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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What does a typical week look like for a Bridge student?
Students will be involved in Bridge activities 5-6 days per week and have at least one day off each week for reflection and rest. Each week they will receive a mixture of classroom instruction, life skills training, service-related activities, and interpersonal team-building exercises. In addition, Bridge students will spend on average 15-20 hours a week working at Barefoot Republic as they interact with campers and retreat guests. Group recreation and community-building activities will also be provided, along with travel opportunities and time for independent study.
What kind of workload should I expect?
The learning and activity level with the Bridge Program is not unlike that of a college semester. Bridge students should expect reading assignments, written work, and classroom learning as an integral part of the program. There will also be group projects and hands-on learning practicums. The overall model is interactive and structured in such a way that students will understand deadlines but in a rhythm that allows plenty of time to complete the work and still have time to rest and reflect. This is a participatory program and students are expected to keep up with the homework that is given.
What does the work-study look like?
The Bridge Students will participate in a work-study which includes helping to serve retreat guests on campus through hospitality, food service, camp programming and facility maintenance. Each student will be working 2-3 weekends a month to help serve our guests and reduce their overall tuition costs.
What expenses will I be responsible for during the Bridge Program?
The Bridge Program is an immersion discipleship program that is all-inclusive (room and board, tuition, books, community-building activities, and travel). Students will be responsible for personal items such as cell phones, car payments, gas, health insurance, student loans, and any discretionary spending. A full list of expenses will be covered in the Bridge Student Handbook.
Do I need to bring my own bedding?
Bridge Students are responsible for bringing twin-sized bedding (sheets, pillow, comforter, etc.), towels, and their own personal toiletry items.
Where will I do my laundry?
Laundry facilities are available throughout campus. There is no charge for using the machines.
Should I bring my own vehicle to Barefoot?
Cars are not needed. Once you arrive, all program-oriented transportation will be provided. However, students who wish to bring a car are welcome to do so and will have access to it on days off and during scheduled breaks.
Am I required to have health insurance?
Yes. All students must provide proof of health insurance before beginning the Bridge Program.
What if I get sick?
Students are responsible for their own medical care, and staff can help by providing a list of local providers. Scottsville (10 minutes from campus) has several medical options for you to choose from ranging from a hospital, walk-in clinic, and pharmacies. Each semester, students are allowed a limited number of sick days. If health issues prohibit the student from participating in the program, the student may be asked to withdraw.
Can my friends and family visit?
During the 9-month program, students will be involved in daily classes, activities, and work 5-6 days per week. Pre-arranged personal visits may be scheduled through Bridge staff, but should be limited. In some cases, onsite housing can be arranged for a small fee.
Do you offer scholarships for the Bridge Program?
Yes. The Bridge Program has a limited number of scholarship opportunities. Partial and full tuition scholarships are available, need-based, within the Bridge Program application.
Why a gap year?
More and more, students, families, (and universities), are seeing the invaluable benefit of high school graduates and college students taking a year in order to ‘bridge the gap’ and transition well into that next season of life. Click here to learn more about why a Gap Year program is a worthy investment.
How old do you have to be to apply to the Bridge Program?
Anyone between the ages of 18-24 can apply. The Bridge Program is designed for young adults who are taking a year off from school or who have recently graduated.
What is the time commitment of the Bridge Program?
Participants will serve a 9-month school year and have the potential to be a part of Barefoot’s summer camp staff.