The Gap FAQs

1. Expect to have a quick introduction call, within a few days of submission, with a member of Gap staff to answer basic questions and make sure we have all the necessary information to proceed with the application process.

2. After the call, you will receive the formal application to complete within 7 days.

3. Within 7 days of the formal application being submitted, you will be notified of the opportunity to select a time to participate in a ZOOM panel interview.

4. References will be checked. 

5. The final stage of the process is a parent interview.

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. About 60% of the cost of the program is covered by scholarships from donors. We are structured such that each gap attendee will pay a monthly fee of $1100/mo from their earned income in South Fork to cover room and board and 50% of all meals July through March and is due on the 15th of each month from July through March. Each participant is responsible for their own meals outside of these included in their monthly fees. 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 $5000 in support raised donations with $2500 eligible to be refunded at the conclusion of the program. The remaining 60% of the program costs are funded through scholarships from 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 arrival in South Fork 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.

Offers of employment will be extended by the business per their usual operational protocol and work will commence within the first 2 weeks 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. While it may be possible to work more than 25 hours per week, it is not guaranteed nor recommended so having additional financial obligations when attending The Gap is strongly discouraged.

You will be required to have your own transportation with valid car insurance. 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 2-3 dedicated weeks during the program where friends and family may visit and no Gap programming is scheduled. Additional friends and family visits will be considered on a case by case basis.

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 know and 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 of Jesus. It must be emphasized that The Gap is not a recovery program but a discovery program.

No personal pets are allowed to be brought. However, “Eske” is our lodge dog and is being trained as a certified therapy dog.

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