Big Bend National Park

Sometimes considered “three parks in one,” Big Bend includes scenic mountain, desert, and river environments. You can explore one of the last remaining wild corners of the US, and experience unmatched sights, sounds, and solitude in the midst of a park that’s ministry can be as diverse as it is.

Unexpected Terrain

The drive through southern Texas is painted like a typical desert – cacti, road runners, tumble weed – but as the road leads closer to Mexico, suddenly mountains and mesas spring into view. A treasure like this, with its dark night skies, hundreds of bird species, and diverse environment, is a welcome surprise.

The wooded Chisos Mountains lie at the heart of Big Bend, though 98% of the park is the Chihuahuan desert. Through it all runs the majestic Rio Grande, marking the boundary between the United States and Mexico. Boquillas, a small Mexican border town, provides the possibility for international ministry outside of work and Sunday services. Local MSC visit there often and enjoy including team members in this unique ministry opportunity.

What We Do

ACMNP in Big Bend provides:

Christian fellowship activities for visitors, residents, and employees
Leadership development for ministry team members and seminarians
Positive relationships among seasonal co-workers and international employees
Pastoral care during emergencies

Ministry Team Member Information

Our winter team in Big Bend is approximately four ministry team members who serve at Chisos Basin.

Summer and Winter seasons
No mentor available for seminarians
Catholic mass not available
Preferred placement for ACMNP alumni only.
Spanish speaking is a plus!

Employment Information

Ministry team members seek employment from Forever Resorts in Chisos Basin.

Area: 1,252 mi²
Established: June 12, 1944
Visitation: 440,276 in 2017

"Being here in Big Bend was one of the few times I have escaped light pollution and really seen stars. Seeing bunches of stars gives new meaning to star illustrations in Scripture—be it God’s care for man or God’s knowledge. I have a better idea of the breadth of God’s characteristics that are liked to the stars now that I have seen them."

Michael K., 2014

Big Bend National Park, TX

Park Experience FAQ's

What should I expect?

Are you ready for an adventure of a lifetime? You have come to the right place. In addition to having a national park as your backyard, you will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful and important ministry efforts. National parks, although beautiful, are remote and challenging locations.

Can I choose my park?

While we cannot guarantee that you will get your top preference, we do consider your requests as we assemble teams. There is a section of the application where you will be able to list your top three park preferences.

If we are not able to offer you the park of your choosing, we will suggest an alternate park location that might fit with your interests and team needs. We ask that you apply to ACMNP for the ministry experience more than the park location, and we will do our best to find a good fit.

As you can imagine, team assembly is a complicated process. Every team member placement has to take into account employer needs, team needs, dates of availability, various ministry logistics, and applicant interests. We appreciate your flexibility and openness through this process. Trust us, by the end of a summer with ACMNP, every team member claims their national park as the best national park. There really is no bad placement!

What does a typical week look like?

One of the greatest ministry opportunities you will have is through your seasonal employment. Working 40-hours each week through the local hospitality concessionaire gives you the opportunity to get to know and work alongside those within the community. Not only does your employment provide you with an income, but working in this context gives you credibility for your ministry as you become friends with people who may have negative associations with Christians. That said, a big portion of your week will be your job, which is also a significant part of your ministry.

Can I apply with a friend?

Yes, you can absolutely apply with a friend! You will find a section on the application to indicate who you are hoping to serve with, please be sure to list them there.

If you are applying with a group of people, we would strongly encourage you to separate into pairs, and spread out into multiple parks. The experience is typically much stronger when you are serving on a team with new friends from different backgrounds. Not to mention, groups of friends serving in multiple parks generally enjoy sharing their experiences and encouraging one another from across the parks.

Who are we looking for?

Mature baptized followers of Jesus Christ.
Can affirm the principles of the Apostle's Creed, a common statement of faith.
Men and women, generally 18-30 years of age, who desire to grow as leaders and experience a challenging ministry adventure.
Ability and willingness to partner with people from different Christian backgrounds.
Ability and willingness to interact relationally with co-workers and park visitors of different faiths, backgrounds, and cultures.
Summer availability of at least 90 days, through August 20th or later (as close to Labor Day as possible).
High level of commitment to ministry and calling.

What will this cost me?

Ministry Team Members will actually earn an income through seasonal employment with private park hospitality companies (concessionaires). Additionally, seminarians enrolled in a seminary or theological graduate program will be eligible for a $2,000 scholarship stipend ($3,000 for returning seminarian leaders). If you are interested in our Advanced Leadership Development Program, you can earn $1000 through your participation. Room and board is provided at minimal cost and differs by national park location and employer. You will find quickly that living in a national park is very inexpensive, and most team members usually walk away with $2500-3500 in their pockets by the end of the summer!

ACMNP's ministry in the national parks is a specialized effort and presents unique challenges. Therefore, every ministry team member is required to attend the ACMNP National Training Conference. There is a $350 program fee to cover training, program, and season expenses. We have a reduced fee of $275 for returning alumni. Some team members choose to raise support to help cover these costs.

Please also note that Ministry Team Members are responsible for transportation to/from the training conference (Estes Park, CO April 12-14, 2024 or Indianapolis, IN May 10-12, 2024) and transportation to/from the national park where they will serve.