RENEW
Gap Year Program
41.2266° N, 75.2676° W
NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR 2025
Join one of the most impactful and exclusive Christian gap year programs to launch your future, faith, and career! At Spruce Lake, our Renew Gap Year Program is designed to help young adults (ages 18-24) deepen their faith through hands-on ministry. Benefits of the Renew Program include:
- Experiences can transfer directly to ministry and vacation opportunities, and help launch you into the next steps of your education and career.
- Includes travel, community service, and participatory learning experience.
- Provides opportunities for spiritual development and community engagement.
- Highly exclusive–accepting only 12 participants each year.
Contact us today to get more information on the Renew Program.
About the Renew Gap Year Program
When you apply for Renew, you are choosing an immersive 9-month Christian gap year program that combines spiritual growth with real-world learning. Here’s everything you need to know:
Community Engagement & Mentorship
As a program participant, you’ll have the opportunity to serve in a local church or ministry, guided by experienced leaders who will walk alongside you as you grow in faith and practical skill development. This hands-on experience is designed to prepare you and give you greater insight into jobs you may desire after the program’s completion. You’ll appreciate:
- Serving under a leader in a local church or ministry
- Applying classroom and vocational skills in a real setting
- Accepting one-on-one mentoring from a professional
- Developing leadership skills and exploring future career paths
PROGRAM COSTS:
The Christian gap year programs are designed to offer you high-quality education, experiences, meals, and housing at an affordable cost. Here is the financial breakdown:
- $9,000 per student (includes college credit).
- $7,200 per student (no college credit).
- Room & Board: $180/week.
- 18 hours/week of assigned work covers housing and meals.
- Optional paid work hours available serving guests at Spruce Lake and Pinebrook.
ACCREDITATION & TRACKS:
The Renew Program provides 12 transferable college credit classes through Anchor Christian University, taught by teachers from Spruce Lake Ministries. Credits will transfer to these universities: Cairn, Cedarville, Liberty, Southeastern, and Lancaster Bible College, with the potential for transferability to other colleges.
Each participant can choose from 4 ministry-focused tracks (limited to 4 students each), where you will learn through monthly intensives with a professional and spend time “on the job” gaining real-world experience. Tracks include:
- Music & Worship
- Youth & Camping Ministry
- Business
- Facilities & Maintenance
THE SCHEDULE:
Each week is intentionally structured to give you academic, spiritual, and professional experiences. There are three types of days:
Class Days: Two classes one day per week (two 3-credit classes per semester, 12 credits total). The material and assignments from these classes will be applied within your other work as you look to integrate your learnings in day-to-day life.
Work Days: Students will be guaranteed 18 work hours at Spruce Lake Ministries to cover the weekly cost of food and housing. Additional paid hours may be available.
Off-Site Days: Community service or adventure experiences to apply your learnings in the community.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
Students will have an opportunity to serve within a church or ministry in our community, serving and working under a leader of this ministry or church. This experience will provide another way of shaping students, a practical place to apply their skills, and more insight into the type of job that students may desire after the program’s completion.
As part of their chosen track, each student will receive additional mentoring from professionals in that area to develop skills and build relationships in their fields of interest.
PROGRAM TRIPS & ADVENTURES:
Key elements of the Renew Program include “Adventure Days” and one 10-day mission trip.
International Mission Trip
All great Christian gap year programs should provide you with an opportunity to engage with other cultures. This is why our Renew Program includes a ten-day international mission trip. On this trip, participants will experience:
- Three days of training at the disciple base
- Five days of service
- One adventure day
Adventure Days
Each month, students will participate in two local “adventure days” with the goal of building and uniting them as a team. Trips can include activities like:
- Rock climbing
- Mountain biking
- Canoeing
- Escape rooms
- Apple picking
- Much more!
HOUSING & MEALS:
Renew participants will live in a community with other young adults on the Pinebrook campus. Accommodations include:
- Bunk-style sleeping accommodations with roommates.
- Gender-specific sleeping quarters.
- A communal lounge space will be available as a mixed gender “hangout” space.
All meals are provided on campu
Why Choose a Christian Gap Year Program in PA?
When choosing Christian gap year programs vs traditional gap year programs, you are opting to slow down and focus on what God wants for your life. By choosing the Renew gap program at Spruce Lakes in PA, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy:
- The peaceful location tucked in the Pocono Mountains
- Strong Christian-rooted mentorship and teaching
- Hands-on ministry opportunities
- Opportunities to serve the local PA communities
- Chances to adventure and grow spiritually off campus
- Connection with local PA church leaders and ministries
What You’ll Gain
The most important part of your Christian gap year program is what you’ll gain from it. You’ll grow spiritually as you learn to walk more closely with Christ. You’ll develop life skills and personal discipline that will stay with you for years to come. You’ll have the opportunity to discover your God-given gifts and explore the purpose He has for your life. And throughout it all, you’ll live alongside other like-minded students who will support and challenge you, building character together through meaningful service and shared experiences.
