Identity
Purpose
Direction
Ascent is a 9 month program focused on helping you discover who God has made you to be and what He has gifted you to do. You will live and work at Grace Adventures, experiencing a strong Christian community while building practical life and work skills. You will leave Ascent with a better understanding of yourself and clearer direction of God’s purpose for your life.
Equip Personally & Professionally
The Ascent Gap Year Internship provides High School graduates with a short-term, full-time, ministry experience. Students are equipped both personally and professionally in character based servant leadership.
Grow Spiritually
A vital and growing relationship with Jesus Christ is central to our lives. That is why the Ascent Gap Year Program is focused on teaching Biblical principles, living in Christian community, and encouraging involvement in the local church.
Our trained staff equip students with:
- Personal & Professional Goal Setting
- Character & Leadership Development
- Biblical Studies & Worldview Formation
- Career and Life Skills
- Life Coaching
- Building Healthy Community
- Personality and Spiritual Gifts Tests
- Emotional Intelligence
- People & Time Management Skills
- Personal Finances
- Camp Ministry Skills
No two students learn at the same pace or style. The Ascent Program offers a variety of ways to learn both in and outside of the classroom. Various Teaching Methods including Practicum, Self-Directed Study, Seminars, and Bible Studies.
Ascent GAP Year
As a high school graduate, are you feeling confused, afraid, or pressured when it comes to what’s next?
Hear from Internship Manager, Jonathan Banfield, about the Ascent Program at Grace Adventures.
Hear from recent Ascent graduates about how they were impacted.
I definitely grew in all my goals, which was to grow closer to God, to speak up and then also to find out what I want to do in life. During Ascent I was able to accomplish each of those goals and it has highly benefited me in my journey within everything.
I was pushed out of my comfort zone only to discover that when I do things I’m afraid to do I become more of who God created me to be
I grew a lot in my self confidence and in my ability to lead, mostly from all the opportunities to do so and the incredible group of people to support me every day.
Passion for horses?
Ask about the Ranch Elective!
- Assist with daily barn chores
- Assist with weekly ranch accommodations
- Assist with program and activity implementation
Who We Are:
Grace Adventures Ministries is a year-round Christian organization in northwest Michigan working to strengthen spiritual, personal, and professional relationships for students, adults, and families through training, retreats, and camps. Our mission is to Impact People with Jesus Christ, and this year we served over 50,000 people through our programs on our four campuses and in the community.
Who You Are:
- Personal relationship with Jesus Christ
- Desire and willingness to learn and develop new skills
- Will work in the ministry to grow personally, spiritually, and professionally
- Graduated from high school
- Physical ability to travel and implement camp activities
It’s Easy to Get Started
Step 1: Visit
Schedule an in Person or Virtual Visit
Sign up to get a 30 min, one-on-one virtual or on campus visit with our Internship Manager, Jonathan Banfield, to hear about the Ascent Gap Year Program and have your questions answered.
OR
Attend a Visit Day At Grace Adventure
Hear and see what Ascent and Grace Adventures are all about. Internship Manager, Jonathan Banfield will lead the tour.
Next Visit Day Scheduled for: Friday, April 10, 2026 from 2-4pm
Step 2: Apply
Complete Application
Step 3: Interview
Schedule Interview
Once you complete your application, someone will reach out to you to schedule an interview. These can be done via online conference call or in person.
Investment
First payment of $600 is due with signed letter of agreement, and monthly payments of $925 are due on the 15th of each month September - April.
Includes:
- Room And Board (Most meals available when serving groups)
- Books and Curriculum
- Training, Conferences, and Skill Development
- Individual Coaching and Supervision
- Capstone Experience
Earn College Credit
Upon completion, Ascent Gap Year students are eligible to receive up to 18 credits (upon program of study) at Grace Christian University.
Ascent Gap Year students have the option to enroll in an additional program through Anchor Christian University to earn 24 credits.