Our Story
The first Gap cohort, circa 2015.Gap at Glen Brook was founded in 2015 as one of the first domestic Gap Year programs in the country.
The Gap program grew out of a desire to support this generation’s young adults with a holistic and transformative rite into an adult life of consequence, authenticity, and gratitude. Founder Jake Lewis, a longtime Camp Glen Brook staff member, saw the potential in Glen Brook’s educational farm and forest facility to support a longer-term program for young people to take a pause from traditional schooling, learn practical skills, connect with nature, and learn about who they are.
Since 2015, Gap at Glen Brook has run semester programs focused on farming, food, outdoor skills, and community building for intimate cohorts of young adults. In 2018, our semester program was accredited by the Gap Year Association, a US Department of Justice-recognized organization setting rigorous standards for gap year programs worldwide.
In 2022, our current director Tori Heller launched Glen Brook’s first semester to offer college credit through the Gap Year Association’s partnership with Portland State University.
Camp Glen Brook
Camp Glen Brook has offered farm and outdoor education-inspired programs– including summer camp, school programs, Gap at Glen Brook, and family programs– on its 250-acre forest and farm facility since 1946.
