Here are some ideas we’d invite you to consider…

1. Personal transformation happens when we step out of our comfortable routines. Gap year programs are intentionally designed to allow participants to experience this change of pace and location in a structured and growth-oriented environment.

2. Investing time and money into a traditional education or work experience can be expensive! Gap year programs create a space for participants to discover new passions, develop unique skill sets, and reinvigorate a love for learning. Often, participants leave these experiences with a clearer understanding of who God created them to be and the vocations He is calling them to pursue.

3. Gap year programs provide participants with a stepping stone towards personal independence and offer excellent entry level work experiences. Participating in Camp Hebron’s gap year program allows participants to serve within camp’s well-established ministry setting.

Young adults, ages 18-25, are eligible for the Guide Program. We’d encourage folks who can answer, “yes” to any of these three questions to consider joining the Guide team.

1. Are you passionate about adventure activities like rock climbing, canoeing, or backpacking? Do you want to learn to lead these transformative experiences for others?

2. Are you searching for a change of pace and place from your daily routine? Are you currently in between other opportunities and looking for a new skill to learn or passion to discover?

3. Are you desiring to dive deeply into your faith experience? Do you want to learn more about God, Scripture, and who God created you to be?

Each day of the week looks a little bit different. Participants will invest their time in classroom and hands-on educational settings.

Twice a week, participants will learn and refine their technical skills via adventure training days. This could include a morning spent at the high challenge course or a full day off-site paddling a local river. Additionally, participants will spend classroom time learning about leadership, group development, and experiential education.

Participants will have the opportunity to invest a large portion of their time developing their faith through classroom discussions, book studies, prayer partners, and discipleship conversations with mentors at camp.

The Guide Program offers several unique benefits for participants.

1. Participants will finish the program gaining at least 1 or 2 professional certifications. Each participant will complete a Wilderness First Responder course. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to gain a certification in rock climbing (PCIA), canoeing (ACA), or challenge course facilitation (ACCT).

2. Participants will gain hands-on experience leading, facilitating, and guiding others through experiences and conversations. As a program built on the tenants of experiential education, we practice what we teach! We’ve found this approach to education to be effective and inspires self-guided learning and reflection!

3. The Guide Program offers mentorship, discipleship, and space to dive deeply into one’s faith. Our goal is to cultivate an authentic, Christ-centered community where participants and staff members grow together in their Christian walks.

Yes. There is a $1000 tuition fee to enter the Guide Program. This fee covers the cost of the professional certifications and portions of the personal gear participants will receive as part of the program.

Lodging is provided throughout the course of the program. Participants are welcome to join in meals prepared by camp when the kitchen is serving food.

Participants have the opportunity to work 10-15 hours each week at camp too and earn some extra money.

The Guide Program is a 9 month program running from September through May. Participants will have the opportunity to apply for a summer staff position too, which would allow them to work at camp from June through August.

Participants can expect to invest a few hours each day in structured class, training, or community time. There will be scheduled “breaks” throughout the year for holidays and respite. Additional time-off can be accommodated, but participants are responsible for the content and experiences they’ve missed. Participants will be given at least 24 consecutive hours of “time off” each week.

Participants will be given on-site housing for the duration of the program.

Halifax is a small, rural town about 30 minutes north of Harrisburg. We’d encourage participants to invest in the local community during their time at camp. There are opportunities to plug into the local Youth Center, Youth Group, or Released Time programs as mentors. Or, we can help folks connect with a local church too.

Additionally, a number of metropolitan areas are easily accessible from camp. Lancaster and Gettysburg are about one hour away. Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington DC, and New York City are all feasible day trip locations.