with God to the next level, have a heart to serve others, and have an interest in camp ministry. Maximum capacity is 24 students. HSMT acceptance is determined after an initial interview with the Mission Team Director.
Our Mission Team experience is a 2 Phase (2 week) program. The first phase focuses on developing Christian maturity and includes an overnight excursion to Devil’s Lake State Park. Phase 2 focuses on giving Mission Teamers opportunities to experience a variety of summer camp jobs. They’ll work alongside our summer staff and join their community in the staff cabins instead of the camper cabin of Phase 1.
Please read all program information before starting your application.
Phase 1 – Christian Discipleship Training
Dates: June 21–26, 2026
Check-in: 4:00 PM, Sunday, June 21
Pick-up: 12:45 PM, Friday, June 26 (adjustable per family)
Phase 1 introduces spiritual disciplines and discipleship: prayer, Bible reading, sharing personal faith stories, and Gospel communication. Mission Teamers also enjoy Phantom Ranch fun, including Banana Boat rides, indoor climbing, camp games, and a camping trip to Devil’s Lake State Park. Housing for the week is in a supervised camper cabin with 2 Cabin Leaders. Cabin bedding and personal toiletries are not provided by Phantom Ranch. A HSMT shirt, notebook, and Immerse Reading Bible are provided by Phantom Ranch. Mission Teamers are allowed to bring their own Bible for reading and study, but do not have to.
Phase 2 – Camp Ministry and Work Training
Available Dates to Choose from: June 28–July 3, July 5–10, July 12–17
During Phase 2, Mission Teamers work and live alongside the summer staff. Our Staff Supervisors act as Cabin Leaders and support them in navigating the work experiences and trainings. There are end of day debriefs and evening program activities Mission Teamers can join such as prayer nights and games. Every day Mission Teamers will shadow a different camp department. Some departments allow more participation than others. Mission Teamers get to request different department options during Phase 1. Some of the available hands-on work experience departments:
- Dining Hall
- Waterfront
- Maintenance
- Horsemanship
- Crafts & Canteen + Housekeeping
- Program Support
- Digital Media
- Shadowing Cabin Leaders
Bonus Phase 3 – December Superteen Retreat
All Mission Teamers are invited to the Superteen Retreat: December 18–20, 2026 for free!
HSMT Costs
- $450
- Covers camping trip, training materials, HSMT shirt, and Phase 3 retreat.
- Spending money for our Camp Store (Canteen) or at Devil’s Lake State Park is optional.
- Payment schedule: $200 due within 2 weeks of acceptance; remaining balance due on arrival.
Bonus: Sign up for another camp session (e.g., Superteen) and receive a $100 discount (limited to one session).
Leadership
The HSMT program is led by Dan Mayer, Phantom Ranch’s Program Director, with a degree in Youth Ministry from Moody Bible Institute and a Master’s in Youth Ministry Leadership and a Masters in Discipleship Ministry from Huntington University. He oversees all Phantom Ranch trainings including Christian Maturity and Leadership Development for year-round staff, summer staff and summer campers. Dan has been the Program Director since 2005 and HSMT Phase 1 is one of his favorite weeks of camp!
Phase 1 has 4+ summer staff who assist in the trainings, supervision, and fun of the Mission Team experience.
Typical Schedule
Phase 1 / Week 1:
- Mornings: discipleship training with fun game breaks
- Afternoons: discipleship training with camp activity breaks
- Evenings: board games, indoor rock climbing, and campfire stories
- Week wraps up with an overnight camping trip to Devil’s Lake State Park
Phase 2 / Week 2:
- Pre-breakfast personal time with God
- Work shifts: 9 AM–5 PM
- Evenings: program support, staff interactions, intercessory prayer options, and daily debrief
- Ends on Friday with “God Did It!” staff meeting and celebratory staff dinner
Optional Expenses
All meals and program expenses are included. Participants may fund a canteen account for drinks, snacks, merchandise; Mission Teamers may also bring money for purchasing snacks and merchandise at Devil’s Lake State Park. Phantom Ranch is not responsible for any money not put into a Canteen Account. Left over funds in a Canteen Account can roll over between Phase 1, Phase 2, and other camp sessions.