DISCOVER JOSHUA WILDERNESS INSTITUTE
A Christian Gap Year Program for Deep Discipleship & Lasting Impact
Rooted in Discipleship.
Refined in Community.
Released with Purpose.
Who We Are
Built with Hume Excellence, Anchored in God’s Word
Joshua Wilderness Institute is a 9-month, gap-year Christian discipleship program for young adults (ages 18–24) who are ready to disconnect from distractions and pursue a deeper relationship with God.
Set at Hume Lake Christian Camps, Joshua offers a Christian young adult program that provides a structured, spiritually-rich environment built on Biblical training, intentional community, and real-world ministry experiences.
If you want to:
- Go deeper in your faith
- Pursue a life that honors God
- Connect with real people without distractions
- Explore God’s Word and what it means for your life
- Be part of something bigger
This program could be just what you need.
Why Joshua?
Joshua offers more than just a break from the ordinary—it’s a focused season of spiritual growth, Biblical training, hands-on ministry, and life in authentic community.
While Joshua is part of the ministry of Hume, with its rich legacy of summer camps and decades-long partnership with churches, Joshua isn’t a camp. It’s a discipleship institute—challenging, immersive, and set apart—equipping young adults to live a life worthy of the gospel.
At Joshua, students commit to a lifestyle of spiritual discipline and growth. From shared rhythms of work and worship to travel and theological study, every element of the program is designed to stretch, refine, and equip.
You’ll live, learn, serve, and grow—on-site at Hume, one of the top Christian organizations in the country. Joshua has:
- 25+ years of ministry experience
- Over 1,000 lives changed
- Deep roots with churches and trusted leaders
- A legacy of transformation—spiritually, mentally, relationally
What Sets the Joshua Program Apart?
At Joshua, transformation happens because students are all in. They commit to a media-free, distraction-free lifestyle. They dig deep into Scripture and theology in partnership with Biola University. They learn to live in a close-knit community. They serve on five foundational trips. And they grow through work, worship, and real-life responsibility on Hume’s grounds.
Here’s a high-level overview of what makes the Joshua Wilderness experience both distinct and life-changing:
The Joshua Fast
- No distractions: no social media, no streaming
- Make space for real conversations and personal growth
- It’s hard—but it’s so worth it
Bible + Worldview Training
- Take college-level classes through Biola University
- Form a spiritual foundation through Biblical studies.
- Weekly guest speakers challenge you to think critically and biblically
Real Community
- Live and learn with other young adults on the same journey
- Create space for transformation in both thoughts and actions
- We call it the “rock tumbler”—refining, shaping, strengthening
Five Life-Changing Staff Led Trips
- 3 U.S. trips focused on service and evangelism
- Travel to the Dominican Republic to serve a local community
- Visit Israel or Turkey to walk where Jesus walked
Life + Ministry at Hume
- Live at Hume Lake in the beautiful California mountains
- Be a part of summer camp and minister to thousands of campers
- Get real ministry experience while living out your faith
Explore More of the Joshua Experience
Earn College Credit Through Biola Partnership
Through our partnership with Biola University, Joshua students can earn up to 12 college credits in Bible and theology courses during their gap year. These credits can be applied toward Biola’s undergraduate programs and help students move forward with confidence.
Financial Aid & Work Opportunities
Financial Aid & Work Opportunities Joshua offers multiple ways to make the program more accessible, including on-site and post-program work opportunities, need-based scholarships, and early enrollment discounts.
Life Together at Joshua
Student life at the Joshua is built on community, accountability, and purpose. From shared meals in the Lodge to late-night conversations, weekend work projects, and outdoor adventures, students experience a rhythm of life that’s deeply connected to God and each other. It’s not just where they live. It’s how they grow.
Preview the Joshua Experience
Thinking about Joshua but want to see it for yourself? Join us for a Joshua Preview—a weekend visit designed to help students and families experience life at JWI firsthand. You’ll meet the current class, sit in on teaching sessions, tour the Lodge, and get a taste of the rhythm, community, and purpose that define this transformational program.
Ready To Go Deeper?
The Joshua Wilderness Institute isn’t just a gap year program. It’s a life reset. A foundation for your future. A place to discover who God is, who you are, and what He’s calling you to do.
If you’re ready to stop drifting and start growing—Joshua is for you.
- 9 months
- 5 trips
- 0 distractions
- 1 life changed forever
