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 small 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.

Gap at Glen Brook was pleased to begin offering college credits through the Gap Year Association’s partnership with Portland State University in 2022. This can be an important addition to the Gap at Glen Brook program.