Frequently Asked Questions
What is a gap year?
A gap year is either a full year or the length of a college semester dedicated to experimental learning. It usually occurs post-high school or post-secondary education before making a career decision.
How much does the program cost?
The Equip program is $7,000 for the full 10 months, not including the $250 security deposit. This price covers food, housing, classes, adventure trips, and domestic and international missions trips. Additional spending money is not required but is encouraged for those who want to explore the area, supplement the food provided, or spend extra on the weekends.
What are the options available to pay the tuition?
Participants can pay the tuition themselves or raise money for their tuition via tax-deductible donations given in their name and sent to CMTS. Those who choose to raise money for their tuition will be connected with a CMTS/Equip staff member dedicated to giving the participant the help and resources needed to succeed. Participants also have the option of paying in full or in a two-installment payment plan.
Can I work while in Equip?
We do not allow participants to work formal jobs while attending. We feel it takes away from the gap year experience. Participants' schedules will already be filled with classes, on-the-job training, missions trips, and monthly adventure trips.
What does visitation by parents, friends, and prospective students look like?
Parents will have allotted dates throughout the year to visit and will have the Equip Staff's contact information for emergencies. Friends can visit with prior approval from administration. For prospective students interested in joining the next program year, we host Open Houses throughout the year.
What kind of classes will participants attend, and what supplies are needed?
Our required classes cover a wide range of topics specifically chosen to grow participants in faith, purpose, and passion. These include things such as leadership, identity, theology, etc.
Participants will be exposed to a variety of teaching methods from staff, industry leaders, and pastors. Basic school supplies are needed; a laptop and Bible are essential. Necessary books and reading materials will be provided by CMTS/Equip. A full list of the items participants are required to bring is available in our application.
Are the domestic & international missions trips included in the tuition price?
Yes, all trips have been accounted for in the tuition price. Participants are required to cover the cost of their passports and any additional expenses like souvenirs.
What does the program look like day-to-day?
During orientation, participants receive a Daily Schedule for the next 10 months. Throughout the week, participants attend classes, work in their vocation, worship together, and enjoy lunchtime fellowship with the CMTS community. Day hikes, weekend camping trips, and adventure trips are also part of the schedule.
What are the start/end dates?
The Equip program will launch on the first week of August 2023, and finish the first week of June 2024. There is a 4-day break for Thanksgiving and a 1-2 week break for Christmas. During orientation, participants receive a calendar with all the missions trips, weekend trips, holidays, etc. marked. To view the calendar for 2023-2024, click here.
What makes you a Christian Gap Year Program? Do I have to be a Christian to attend?
We are proud to be a Christian Gap Year Program. The purpose of our program is to help participants dig deeper into their God-given identity and connect that to their lifelong God-given purpose. Therefore, a large focus of our program is about who God is, what intimacy with God looks like, and how that relates to each person's identity. From that base, we study God's purpose in the world and how that relates to what we as Christians should be doing. You can find more about our Christian foundation by reading our Statement of Faith.
What is the living situation?
Participants will live in dorms supervised by dorm leaders who are part of the CMTS/Equip staff. They share rooms similar to a college experience, with men and women in separate dorms. Opposite genders are not permitted in each other's dorms. The dorms are fully furnished including furniture, appliances, kitchen items, housewares, and beds. A full list of the items participants are required to bring is available in our application.
Do I need to bring a vehicle or is there access to public transportation?
We highly encourage each participant to bring their own vehicle. We will have large vans to transport participants on field trips, Bible studies, etc. However, if they plan to leave campus during the weekend, we encourage them to have a car. We are in a remote location and do not have access to public transportation or ride-sharing options such as Uber.
Can international students attend?
Applications for international participants will be reviewed on an individual basis. We are currently unable to sponsor a student visa and are aware that Canadians can obtain a 6-month visa and most others a 3-month travel visa for the United States.
How are medical needs met?
We take the safety of our participants and staff extremely seriously. We do our best to take every precaution while trusting in the Lord for the rest. We cannot foresee all accidents, but we do our best to treat participants like they are our own children. There is a local Urgent Care nearby, and 5 different hospitals are within 20-45 minutes. Please make sure all medical information is filled out in the application and the medical waiver is signed. In the event of an accident, you (the parent/guardian) will be contacted immediately.
Can I attend only one part of Equip?
In order to fully equip, provide a good understanding of each trade, and build a more firm foundation as a child of God, participants are required to attend and commit to the full 10 months. We do not want to shortchange the intensive training Equip gives or leave participants unprepared for what God has brought them here to do. We feel God has called us to this program. It is designed to give the training needed to move forward on His path. Participants are surrounded by peers who are also in community, fellowship, and intensive learning. These need all 10 months to fully develop.
When can I apply for the 2024 program?
We are currently accepting applications! The deadline is July 17, 2024. Fill out an interest form to start the application process!