Calleva Outdoors

I can't rave about this program enough. I learned so many practical skills, from construction to wiring outlets, car maintenance, hauling logs on a skid loader, baking bread, harvesting crops, kayaking, climbing, camping, the list goes on. The staff are all incredible supportive and so much fun. The all have specialties in different areas, so you really have access to so much info and they are incredibly willing to teach you. There is something for everyone, whether you are interested in the trades, gardening, cooking, or outdoor adventure. The program is structured to fit everything in while leaving space to do the specific things you or your group might be into. Personally, I really enjoyed getting to work on our own projects towards the end of the program, because we could put our new skills to the test and had access to all of Calleva's resources. There was an emphasis on independence, with support as needed, which I found really helped set me up for college. I came out of the 12 weeks with such a breadth of knew found knowledge and interests, and I made lasting friendships with likeminded people. This program was the perfect stepping stone before heading off the college and adult life, and I am so glad I did it.

I can't rave about this program enough. The breadth of things I learned was massive - from construction, to wiring electrical, welding, driving a forklift, car maintenance, harvesting food, rock climbing, baking bread, camping outdoors, collaborating with peers, and so so much more. After learning some basic skills, I really appreciated that I could use them in a project of my own, and by having access to so many resources you can really make the project of your dreams. The staff are absolutely amazing and so supportive. They encouraged me to try new things and helped me along the way. After a little everyone really starts to feel like family, and I left with lifelong friends. The final backpacking trip was so much fun and I loved that we got to choose where to go! It is crazy how much is packed into just 12 weeks, and I left with so many new skills and tools to help me in college and beyond. If you have the chance to do this program, I promise you won't regret it!

This gap program was awesome and gave me the perfect opportunity to take a break from college while still learning and challenging myself. The staff are all awesome, encouraging and really qualified, and create a safe environment for students to experiment/improve their outdoor skills and craftsmanship. I also really appreciated the structure of the program: it walks you through all the facilities and tools you can have access to, and typically organizes collaborative work projects. But it also gives you a chance to work on a project of your choice/design and ends with a trip of the group's design ANYWHERE in the continental US. It was definitely a program that I personally got a lot of value and confidence from.

I'm so glad I decided to spend my gap year at Calleva. I was exposed to so many amazing role models, learned so many practical skills, and made lifelong friends with the others in the program. I especially enjoyed the group projects we completed while learning construction skills that I could then take to work on projects of my own! I also loved our backpacking trip that we all went on at the conclusion of the program - it was the perfect way to end such an amazing semester! I felt much more prepared for college after the program having lived away from home for the entire program, but with some support from the Calleva staff when needed.