For Parents
You're not just choosing a program. You're watching who they become.
You've prayed for them, raised them, and walked with them this far. Before you read anything about schedules or logistics, here's what actually matters — the questions you're really asking.
What will my child become?
Not just older. Someone who has actually practiced faith, work, and community instead of just hearing about them — under 20+ full-time mentors who know their name, not just their file.
Will they grow spiritually? Will this strengthen their faith?
That's the whole point. Daily Scripture, group Bible study, theology and worldview training, and a local church cohort every Sunday — not as extra credit, but as the actual rhythm of the year.
Will they be safe?
They live on-site at Pine Valley Bible Conference Center, in shared housing with fellow participants, under consistent adult mentorship — not scattered across a city on their own for the first time.
Will they mature? Will this prepare them for life?
Real work rotating through hospitality, food service, facilities, grounds, and event support builds the kind of responsibility and follow-through that a classroom rarely does — and they get paid for it, not the other way around.
From another parent
I watched my son become a man of conviction this year — not because he was told to, but because he lived it out daily with people who modeled it for him.
Straight answers
Questions parents ask
Is Cross to Life safe for my son or daughter?
Participants live on-site with 20+ full-time mentors and staff, in shared housing with their cohort — a structured, supervised environment, not an unstructured year on their own.
How much does this cost our family?
It doesn't — Cross to Life pays your student $12,000+ per year, plus free housing, daily meals, and transportation, in exchange for a $100/month training fee. See the full cost comparison for details.
Can I talk to someone before my student applies?
Yes. Parents are welcome to contact the Program Director directly with questions before any application is submitted.
Is Cross to Life accredited?
No — it's a discipleship and gap year program, not a degree program. Graduates receive a certificate of completion, practical work experience, and ongoing mentorship relationships, not college credit.
What if my child doesn't have a strong faith background yet?
That's alright. Cross to Life is for students who genuinely want to grow — they don't need to have it all figured out, just be willing to participate, work hard, and receive guidance.
Want more detail? Read about the program, see the full cost comparison, or browse the complete FAQ.
Applications reviewed on a rolling basis
See if this is the right next step for your family.
Parents are welcome to reach out directly before any application is submitted.
Email Curtis