Last week, deep inside the woods of Oklahoma, small plots of land quickly transformed into a three-night and four-day abode for thirteen gap students.
They were chosen after trekking with a compass and a partner over miles of rugged terrain and attempting to identify eight waypoints successfully. Then came the art of survival: building a shelter using the surrounding resources, lighting a campfire, catching or trapping animals, and then cooking the food, as well as boiling and filtering water for hydration. Hours slowly turned into days—each one building the mettle of these young men and applying nearly nine months of gap year discipleship and survival skills training.
Here’s a look at one of the students’ campsites:
While the gap guys were braving their wilderness survival experience, the gap girls, in another part of the Oklahoma woods, were on a parallel journey: a two-night backpacking expedition, supported by a team of leaders and past gap girl graduates. Their goal was similar: to build upon their skills, cultivate grit, and encounter God’s creation in all its raw and uninhibited glory.
Here’s an image of their experience:
Why do we do this?
Because we believe in equipping young adults to build a life of true success.
Thirteen young men, having been trained by skilled leaders, ventured into the wilderness to conquer their fears, capture their confidence, and emerge, heads held high, not as mere survivors, but as men marked by resilience and purpose, having faced down three nights and four days in the woods. The GAP Survival Retreat is a capstone experience with intentional and immersive elements designed to shape leaders for life beyond surviving in the woods.
And the five gap girls? They returned with renewed resolve, having overcome discomfort, persevered through adversity, and experienced godly fellowship in God’s creation. They embarked on their journey with unknowns and uncertainties, and left with an opportunity to cultivate more confidence and clarity.
Again, why do we do this?
Because holistic image-bearers of God ought to experience holistic discipleship—the formation of the mind, heart, body, soul, and life increasingly shaped into the image of Christ.
And even when I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me, Until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to all who are to come.
Psalm 71:18
God help us. Amen.
— April 17, 2025