The Gap at Sawmill Meadow is located in South Fork, Colorado.
Grow Into Who You’re Meant to Be
You know Jesus, and you’re ready to live fully for Him — but life after high school comes with real choices and expectations. At The Gap at Sawmill Meadow, you’ll grow in mind, soul, body, and heart, discovering your unique identity in Christ while learning how to step confidently into the responsibilities and opportunities ahead. This is a place to belong, to be challenged, and to embrace the life God designed for you.
PROGRAM DATES
7- to 9-month experience depending on chosen start date
Summer 2026 - december 2026
winter break, then
January - March 2027
(in person or virtual option)
Program start/stop dates vary to accommodate participant needs. For those wanting to seek employment from one of our business partners with a guaranteed average number of hours per week sufficient to pay monthly fees, candidates should commit to a start date no later than June 28, 2026. For those desiring a later start date, employment from one of our business partners is not guaranteed, requiring the total participant cost of the program to be paid in full prior to arrival.
South Fork is known as the “Basecamp for Adventure” and the “Gateway to the Silver Thread Scenic Byway.” It is located in the middle of the San Juan Mountains surrounded by Rio Grande National Forest.
Living in South Fork is “small town” living where everyone knows everyone. And in peak tourist time, the population grows exponentially! The “backyard” playground is some of the most beautiful parts of the country you will ever see.
The cost of a gap year can vary widely. Those programs that are more structured, guided and intentional, like The Gap at Sawmill Meadow, usually cost more. A quick review of many gap programs point to costs being in the $11,000-$29,000 range with outliers on either end.
program cost
BUT AT THE GAP, WE DO THINGS DIFFERENTLY.
Our program is structured allowing attendees to decide how they would like to own the participant required costs by choosing a start date that meets their personal AND financial needs. A break down of those costs are below, but first…
SCHOLARSHIPS: All accepted candidates, regardless of chosen start date, will receive a scholarship provided by individuals, businesses, organizations, and churches who believe in the next generation of Christ-following adults. Scholarships cover about 60% of the cost of the program. For this reason, deposits and payments that are made by accepted candidates are not refundable. Candidates must be committed to the program elements and internally motivated to choose to deepen their relationship with Christ, first and foremost.
Cost structure for those selecting a June Start with employment from a local business partnered with The Gap
Initial deposits:
$2500 refundable security deposit* upon successful completion of the entire program through the March end-date
$2500 non-refundable program deposit
$1100 non-refundable initial room and board payment
Ongoing payments:
$1100/mo due by the 15th of each month beginning in July and ending in March, 2027 if selecting the full, in-person option, or;
$350/mo Jan-March if selecting the virtual option in 2027
Additional payment details are provided to candidates during the application process.
Cost structure for those selecting an OPTIONAL START DATE NO LATER THAN AUGUST 1, 2026 WITHOUT GUARANTEED AVERAGE HOURS OF EMPLOYMENT FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES
Non-refundable program payment:
“Program” is considered from start date through March and assumes student will select the “in-person” option from January to March. Total cost modifications will be made for those selecting the virtual option.
$12,400
$3100 due on signed acceptance agreement
$6200 due by June 15
$3100 due by October 1
Additional payment details are provided to candidates during the application process.
*There are no partial refunds. Accepted candidates must be fully committed to the programming requirements, including the virtual component, to be eligible for the security deposit refund. Dismissal from the program is possible if unable or unwilling to fulfill program requirements. This includes if student is unable to maintain employment with partnered businesses.
program benefits
BENEFITS INCLUDED WITH MONTHLY FEES:
Room and board (utilities including internet and access to laundry facilities)
5 breakfasts and 4 dinners, weekly
Custom programming and guest speakers
Adventures in Colorado (monthly for 9-month experience and one-time adventure for summer experience)
*program outcomes achievable to the extent that accepted candidates are willing to invest the time and work necessary to effect life transformation.-
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DAY-TO-DAY AT THE GAP
Program study and curriculum will be provided and led by spiritual leaders, experts in career fields and fellow believers who love the Lord and desire to love others like Jesus. The content centers around identifying and embracing the Lord’s creation and perfect plan for each individual, living responsibly and practical skills needed for living as a believer in a secular world.
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JOBS
Service through employment is a key component of The Gap at Sawmill Meadow and is designed to be mutually beneficial for The Gap attendees and the community of South Fork. Serving in the local workforce will provide a means to fund The Gap experience, learn valuable life skills, and practice being the light of Jesus in a secular world.
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ADVENTURES
Colorado is known for its beauty and access to great outdoor experiences. Monthly curated, team building adventures are part of the program at The Gap at Sawmill Meadow. Additionally, each attendee will be encouraged to explore the beauty of God’s creation in all of the seasons in the San Luis Valley.
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MENTORSHIPS
In addition to the onsite host couple and guest speakers, attendees are assigned to a “wise” and “wiser” mentor. Mentors meet with, listen and advise each attendee throughout the program. They help focus each attendee to see all opportunities and challenges through the lens of their strengths, giftings and values and lean into those circumstances that are challenging.
