At A+ we are passionate about encouraging over 7,000 young people each year, through adventure and education in a positive Christian environment; as we challenge and encourage young people to embrace the many adventures that life offers.

Gap Year and Internship Programmes

GAP (Gap Adventure Plus) is the A+ training Year designed to equip you for adventure activity leadership with young people and adults in the beauty of the great outdoors.

The year will help you DisTIL 4 key elements of experience and personal growth:

Discipleship: Grow in your relationship with God and develop skills in encouraging others
Training: Gain nationally recognised Adventure Training Qualifications
Instructor: Help coach adventure activities to over 7,000 children and young people each year
Leadership: Grow in self confidence as you become aware of your strengths and qualities

All set against the background of our 'SELL' theme:

Serve: Serving each other on the team, as we work together to serve the children and youth in our care.
Excellence: Aiming to be the best in all we do within the team, with guests and in our private lives.
Leadership: Qualities of a Leader and a team member (followership) are similar and central.
Love: Be part of a culture of Love: for God, all people, His created world... and know we are greatly loved...

Practical Details:

The year runs from September to end of August, or January to end of August.

The initial focus is on building the team and learning skills, so be prepared to embrace lots of training in the first few months in Fencing, Archery, Canoeing, Kayaking, Mountain Biking, Climbing, Circus Skills, Team Building, Low Ropes, Safeguarding and First Aid.

Some are A+ in-house awards and some are nationally recognised qualifications.

You will start by assisting our trained instructors as they run sessions in local schools and Adventure Clubs. As your year develops, and you grow in experience, you will be invited to join the team for larger events with greater responsibilities .

Spiritual Development:

Our weekly discipleship training workshops cover issues including:

What we believe and why we believe it

Biblical models of leadership and how we can learn from them
How the majesty & beauty of the world around us speaks to us of the Creator God
The power of adventure youth work to encourage those that need it most
How to keep our faith alive, fresh and real

These will help you grow in knowledge and your Christian walk through discussion, presentations and opportunities for practical application of your skills at work, at home and in local churches.

You will be encouraged in your personal and spiritual development as you become a valued member of our team and part of the daily mission of A+.

There are also opportunities to put your skills into practice on GAP trips and expeditions, and as leaders on our Total Adventure holidays during your year:

Throughout the year you will be working as a team on themes and creative ideas for our Easter and Summer Total Adventure weeks; and it is always great to see how plans made in the winter months shape up when the campers are with us. The encouragement definitely comes full circle as all that creative energy and hard work earlier in the year comes to life and we see young people encouraged by the Good News we are here to celebrate.

Accommodation is provided in our staff houses, where you will live in community with other GAP team members and interns and you receive a monthly contribution to food costs, which definitely works better if you team up and cook together.

Why is GAP the Adventure Gap year for you?

It's a year full of Adventure Training and discipleship
You'll love being part of a dynamic Christian team
You'll get qualified to lead a range of adventure activities
Those skills will be with you for the rest of your life
It's a great team environment in which to grow in your Christian faith and your walk with God
Be a valued team member and part the daily mission of A+ and all that is developing here.

We are taking applications for September. Places are limited to six at each intake, so apply soon.

Pricing:

The price for the year includes accommodation, expenses, a contribution towards food costs and a kit allowance to purchase activity equipment throughout the year.

The training you will receive, the experience you will gain, the friends you will make and the amazing memories you will create makes this a life changing opportunity not to miss!

For current prices and more information on how to get involved, please contact our GAP Coordinator.

GAP Plus

Many of those who do not have a firm plan for the following year choose to stay for a second year and enrol in GAP Plus - that's how great it is!

GAP Plus is an opportunity to remain part of the A+ team for a second year at a reduced rate, continue to receive training towards higher levels of outdoor leadership and qualifications and experience, be trusted with greater responsibilities on sessions and in the everyday working of A+.

For a growing number, successful completion of this second year has led to full time employment with A+.

Internships:

For those who have graduated in a relevant degree (Sports Science, Conservation, Marketing, Event Management, Hospitality & Catering), or completed an adventure training programme with another organisation, we are very happy to design a bespoke Internship Year.

Examples of current or past A+ Internships include:

Adventure Education & Conservation
Conservation and Land Management
Adventure Education and Specialist Youthwork
Event Management & Marketing

There are also Internship Opportunities at Windmill Farm in:

Hospitality & Catering
Hospitality & Marketing

A+ Interns join the A+ GAP and WF Interns for regular Spiritual Input and Adventure Skills Training, and gain valuable work experience in the relevant department of the A+ operation through the rest of the week.

Contact Adventure Plus and Windmill Farm if you would like more information about our services or would like to support our work. We’d love to hear from you.