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Cross Roads Camp and Retreat CenterCross Roads Camp and Retreat Center
  • ABOUT
    • Who We Are
      • Year Round Staff
      • Employment
        • Job Descriptions
    • Join Our Mailing List
    • Online Camp Store
    • Facilities
      • Christ Center
      • Lodge
      • Beisler Center
      • Log Cabin
      • Oakwood
      • Evergreen
      • Chapels
      • Outdoor Facilities
    • Multimedia Resources
      • Newsletters
      • Forms
      • Camp Map
    • Contact Us
    • Directions
    • COVID-19 Statement
  • Year-Round Programs
    • Bold Transformational Faith
    • Cross Roads Camp Sunday
    • Gap Year Program
    • The SHAPE of Leadership
    • Wednesdays Away
    • Youth Retreats
  • Summer Camp
    • Summer Camp Programs
      • Leaders-In-Training
      • High School Week
      • Cross Roads Leadership Lab
      • SEEK
      • Family Camp
      • Summer Camp FAQs
      • Summer Forms
        • Camperships
    • Camp Registration System
    • Employment
    • Summer Camp Q&A Sessions and Open Houses
    • Camp at Home Resources
  • Retreats
    • Camp at Camp
    • Your Retreat at Cross Roads
  • Support
    • Giving / Donate
    • Online Donation
    • Adopt a Project
    • The Bishops Cup Golf Outing

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.

 

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The theme for Summer Camp 2021 is "Firm Foundation The theme for Summer Camp 2021 is "Firm Foundation." Through activities, Bible study, and worship, campers will be reminded that when we are rooted in our faith, God's love and faithfulness embolden us to have courage to share that love with others.

Learn more about summer camp at Cross Roads and register your camper for their summer adventure at https://www.crossroadsretreat.com/summer-programs/.
Middle-schoolers (Grades 6-8) are invited to our V Middle-schoolers (Grades 6-8) are invited to our Virtual Youth Retreat on Saturday, March 13. From 10 am - 12 pm, we will gather on Zoom to EXPLORE the ways God is present in our world and in our lives.

Register here: https://www.crossroadsretreat.com/youth-retreats/. We can't wait to see you then!
#WhyCampWednesday | "As parents, we like that our #WhyCampWednesday | "As parents, we like that our kids are at a camp where they are not only having summer fun and building relationships, but also learning the values we hold close as a family: love, kindness, humility (among others). We’re confident that they are learning skills they’ll remember for the rest of their lives while having the time of their lives, all thanks to Cross Roads." -- The Cannechia Family

Register your child for a life-changing summer adventure at www.crossroadsretreat.com/summer-programs.
You’re invited to attend the next Wednesdays Awa You’re invited to attend the next Wednesdays Away gathering on March 3, led by Wendy Abrahamson. Register on the website by Tuesday, March 2 at noon to guarantee your registration. We hope to see you there for a time of renewal and fellowship.
Please SHARE with young adults in your life lookin Please SHARE with young adults in your life looking for a life-changing summer job. Cross Roads is hiring for all positions on our Summer Staff for 2021. For more information and to apply, visit www.crossroadsretreat.com/employment.
Apply to be a Leader-in-Training (LIT) at Cross Ro Apply to be a Leader-in-Training (LIT) at Cross Roads this summer! LITs must be at least 16 years old by July 1, 2021 and have finished 11th grade to participate in the LIT program. Applications are due by April 1, 2021. Spaces in this once-in-a-lifetime, faith-based leadership development experience are limited, so be sure to apply today and share with interested high schoolers!

https://www.crossroadsretreat.com/leaders-in-training/
The theme of this week's episode of the BTF Podcas The theme of this week's episode of the BTF Podcast is "Still Waters." Tune in for a reflection on Psalm 23, as well as updates from our main characters Abbie J and Becca, a song, a prayer, and an outdoor challenge. The BTF Podcast is a great faith formation activity for families to do together. Brought to you by Cross Roads and our partners at @luthercrest.

https://luthercrest.libsyn.com/-still-waters
"As a mental health professional who works in the "As a mental health professional who works in the camping industry, I am convinced that summer camp is no longer an optional add-on to enrich a child’s experience while they are out of school; it is a vital need for all children and adolescents in 2021 and beyond." Read this full post from our partners at the @acacamps here: https://www.acacamps.org/news-publications/blogs/camp-connection/summer-camp-even-more-vital-2021-beyond.

And register your child for their week of camp at Cross Roads at https://www.crossroadsretreat.com/summer-programs/.
An #AshWednesday prayer: God of mercy, your Son Je An #AshWednesday prayer: God of mercy, your Son Jesus Christ died for the sins of the world. As we walk with Christ this Lenten season, may we learn to follow him and trust in your words of life. Give us courage and strength to share in his suffering, to serve others in love, and to honor you in word and deed. Amen. 🙏(Adapted from the LOM curriculum, “Living in God’s Time”)
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Cross Roads Camp & Retreat Center

© Cross Roads Camp and Retreat Center.
29 Pleasant Grove Rd, Port Murray, NJ 07865
908-832-7264 · 908-832-6593
OfficeManager@CrossRoadsRetreat.com

A ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark
and the New Jersey Synod of the ELCA.
Accredited by the American Camp Association.