Common questions, straight answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about applying, paying, living, and serving at Cross to Life.
What is a Christian gap year?
A gap year is an intentional break — usually between high school and college or during a life transition — where you step away from the expected path to invest in personal growth, service, and discovery. Cross to Life turns that time into a launchpad for lifelong faith and purpose.
Is Cross to Life paid, or does it cost money?
It's paid. Unlike most gap year and Bible school programs, which charge tuition, Cross to Life pays participants $12,000+ per year, plus free housing, daily meals, transportation, and a 6–8 day group cruise. The only program fee is $100/month.
What is the $100 training fee for?
The training fee teaches financial responsibility and helps cover training materials, outings, and miscellaneous expenses the camp incurs each month.
Where is the program located?
Cross to Life is located at Pine Valley Bible Conference Center in Pine Valley, California, about 40 minutes east of San Diego — a small mountain community at 4,200 ft. elevation in the Cleveland National Forest.
What kind of work will I do?
You'll rotate through departments at the conference center including hospitality, food service, facilities, grounds, and event coordination. You'll gain transferable skills and a strong work ethic.
What does a typical day look like?
A mix of work rotation shifts, personal devotions, group Bible study, theology and worldview training, and community time — see the full sample week on our A Week in the Life page.
Do I need to be a college graduate?
No. Cross to Life welcomes participants at all stages — whether you haven't started college, are taking a break, or have already graduated.
Is the program accredited or does it offer college credit?
Cross to Life is a discipleship and gap year program, not a degree program, and does not currently award college credit. Graduates receive a certificate of completion and leave with practical work experience, mentorship relationships, and a year of focused spiritual growth.
Is this only for spiritually mature students?
No. Cross to Life is for students who genuinely want to grow. They do not need to have everything figured out, but they should be willing to participate in discipleship, work hard, receive guidance, and live in Christian community.
What church will I attend?
Participants attend a local evangelical church together as a cohort each Sunday. Staying plugged into a local church family is a core part of the discipleship experience at Cross to Life.
Is Cross to Life a good option for a student who is unsure about college?
That may be one of the best reasons to consider Cross to Life. The program combines real work, responsibility, mentorship, and Christian community in a structured environment — a purposeful reset before the next decision.
Can parents talk to someone before their student applies?
Yes. Parents, students, and youth pastors are welcome to contact the Program Director with questions.
How do I apply?
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Click Apply anywhere on the site. You'll hear back from our team within two weeks.
Applications reviewed on a rolling basis
Still have questions?
Parents, students, and youth pastors are welcome to reach out directly.
Email Curtis