RENEW
Gap Year Program
41.2266° N, 75.2676° W
A Christian Gap Year program to launch you into your next steps!
Dive deeper into your faith with a year of learning and hands-on ministry.
- Experiences can transfer directly to ministry and vocation 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.
- Accepting only 12 participants each year.
PROGRAM COSTS:
- $9,000 per student with credits.
- $7,200 per student without credits.
- Food and housing are valued at $180 per week; 18 hours of work per week will automatically go toward room and board.
- Extra work hours serving guests at Spruce Lake and Pinebrook may be available.
ACCREDITATION & TRACKS:
Classes will be taken through Anchor Christian University with teachers from Spruce Lake Ministries. Credits will transfer to these universities: Cairn, Cedarville, Liberty, Southeastern, and Lancaster Bible College. There’s the potential for transferability to other colleges.
Students will choose from four tracks, limited to four students each: (1) Music & Worship; (2) Youth & Camping Ministry; (3) Business; (4) Facilities & Maintenance. Learn from a professional in your chosen track during monthly intensives. During the year, spend time “on the job” with a professional actively engaged in your chosen track.
SCHEDULE:
There are three types of days: work, class, and off-site days. Students will have two classes one day per week, completing two three-credit classes each semester for a total of 12 credits in the year. The material and assignments from these classes will be applied within their other work as they look to integrate their learning in day-to-day life.
Students will be guaranteed work hours each week at Spruce Lake Ministries, with 18 hours covering the weekly cost of room and board. Additional paid hours may be available. Off-site days will include fund adventure trips and service in the community.
Go to our resources section to download a sample weekly schedule.
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.
TRIPS:
A ten-day international missions trip is a key part of the program as students are given the opportunity to engage with another culture. All costs will be covered by the tuition fee. This trip consists of three days of training at the disciple base, five days of service, and concludes with an adventure day.
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, and more.
HOUSING:
Students will be provided bunk-style sleeping accommodations at Pinebrook campus and should expect to have a roommate. A communal lounge space will be available as a mixed gender “hangout” space. Separate sleeping facilities will be provided for each gender. All meals are provided.
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.
Simeon is a Gap Year Program houseparent. He attended seven colleges in seven years and graduated with a biology degree. He has worked on several teams at Spruce Lake, including Adult & Family Ministries, Wilderness Camp, and Outdoor Education. He is married to Rebekah and they have three children.
Simeon loves being outside in nature, scuba diving, snorkeling, spending time with his family, reading, and having Kingdom conversations..
Randy 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 Pococo 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.
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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