The Grand Canyon
What is Walkabout Gap Year?
More Than an Extended Adventure Camp—Our Program Prepares Students for God's Purposes
Walkabout is a discipleship-based Gap Year program that aims to bring together college-age students who are passionate about Christ, the outdoors, and intentional living. Rooted in discipleship, outdoor adventure, and service, students will see what a ministry-focused lifestyle looks like, all while going on epic adventures throughout the United States.
Camp Eagle's Walkabout Gap Year is all about growth. Growth in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Students will engage in the equivalent of 12 hours of accredited Bible classes, taught on-site by two teaching pastors. In our Gap Year program students will live, study, serve, and grow in an intentional community of ministry professionals where they can learn what it means to live authentically for Jesus.
Traditional Walkabout Gap Year
The traditional track is designed to put the world in the perspective of a disciple. These 9 months are a challenging commitment that inspires courage for the future as a follower of Christ. Our unique mix of adventure, study, service, rest, and mentoring leaves people changed for the better.
Traditional Gap Year students live at Camp Eagle for 9 months where they engage in intentional discipleship, take Bible courses, go on monthly adventure trips, and enter a season of serving in ministry.
Semester Track Walkabout Gap Year
The semester track is a discipleship program that gives students room to pursue their online degree while also immersing themselves in the Camp Eagle community and ministry. Students live at Camp Eagle at a fraction of the cost of traditional college room & board, while also taking part in discipleship, ministry, and adventure trip opportunities. Intentional discipleship combined with training in ministry helps students grow into a person after God’s own heart, equipped to step out into the world with a solid foundation in Christ.
Adventure Trips
Wilderness expeditions provide a foundation for learning and application. Expect epic hikes, scenic environments, and thrilling multi-sport adventures. The low cost of the Walkabout Gap Year program covers the cost of these once-in-a-lifetime trips. Past expeditions include:
- Backpacking in the San Juan National Forest
- Rock climbing at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
- Multi-Sport trip in Big Bend National Park
- Multi-Spot Road trip across the Desert Southwest
- Mission Trip
- Kayaking trip on the South Pecos River
- World religions trip to Austin, Tx.
*Traditional Gap Year students go on 9 total trips; Walkabout Study students go on 2 total trips per semester
Practical Application Through Study
Traditional Walkabout Gap Year Students can earn up to 12 college credits through our partnership with Colorado Christian University. Current courses include:
- Introduction to Studying the Bible
- Spiritual Formations
- Bible Doctrine
- World Views and Religions
Semester students can continue their current degree through the online program of their choosing. Please reach out to your institution's academic advisor to learn more about your online schooling options.
Student Service = Ministry Training
You'll serve alongside full-time staff to serve guests during the non-summer months. Service allows you to experience what camp ministry is like while gaining valuable ministry training. You'll bond with our staff, grow, and put what you learn into practice. You’ll be better equipped to engage in ministry wherever God puts you next. Service activities:
- Running activities like rock climbing, zip-lining, and rappelling
- Preparing accommodations
- Meal prep and clean up
- Serving guests in The Nest
- Work projects
Rest Fuels the Body and Soul
Resting when we are weary is not idleness. You'll find rest at Camp Eagle. We provide rest days each week and allow time off for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Relationships Lead to Life Change
Life change doesn't happen in a vacuum. So, we provide mentoring—both individual and group—to walk alongside you. We know that living the examined life means you'll confront hard issues in your own life. Our promise to you: you won't do it alone. Mentoring opportunities include:
- 1:1 Mentors
- Family Groups
- Community Events
- Bible Studies