top of page

Peer Advocate Leader
(PAL) Application

What is the job of a PAL?

Peer Advocate Leaders (PALs) work closely with the Youth Program Coordinator and Program Director in a leadership role to plan and implement Youth CONs. A PAL advisor is the core of the team who serves as mentors, and provides youth with a variety of life-enriching experiences.  The PAL position includes planning and co-leading focus groups, workshops, and assisting with all CON events. PAL leadership training includes creative problem solving, critical thinking, communication, mentoring and group facilitation skills.  Personal growth during these weekends include self-awareness and interpersonal skills. ​ The position includes co-leading a focus group of 8-10 participants throughout the weekend.

​

Expectations for Fall and/or Spring PALs Include:

  • Need to be at least 16 years of age at the time of the CONs 

  • Completed Background Checks

  • Availability during training and at least two, preferably three, YouthCON events for the season you are applying for.

  • Implementation of COVID protocol of vaccinations and masks

​

  For either or both fall and spring CONs 

  • Participate in the PAL training and CON planning weekend

  • Participate as a PAL for the three CONs (elementary, intermediate, and high school)

​

744FB686-42B7-44D5-9D0A-DC3EEF24A263.jpg
Over the Shoulder.JPG

What are Youth CONs?

Youth “CONs'' are weekend long events planned by youth leaders, with adult support from the Youth Program Staff. PALs will be leading those who come with their groups to the CONs. Each CON has a different age group, theme, and focus. All CONs incorporate community building, fun, and an exploration of ourselves, the world, and spirituality.

​

Compensation Includes: 

While this is not a paid position, this is a perfect opportunity for work study, internship hours, volunteer opportunities, and leadership development. Youth CONs will be spread throughout weekends which will make this helpful for those in school! This position includes,

 

  • Staff housing at The Mountain for every weekend you are training or a PAL 

  • Great food for every meal made by our amazing staff!

  • Experience in leadership roles that will be a great resume builder

  • Training and leading in planning and facilitating

  • Working with youths and advisors joining us at Youth CONs

  • ​

Complete the PAL application  below and background check form

by September 23rd:

​

Applicant selections will be determined by September 24th.

​

Chelsea Tharp, Program Director, and Sam Dobmeyer, Youth Program Coordinator, are very excited to be leading these Youth CONs with PALs for Fall 2022 and Spring 2023. If you have any questions please contact us at youthcamp@themountainrlc.org! We look forward to having you here!

Items of Note: 

The Mountain’s Youth Protection Policy requires a background check for anyone age 18 and over working with youth. Each PAL Mentor MUST go through a background check to participate in Youth CONs. See the steps below.

  • Download the Authorization for Consumer Report (PDF)

  • Print the form

  • Complete all the information

  • Sign

  • Send to Program Director via Mail or Fax

You’re the ones that make participation in the CONs possible! This link contains important information regarding The Mountain’s Youth CONferences and your role in the success of the weekend.

  • Learn what is involved with participating as an advisor 

Youth Protection Policy

The Mountain recognizes the importance of fostering and creating communities where everyone, especially our most vulnerable populations such as children and youth, are protected.

We seek to preserve that spirit of welcome, respect, and trust in balance with our concern for the safety of our children, applying the test of “reasonable precaution” to any policies or guidelines we adopt. We further acknowledge that institutions operating in the best possible manner with all due concern still cannot guarantee an absolutely risk-free setting.

In this spirit, we adopt this policy statement and apply it to all events conducted under the purview of The Mountain.

​

Read The Mountain’s Youth Protection Policy

Advisor Participation Form – Required

In compliance with our Youth Protection Policy, a congregational staff member must complete an advisor participation form for the advisors to attend our Youth CONs.

  • Download the Advisor Participation Form (PDF)

  • Print the form

  • Complete all the information

  • Submit to The Mountain via Mail or Fax no later than 2 weeks prior to the CON

bottom of page