The Gap FAQs

Expect to have an initial panel interview with Gap advisory committee members and/or mentors. Expect to hear back from the panel within one week after your interview before a second interview is scheduled. Acceptances are handled on a rolling basis.

Yes. Accommodations at The Spruce Lodge are similar to what one would expect in a dorm living situation with anywhere from 1-3 twin-sized beds per living space sharing one bathroom. There are multiple common areas throughout the property attendees can access.

Our program is designed to be financially attainable to anyone who applies. We are structured such that each gap attendee will pay a monthly fee of $1100 to cover room and board and 70% of all meals July through March and is due on the 15th of each month from July through March. Additionally, there will be an $1100 non-refundable deposit to secure the spot of accepted applicants and will cover June housing and meals. Each accepted attendee will also be required to obtain $2500 in donations as a one time donation or a monthly, $250 donation.* Additional costs of the program are funded through generous donations from people, churches, and businesses who have a strong desire to invest in the lives of the next generation.

All accepted attendees are expected to be employed for the length of the program and will have a virtual interview in April/May, prior to the program, with one of the businesses who have partnered with our organization. Working in the local, South Fork community has 3 purposes:

1. To learn the responsibility of self-funding a valuable Gap experience,

2. To practice being in the world as a follower of Jesus without becoming of the world.

3. To serve a community by filling positions that help close the gap of their workforce needs.

We recommend that each attendee choose to interview with at least 2 of our partnered businesses. Offers of employment will be extended by the business per their usual operational protocol and work will commence within the first week of arrival.

Businesses in the local community that have “partnered” with The Gap at Sawmill Meadow have indicated that they will guarantee an average of 25 hours per week of work over the span of the program in order to ensure that each attendee will earn enough wages to pay for their experience. Additionally, they have agreed to allow time off for pre-determined, Gap sponsored activities, including monthly adventures and monthly seminar Saturdays. Each business has their own requirements of employment that each employee is expected to meet.

You will be required to have your own transportation. South Fork does not have public or ride-share transportations options. Jobs will not be within walking distance of the lodge.

No. The mission of our organization is inspired from the words of Jesus from Mark 12:29-31.

The Gap is not affiliated with any college nor do we offer college credit. Launching adults thriving in responsibility may look like an adult who independently seeks to enroll in online coursework, pays for it themself, and meets the other expectations of The Gap programming. It is reasonable to think that a responsible attendee could effectively complete one online course while also meeting the obligations of local employers and The Gap programming.

There will be specific dates during the program where friends and family may visit. Each attendee is expected to continue to fulfill their obligations of the program which include sleeping in their room and participating in all activities of the program.

All of The Gap programming and curriculum will revolve around the words of Jesus - “Love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. And love your neighbor as yourself.” Beginning the program with a baseline understanding of who Jesus is and a desire to follow Him is helpful.

All donations are tax deductible.

The Gap at Sawmill Meadow will allow new adults to PRACTICE being a Christ following, responsible adult:

1. in a safe space with a community of other new adults in the same life stage, and

2. in the world through their employment and service experience.

Living as a follower of Jesus IN the world and not OF the world is most impactful when there is a community of like-minded believers who are supporting you and living that same experience. From that posture, habits are developed to be carried down the next path after this Gap experience.

Several pastors are members of our advisory council and will be involved with the content creation, assimilation and delivery. Much of the spiritual formation content comes from or is adapted from practicingtheway.org. Similar to Practicing The Way, we believe that formation and growth comes from knowledge that leads to integration of practices that cultivate a desire to know Jesus, be with Jesus and then do what Jesus did. We believe that one of the most important elements to formation is living in community with others who are also actively integrating growth practices into their lives.

The ideal candidate is someone between the ages of 18-23 years old who has made the decision to redeem this time knowing the Lord better and how He created us. It is someone who desires to explore and practice the ways of Jesus and practice life skills that develop independence. It will require someone who will COMMIT to growing in these areas and desires accountability in a safe place. Commitment in these areas looks like consistently participating in group activities and individual assignments, reducing social media distractions and actively taking advantage of an environment conducive to exercise. The ideal candidate is someone who believes that there is freedom in boundaries. The ideal candidate is willing to seek and accept counsel, wisdom and input from older adults who are also committed to practicing the Way Jesus. It must be emphasized that The Gap is not a recovery program but a discovery program.

Any one of our team members would be happy to discuss our program with you. Please reach out to info@leanintothegap.org.