Each year, it takes approximately 50-80 volunteers to staff the different weeks of Higher Ground Retreats™. Because of the dedication of these volunteers, Higher Ground Retreats have existed for over 55 years. 

Leader Role
The youth we work with are encouraged in their faith by connecting with others who also believe. They desire healthy relationships with adults who are leading them closer to Jesus and who desire to walk alongside them in that process. This type of presence-centered relational ministry requires time spent together. Youth events are an opportunity for young people and adult leaders to have a shared encounter with Jesus. In volunteering as a leader for a Diocesan youth event, you understand that it is this type of relational ministry that you are being called to with the young people attending the event.

As a leader I....

• Am a practicing Roman Catholic in good standing with the Church.
• Have a personal relationship with Jesus, with the desire to share how my relationship with Him has impacted my life.
• Adhere to and am able to articulate the central teachings of the Catholic Church.
• Demonstrate reasonable mental and emotional stability.
• (Preferred) Am currently living within the Diocese of Grand Island and am involved in my parish.
• Participate in or actively support youth ministry/religious education within my parish.
• Am physically able to be involved in both rigorous and sedentary activities.
• Demonstrate appropriate boundaries in my relationships.
• Am fully compliant with Diocesan policies including safe environment/child protection requirements.

Leaders must be at least two years out of high school to apply for Higher Ground and 17 years old to apply for Higher Ground Extreme Faith.

If you are interested in working as a youth leader, please complete a Staff Application. Due to the nature of this type of ministry, it is important that the leaders chosen understand their role and responsibility as missionary disciples. We ask all new applicants to participate in an interview with the Director of these programs before a final decision on camp leaders will be made.

Dates of Higher Ground for staff (includes a day of training)

HG Week 1 - May 26 - May 31, 2024

 HG Week 2 - June 2 - June 7, 2024

HG Extreme Faith - July 7-11, 2024