Cross Roads Gap Year Program

Young adults participants of the Cross Roads Gap Year Program live on-site as part of an intentional community, while taking classes online, working, and/or spending the year doing service in the community.

Participants can spend the full-year in the Gap Year Program, or apply to join for either the fall or spring semesters. The cost of the program is $400/month, which covers housing costs. Participants will be expected to supply their own food, etc., though there may be opportunities for food service when retreat guests are on-site.

Continue reading for more information. Click here for an FAQ page. You can also feel free to reach out to Cross Roads Program Director Kathryn Schaefer at Kathryn@CrossRoadsRetreat.com or at (908) 832-7264 with any questions you have.

The health and safety of all Cross Roads staff and guests, including Gap Year participants, is of highest priority, especially during this time. You can read our COVID-19 Statement here. Participants will be expected to take certain precautions and follow strict guidelines before and during the Gap Year Program year, following guidelines from the CDC, the American Camp Association, and local health and government officials.

There are four main components to the Cross Roads Gap Year Program. Details are subject to change based on program participants’ interests and needs.

ADVENTURE

Embrace living in God’s creation!

Cross Roads is located on 250 glorious acres atop the stunning mountain landscape of northwestern New Jersey. Some describe it as “Where Heaven and Earth Meet.” As a resident of Cross Roads, you can enjoy beautiful hiking trails and an abundance of outdoor and indoor recreational areas including basketball, volleyball, soccer, football, and open space for field games. In addition, participants will take local hiking trips, canoe/kayak adventures, and at least one overnight camping trip together during the year.

SERVICE

Give back to the community!

As a participant in the Gap Year Program, you will be required to give back to the camp community. This may look like: assisting with retreat groups, whether in the kitchen or cleaning facilities; helping design and lead youth programming; maintenance projects around camp; or using your personal skills or expertise to support the ministry. Cross Roads can also connect you to local churches or nonprofit organizations, where you can spend further time volunteering or in service to the larger community.

STUDY

Learn and grow!

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many colleges are holding classes online. Continue your education remotely while living at camp! Whether you are taking college classes for the first time or are midway through earning your degree, there is space (and internet access) to learn and study while in the Gap Year Program. Program participants do not have to be enrolled in higher education to participate, however. There will also be opportunities to learn life skills and participate in faith formation to grow in your faith during the Gap Year.

REST

Reset and reconnect!

Wherever you are in your life journey, you can benefit from living in a supportive community in a new place. During your Gap Year at Cross Roads, you can take time to pause, reset your mindset, rediscover your passions, and reconnect with God.

Whatever your interests or your path in life, the Cross Roads Gap Year is an excellent next step.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Download this flyer to share with interested young adults in your life.