45
Days
12
Hours
44
Mins
29
Secs
Journey
What is it
Journey is an 8-month gap year internship in Montana designed for young adults (ages 18-26) looking to develop leadership skills, invest in community, experience adventure, and mature in their relationship with God.
Adventure
Experience the unknown through outdoor sports. Dare to take a risk. Step away from comfort. Discover new boundaries.
We spend most of our time outdoors learning an array of adventure sports!
Participants learn both technical and interpersonal skills through hands-on practice and life application, including survival skills, relational skills, and certification in Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA).
The adventure trainings include:*
- Backpacking
- Rafting
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Rescue Training
- Rock Climbing
- Skiing
- Winter Survival
- Mountaineering
- Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA) Training & Certification
*varies due to altering conditions
Discipleship
Join in a community aspiring to know others deeply, know ourselves truthfully, and know God profoundly.
Participants live onsite, among fellow Journey participants and camp staff, giving them the opportunity to build deep relationships and experience a community who truly does life together.
You will learn directly from staff who love God and are actively pursuing a deeper relationship with Jesus. This community asks questions, seeks truth, and pursues Christ-likeness in everything.
Leadership
Discover your unique style and ability to lead yourself and others. Practice key skills. Gain confidence. Take responsibility.
Our world needs leaders, motivated by their love for God and love for others, equipped with skills and confidence, to serve.
Journey develops these leaders through self-examination, personal training and experiential learning. Participants will have the opportunity to use their leadership skills by guiding practicums through adventures and practicing discipleship.
Teaching Themes Include:*
- Who is God
- Who Does God Say I Am
- What is the Bible & How to Read It
- Relationship w/God
- Spiritual Disciplines
- Connecting w/God in Creation
- Spiritual Authority
- What is Worship
- Prayer/Hearing God's Voice
- Asking Hard Questions
- Leadership Facilitation
- Outdoor Leadership
- Decision Making
- Risk Management
- Self Awareness
- Habits for Personal Growth
- Leaving the Comfort Zone
- Life in Community
- Missional Living
*varies due to available teachers
Cost Breakdown
Same Complete Program, New Reduced Cost: Bighorn is beyond grateful to announce a significant reduction in the program cost! This adjustment is only possible through the remarkable generosity of our donors.
Total Participant Cost
$9,995 (Originally $13,495)
The tuition for the Journey program is $8,495, plus $1,500 for the international cultural trip ($9,995 total). The tuition cost includes room and board, adventure activities, programmatic transportation, and all trainings and certifications. Tuition is broken into two semesters. The $1000 non-refundable deposit is due upon acceptance into the program and will reserve your spot. After the deposit, the first semester balance of $4,950 is due by August 1st, 2025; the second semester balance of $4,045 is due by January 2nd, 2026.
A work study element is included throughout the program to help participants buy down the true cost. A $3500 credit is given to each student, reducing the price from $13,495 to $9,995. The work study provides essential service and ministry opportunities that align with Bighorn's heart of servant leadership. Sample work study components include: leading in a variety of programmed events, assisting with food service, operations, and ground or facilities work.
Discounts
Up to $1,000 Church Matching Scholarship
Bighorn will match a church donation made on behalf of a participant up to $1,000. Bighorn's matching payment will be applied toward second semester fees.
$1,000 for Camp Bighorn Alumni
Applies to Summer Staff who have worked at least one full Summer prior to attending Journey. This discount will be divided equally, with $500 applied to each semester.
Application Deadline
Applications will be accepted until all the spaces are filled. Space is limited, so apply now! Once you submit your application, a Journey staff member will reach out to schedule a meet-and-greet. This is your chance to ask questions, meet the leadership team, and learn more about the program. Upon acceptance, all that's left is to send in your deposit and reserve your spot!
2025-2026 Important Dates
August 14th - Arrive at Bighorn
November 21st (after 2pm) - Winter Break Begins, Depart from Bighorn
January 5th - Return to Bighorn
January 6th - Programming Resumes
April 17th - Journey Graduation
Interested in Journey?
Submitting an application simply means that you are interested in the Journey Gap Year and want to see if it's the right fit for you! There is no cost/deposit required to submit an application - so go ahead and apply today!
From Our Students
"I was just sobering up from multiple things and my relationship with the Father was almost non-existent. The love, care and support I had from everyone at Bighorn was insurmountable. With God being soooo present at Camp Bighorn, it was so easy to let God take control and for me not to rely on my own strength."
Hudson — Age 19
"I'm from Philadelphia, a noisy, crowded city. Bighorn was the perfect place of peace I needed to focus on the Lord. It was filled with people who truly loved the Lord and cared about relationship and community. Something I rarely experienced in my life."
Daniel — Age 20
"It's in the small moments where the true impact of the Journey program is seen, heard, and felt because that is how Journey works. It's how it changes lives - in the daily acts of life, adventure, and devotion together."
Joyce — Age 19
Availability
Applications are processed in the order they are received. Submitting your application is the initial step to determine if this gap year is the right fit for you!
Journey Gap Year - Fall 2025 - Spring 2026
Semester 1: Aug. 14 - Nov. 21 | Semester 2: Jan. 5 - Apr. 17
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$9,995
Already started/finished an application?
Frequently Asked Questions
If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, feel free to reach out! We're here to help and will get back to you as soon as we can.
Do I need outdoor adventure sports experience?
Nope! We will start with the basics on every adventure sport. Our instructors adapt the course to the level of ability and experience of the individuals.
Do I need to bring my own gear?
Journey provides all of the necessary group adventure gear such as kayaks, tents, skis, and PFDs. You do need to purchase personal gear such as a backpacking pack, clothing, hiking boots and a sleeping system. You are welcome to bring any extra personal gear you would like.
Will I have free time?
Yes! Journey programming (typically) runs 5 out of 7 days of the week with most weekends off. There are a few evening events per week, and many evenings of free time as well. Participants are welcome to spend their free time as they please - on or off campus.
Can I bring my own vehicle?
Absolutely! In fact it is encouraged. During free time, participants can take personal vehicles into town, to camp sites, to church events, or for a scenic drive through the mountains.
What's the food like?
Here at Camp Bighorn, we value quality food to prepare us well for adventure and to keep our taste buds happy. We are known for having restaurant quality meals. The food here is diverse and delicious! (Unless you are backpacking. Then it depends on how good of a cook you are ;)