Adventure

Travel the desert southwest during 9 adventure trips. Multi-sport, multi-environment—the challenge and adventure you need.

Study

Grow deeper in your relationship with Christ through Camp Eagle-led Bible studies and Bible classes accredited through Colorado Christian University.

Service

Come alongside staff to serve guests every month. You'll come away with a mindset that prepares you to do ministry wherever God puts you next.

Rest

Rest is important to your spiritual walk with the Lord. Rest allows our mind, body, and soul to renew so we can start each day focused.

What is Walkabout Gap Year?

What is Walkabout Gap Year?

More Than an Extended Adventure Camp—Our Program Prepares Students for God's Purposes

Walkabout is a 9-month discipleship-based Gap Year program that aims to bring together college-age students who are passionate about Christ, the outdoors, and intentional living. Our combination of discipleship, outdoor adventure, service, and rest, helps students develop a strong foundation, all while going on epic adventures throughout the desert southwest. The Walkabout Gap Year program is designed to put the world in the perspective of a disciple. These nine 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.

Watch the Gap Year Promo Video!

  • Adventure Trips

    Wilderness expeditions provide a foundation for learning and application. Expect epic hikes, scenic environments, and thrilling multi-sport adventures.

    Past expeditions included:

    • 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.


    *trip locations and timelines subject to change

  • Biblical Studies

    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


    Weekly Bible studies led by Camp Eagle staff, life skill classes, high-ropes course training, and a lifeguard certification round out the education that Walkabout students receive through the program.

  • Service

    You'll serve alongside full-time staff to serve retreat 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 include:
    • Running activities like rock climbing, zip-lining, and rappelling
    • Lifeguarding
    • Cleaning accommodations
    • Meal prep and clean up
    • Serving guests in The Nest
    • Work projects


  • Rest

    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. The Camp Eagle campus is open to Walkabouts to enjoy during their off-time.

    Available activities/hobbies include:
    • Fishing
    • Rock Climbing
    • Kayaking
    • Swimming
    • Hiking
    • Mountain Bike Riding
    • Camping
    • Town Trips
    • Pickleball
    • Volleyball
    • Basketball


  • 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
    • Worship Nights
    • Bible Studies
    • Game Nights
    • Movie Nights


Our Christian Gap Year Story

Watch the adventure unfold

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Dates & Rates

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Program Length Dates Rates Status Register
Walkabout Gap Year - Class of 2026

9 Months

August 2025 - May 2026

$6,500

Applications are open!

 Apply

Payment Policy

Walkabout fees include all meals, lodging, trip expenses, education, staff shirts, a Red Cross lifeguard/CPR certification, and all program-related expenses.

Available payment plan:

  • $1,000 non-refundable deposit is due upon acceptance into the program
  • $5,500 in total is due upon arrival.

ALL PAYMENTS MADE ARE NON-REFUNDABLE for reservations abandoned with no advance notice.

Reservations canceled with advance notice will still require partial payment based on the schedule shown below:

  • 2 Months Prior – 50% Cancellation Fee
  • 1 Month Prior – 60% Cancellation Fee
  • 3 Weeks Prior – 70% Cancellation Fee
  • 1 Week Prior – 90% Cancellation Fee

Frequently Asked Questions

Preparing for your Gap Year is more than a packing list. We do believe that anyone can get enjoy God's creation AND physical and mental preparation will let you enjoy it more.

How can I get the most out of my gap year experience?
How can you get the most out of your Walkabout experience?
  • Allow yourself to be present. Don’t be distracted by things at home, ask God to give you clarity and presence that only comes from a genuine striving alongside the promises in His Word.
  • Remain at peace with the community around you. Help those around you. Be vulnerable with your peers. So much of our toil with one another comes from pride, which always suppresses vulnerability. James 5:16
  • Understanding that change is hard. God has a purpose for us that goes against our fleshly desires. Dying to the flesh will not be easy, but will be fulfilling. Romans 8:13
  • Have faith that an examined life, with the light of Christ shining on it, is the only way to truly live and bring glory to the Kingdom of God. Ephesians 5:13-17


Climate & Conditions

Temperatures can vary greatly depending on trip locations and the timing of the trips. Temperatures at Camp Eagle follow seasonal trends. So, be prepared for rain, heat, cold, and changing terrain.

Physical Demands

When you're "on trail" be prepared to hike with a large backpack. Backpacking can be physically demanding as students have to carrying everything they need for 7 day trip. You may be hiking multiple miles and gaining 1,000’ to 4,000’ in elevation during a day’s hike—all while carrying your home on your back. Many adventure trips also include activities like rappelling, canyoneering, kayaking, white water rafting, mountain biking, and sleeping outdoors in various types of weather.


When you're at Camp Eagle, prepare to work in a variety of weather, often outdoors, and in high-ropes elements. Many of the activities that students facilitate require them to be at high heights during the entire length of the activity. Students often times walk the length of campus in order to attend a variety of activities, meals, and classes.

Getting to Camp, Arrival & Departure

Our address:

6424 Hackberry Rd

 Rocksprings, TX 78880


Your adventure begins when you turn off the pavement at HWY 41 and Hackberry Road, where you will travel eight miles down our dirt road.

Lodging

Walkabout Gap Year students live on the wilderness campus here at Camp Eagle in Rocksprings, TX. Students sleep in traditional cabins with mini splits for a/c and heat with a large bathhouse nearby.

Mi Casa is our community space built to resemble an old hunting lodge. This is where students hang out, cook the occasional meal, host community events, and engage in devotionals and Bible studies.


Health & Safety

The spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being of every student is our top priority. We’re here to fulfill all their safety and nutritional needs. Find out more here!

College Credit

Colorado Christian University offers Walkabout Gap Year graduates up to *9 hours of college credit in Bible courses at the school of their choice. Students who attend Colorado Christian University after Walkabout earn up to 15 hours. All Bible classes are taught by Camp Eagle's on-site Teaching Pastors.


*Registration and payment for Colorado Christian University credits are done through Colorado Christian and are separate from the $6,500 Walkabout Gap Year fee.

Our Staff

Our staff is made up of fun, friendly people who are also super serious about providing you with the best Gap Year experience ever. Each day they demonstrate their passion for serving Jesus Christ through leading by example and with a cheerful demeanor. Our team is Wilderness First Responder trained and guides our Gap Year students on every adventure trip.

Gap Year Preparation

Have Questions?

Snail Mail:

6424 Hackberry Rd.

Rocksprings, TX 78880

Phone: 830.205.5789

Joshua - Gap Year Director

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