"I've built meaningful relationships, broadened my global Christian perspective, learned more about relating to others, and formed a firm foundation in my faith - I have a wider sense of how God can work through me."
- Tim Clark '17 - May 11, 2017My Vanguard experience thought me the importance of taking time to stop amidst the business of life and be present with the Lord and others around me. I have also learned to dwell where I am at, and not be enveloped in the worries of the present and the future. The intentionality of the program, with time for soloing, the emphasis placed on authentic community and applicable spiritual practices woven into the daily life as a Vanguard have brought to light the importance of sometimes taking life slowly and providing the perfect environment to do so in. This has been a lesson that has been hard to learn, but has produced so much fruit in my life and walk with the Lord.
- Emily Norbeck '17 - June 22, 2017Our situation was unique in that Adam first went to college. While at college, he didn't find a good fit and stepped back to re-evaluate. Vanguard was wonderful for Adam because it gave him time to grow; both in faith and in maturity. He enjoyed working, serving, and adventuring during his time in the Northwoods. He found a passion for sharing Christ, teaching people about God's creation, and being present in relationships. We like to say he found both "a passion and a program" during Vanguard. Our son was provided space to discern what he wanted to study in college and apply to his career: Outdoor Leadership at John Brown University. A Christian gap year program like Vanguard helps young adults grow their faith, develop good habits, learn the importance of Christian community, and build relationships with role models who speak truth. If your student does not feel confident about going to college due to social, vocational, or motivational reasons, we recommend Vanguard!
- Ann Kepke, Vanguard Parent - November 30, 2018In the end, what we loved most about the Vanguard experience is the way that it helped our daughter discern her calling. The Vanguard Gap Year's international immersion trip to the Dominican Republic was truly life changing for Julianna. For years, she'd dreamt of becoming a missionary in a Spanish speaking country, and this trip was perfect for exploring that desire. The day after she returned, she Skyped us saying that although she loved every minute in the DR, she felt God showing her that He wanted her elsewhere. Julianna realized she wanted to teach in a Spanish speaking environment here in the United States, in an inner city or otherwise underprivileged area. She will graduate in 2020 from Hope College with a degree in Spanish education, and she could not be happier. When asked if the Vanguard Gap Year was worth it, our answer is a wholehearted "yes!" Julianna made lifelong friends. She had time and space to relax, reflect, pray, work, deepen her faith and think about her future-all away from the pressures of "regular" life. She learned new skills in cooking and carpentry. She studied her Bible every day alongside her friends. She shared life with a wonderful group of people, including her fellow Vanguards, their amazing counselors and all of the staff at HoneyRock.
- Annette Burlet, mom of Julianna - November 21, 2018
Explore Christian summer camps for your 1st - 12th grader! We invite campers into a change of pace. Here, campers can ask big questions, learn how to navigate life away from home, and see God at work in new ways. This is what makes HoneyRock "a place apart" - a powerful learning environment for youth and young adults...(more)
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Vanguard was a great experience and came at the perfect time in my life. I came into the program with a variety of unrealistic expectations. I was envisioning an easy year to relax and take a break from school, but thankfully, this was not my Vanguard experience and also not what I needed most. God knew that I needed a year of growth, and I soon discovered that growth requires hard work. Vanguard was one of the most challenging, yet beneficial experiences I have ever had. I highly recommend this program.