FAQs

 

What other costs I should be aware of?  The cost above covers the costs of the 9-month program. Students will be responsible for having basic outdoor gear which will be specified in the packing list sent to accepted students. 

 

Can I earn college credit at Planted? Yes! Students at Planted can elect to earn 24 credits through Cairn University for their coursework, for an additional fee. These credits are transferable to any other college. Planted also has separate credit transfer agreements with Lancaster Bible College and Boyce College, in which students can attend these colleges specifically, starting with 27 and 26 credits respectively, at no additional fee. Contact kate@plantedgapyear.org for more information.

 

Can students at Planted receive federal financial aid or student loans? Yes, through our partnership with Cairn University, a student at Planted is eligible to complete the FAFSA and apply for financial aid.

 

Are there any scholarships available? Making a year at Planted affordable for students and families is crucial to our mission, and so we raise separate funds specifically for scholarships. A student may apply for a scholarship after being accepted to the program. Similar to staff at Planted, students may also raise support from friends and family to help cover Planted's cost or seek sponsorship from their local church for this year of training, equipping, and service.

 

Can I bring a vehicle to Planted? Yes, having a car is helpful for getting involved in the life and ministry of your local church as well as exploring the Wellsboro area during free time. Having a vehicle is not required.

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Can I bring an instrument? Please do! There are plenty of opportunities for students to worship together through music. 

 

How many hours a week will we be working? Work time is divided between daily chores (on the farm or making breakfast), weekly chores (cleaning your cabin and common areas), and weekly work areas (either on the farm, in the kitchen, working on facility projects or programming). Students should expect to spend about 10 hours per week working. When combined with classes, reading and assignments, trips, and ministry in their local church, students will not have time for additional work off campus.

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What about communication with friends and family during the program? Students can use their laptops (or good old fashioned letter writing!) to communicate with loved ones. In order to help the you be present and engaged in the program, you'll only have access to your cell phones on weekends. 

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How long does the program last and what are the dates? The 9-month program runs from late August to mid-May. Contact Kate at kate@plantedgapyear.org for specific dates.

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Are there any breaks? Yes, there are short breaks. Half a week for Thanksgiving and Easter and a longer break, about a month, for Christmas / between semesters. 

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Can students stay on-site during any of the breaks? Students are welcome to stay on-site for the shorter breaks, especially those who are traveling a long distance. All students go home over Christmas break. If this is especially challenging for some reason, we can discuss different options. 

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What makes Planted different from other Christian gap year/Bible school programs?

In many ways, we have similar goals to other Christian gap year / Bible school programs whose mission is primarily centered around discipleship. One thing that sets us apart is our approach to integrate creation into discipleship as much as possible. We believe that God is a God who speaks, and therefore we must listen. He speaks and reveals Himself through creation (Romans 1, Psalm 119: general revelation) and through His Scripture (special revelation). Through experiential learning on the farm, through outdoor adventures, and through life-skill development opportunities, we integrate discipleship in all areas of the program.

 

Another feature that sets Planted apart is our small size. A program of 10-15 students is a perfect size to learn and grow from one another, and also to get to know one another deeply. It allows us to eat our meals around the same table and spend time in staff homes. Living in a context where students live, work, study, and adventure together with staff of varying ages who are eager to integrate Scripture into every moment of life creates rich opportunities for ongoing conversations about Christ and what it means to follow Him.