Apply Today
Applications are NOW OPEN for the 2025-2026 Renew Program. The application deadline closes on August 31st, 2025. Spots are limited, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Apply for Renew
MEET OUR TEAM:
Jonathan (Jonny) Tice is the Spruce Lake Director. He graduated from Nyack College with a degree in Music Education. Jonny first served at Spruce Lake as a counselor on summer staff where he met his wife, Nikah. They have three kids: Cadence, Coda, and Dorian. Jonny has been serving year round at Spruce Lake since 2019.
Prior to working year-round at Spruce Lake, he taught middle and high school music at a bilingual Christian School in Honduras for three years. Outside of his work at camp, Jonny enjoys spending time with his family, being in the outdoors, and listening to and singing Broadway musicals at the top of his lungs.
Randy Gaumer is the Director of Pastoral Ministries & Discipleship at Spruce Lake Ministries where he’s held five different leadership positions, from Director of Youth Ministries to Spruce Lake Director. Also, a pastor for over 35 years, Randy is currently the pastor of Pocono Lake Bible Church.
Randy is an accomplished musician as well, and has been a worship leader from the cornfields of Iowa to the bush of Papua New Guinea. He loves combining great songs from the past with some of today’s music to make worship meaningful for God’s people.
Moraya Tellado has been serving with Spruce Lake in many different capacities since 2015. She has taught in Spruce Lake’s outdoor education program, leadership training program, and day camp. Currently she is the manager of the True North program for schools and Day Camp.
Moraya went to college at Liberty University in Virginia and graduated with a degree in Education in 2018. She worked in the public school system for two years prior to working year-round at Spruce Lake. Outside of work, she loves to read, explore the outdoors, and paint happy little trees with Bob Ross.
RENEW Gap Year Program FAQ
What’s included?
Tuition covers college classes (12 credits), textbooks and course materials, all costs for the 10-day missions trip (excluding passport costs and any spending money students want to bring), trainings and conferences, individual coaching and discipleship, and day trips. Laundry facilities are also provided. Room and board will be covered by the first 18 hours worked each week.
How academic is Renew?
One day each week is set aside for classes. When possible, assignments will be integrated into hands-on ministry. Students will participate in their chosen Specialty Track one day each week.
Do I need health insurance?
Yes, you will need to provide proof of insurance in order to be accepted into the program. If you do not currently have health insurance, we may be able to work with you to find an affordable plan that covers you through your time in Renew.
Is there a minimum age?
There is no minimum age. However, to be eligible for our program, you must have your high school diploma or GED. If you are under the age of 18 during the application process, a parent or legal guardian must co-sign your documents.
Is financial aid available?
No, Renew students are not eligible for federal/state financial aid or student loans.
Will I get paid during the program?
Yes, Renew students at Pinebrook or Spruce Lake’s ministries will be compensated at $10 per hour for their work. Room and board are automatically deducted (valued at $180 per week) from pay.
How much spending money will I need?
Spending money is needed to cover personal necessities such as hygiene items, clothing purchases, or bills like car insurance. Additionally, you may choose to bring spending money for activities in your free time, extra snacks, or souvenirs on the international and day trips.
What are the program dates?
Fall Semester 2025: Wednesday, August 27 to Tuesday, December 16.
Spring Semester 2026: Friday, January 2 to Wednesday, May 13.
Summer Work Experience 2026: Friday, May 22 to Saturday, August 22.
Do I get a break between semesters?
Yes! You will coordinate your time off with the Renew team within the following windows of time:
Thanksgiving 2025: Wednesday, November 26 to Sunday, November 30.
Christmas Break 2025: Wednesday, December 17 to Friday, December 26.
Spring Break 2026: Wednesday, March 11 to Sunday, March 15.
Semester Break 2026: Friday, May 15 to Thursday, May 21.
What will I need to bring with me?
You will need a valid U.S. passport (or documents to get one) as well as other things such as toiletries, school supplies, and your Bible. For a detailed packing list, please see the resources section below.
Can my family come and visit?
Your family is welcome to book a room(s) at the staff rate at either our Pinebrook or Spruce Lake location. Because every aspect of our program is thoughtfully planned to maximize the time you’re studying, serving, or engaging in community, it’s important to plan their visit around any required activities.
Do I need to bring my vehicle?
No, it is not required for you to have a car to participate in the program. It may be helpful if you do have a car due to the fact that there are two campuses. Not having a car may limit your weekend work hours.
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