Adventure

Wilderness expeditions all over the desert southwest. Multi-sport, multi-environment—the challenge you need.

Study

Learn methods and gain tools to study the Bible. Come away with a deeper understanding of God's word.

Service

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

Rest

Rest is necessary to refresh body, soul, and mind. How can you listen if you're not still?

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



My Christian Gap Year Story

Find Your Adventure Waiting at Camp Eagle

Read McKenna's Story

The Grand Canyon

<p>The Grand Canyon</p>

The Pecos River

<p>The Pecos River</p>

White Sands National Park

<p>White Sands National Park</p>

Big Bend National Park

<p>Big Bend National Park</p>

North Wash Canyoneering, Utah

<p>North Wash Canyoneering, Utah</p>

The Rio Grande White Water Rafting

<p>The Rio Grande White Water Rafting</p>

Gila National Forest

<p>Gila National Forest</p>

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

<p>Enchanted Rock State Natural Area</p>

Big Bend National Park

<p>Big Bend National Park</p>

The Pecos River

<p>The Pecos River</p>

Camp Eagle

<p>Camp Eagle</p>

Dates & Rates

Swipe to see more

Program Length Dates Rates Status Register
Traditional Walkabout Gap Year

9 Months

August 18, 2023 - May 11, 2024

$6,500

OPEN

 Apply
Semester Track - Fall 2023 Semester

4.5 Months

August 18-December 18, 2023

$2,500

OPEN

 Apply
Semester Track - Spring 2024 Semester

4.5 Months

January 3 - May 11, 2024

$2,500

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

Preparing for Walkabout Gap Year

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.

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.

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.


Semester Track students come to Camp Eagle to work on their degrees through the online program of their choice. Students in the Semester Track are responsible for applying to an online program. We recommend speaking to the academic advisor at your current school for more information on how to switch to an online college platform. Students in the Semester Track are also responsible for keeping up with their coursework. Camp Eagle provides two study days a week to ensure you have the time you need to dedicate to your education.

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.

Matt Spears, the Gap Year Director oversees the program, aids in discipleship, recruits, and goes on adventure trips. Dan and Chelsea Hale are our amazing discipleship guides! Dan leads our male discipleship program and plans all of our adventure trips. Chelsea is in charge of our female discipleship program and puts together all of our community events while also helping to teach life-skills classes. Our discipleship guides are Wilderness First Responder trained and guide our Gap Year students on every adventure trip. Have questions? Please reach out the Director!

Gap Year Preparation

Have Questions?

Snail Mail:

6424 Hackberry Rd.

Rocksprings, TX 78880

Main Line: 830-683-3219

[email protected]

Form Close