FORGE brings together the Certificate in Christian Discipleship through Ambrose with an immersive residential experience at Camp Nakamun. Students can expect academic study, outdoor and adventure experiences, ministry partnership, practical service, and formal and informal mentorship with camp leaders.

Outdoor and adventure experiences average approximately two to three days per month across the full program and may include off-site or multi-night camping trips, day trips for hiking or rafting, and participation in on-site Nakamun activities such as high ropes or paintball.

Students also take part in the planning and execution of events in Camp Nakamun’s year-round ministry calendar, collaborative events with area churches, and approximately eight service hours per week supporting daily camp ministry through kitchen, hospitality, or maintenance work.

FORGE is designed as a full-time, immersive educational and ministry experience. Students should be prepared to invest fully in every part of the program rather than opting out of selected elements.

This is a leadership and discipleship program for students who want to grow in faith and explore what it means to live in Christian Community while serving in an active ministry setting. Participation would be very challenging for a student who does not actively wish to deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ.

FORGE is a pilot program. Ambrose University and Camp Nakamun have built it with care and shared conviction, but because it is new, some parts of the experience may evolve slightly over the year. Students will have the opportunity to shape the program through their feedback.

Room and board are included. Students live on site at Camp Nakamun in the Heritage Suites, with four to six students of the same gender in each suite. Suites include a bedroom, bathroom, and common area. Bedrooms have twin beds, with some bunk beds, and a chest of drawers for each student. Bathrooms are full bathrooms, and the common area includes a kitchenette with a sink, mini-fridge, microwave, portable hot plate, couch, and kitchen table.

Students are expected to live on site full-time to experience ministry-focused Community. Leaving site to visit friends or family or to shop is permitted, and even encouraged, provided it does not interfere with the program schedule or Community standards. Students may also be allowed or encouraged to return home during major holidays and semester breaks. Accommodations open two nights before the official program start.

Students will sign and abide by a student community standards contract. Because the camp hosts many community groups, including students under 18, a police records check is required. No recreational drugs or alcohol are permitted on site, and quiet hours are from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. Guests may visit outside scheduled program times with advance approval from a Camp Nakamun director, but overnight stays are not allowed. Laundry facilities are available, though they are limited and shared with seasonal staff. Large furniture or appliances are not permitted, but one or two small items may be allowed if they do not limit shared space.

Practical service is part of the formation experience. It gives students direct involvement in the camp’s ministry of service and hospitality and helps offset part of the cost of room and board. Camp Nakamun cannot assign tasks or schedules entirely by student preference, but student preference will be considered where practical. 

Meals are provided in the on-site cafeteria and are included in program fees. When the cafeteria is closed because no groups are on site, students will have self-serve access to the camp’s leftovers fridge. Students with allergies or dietary restrictions do not need to bring their own food, and the kitchen will provide substitutes when restrictions are included on application forms.

Students may bring snacks and drinks for their rooms and may prepare food in the kitchenette using the provided appliances, but regular access to a full kitchen is not included.

Suggested packing includes clothing, bedding, toiletries, a waterproof rain jacket, hiking shoes or boots, winter jacket and pants, mitts, a toque, and clothing that can get dirty. Specialized equipment for outdoor or adventure experiences will be provided by the camp. A syllabus will be available on the first day of class. Books and resources will be available through the bookstore and Ambrose library.

Students should not plan to work a separate part-time job while in FORGE, because balancing outside work with the program would be extremely difficult and would interfere with the program’s objectives.

At the same time, there may be opportunities for paid casual work at Camp Nakamun. Students who show enthusiasm and a strong work ethic during practical service hours may be given priority if paid shifts become available and if that work can be balanced with program demands.

This program does qualify for student aid through Ambrose University's financial aid programs. 

Ambrose University's financial aid team is here to help make your education as accessible as possible. Entrance scholarships, including Church Partner Scholarships and academic scholarships, may be available to help support your studies. The Financial Aid Office can also answer questions about student loans and other funding options. For students applying for need-based financial aid, applications open at the end of January and close on June 1. We encourage you to connect with our team to explore the resources available to help you pursue God's calling with confidence.