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
9-month experience
June 2026 - March 2027
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 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 so that attendees can personally own and cover their costs month by month, directly from their earnings within the program's unique work component. The cost of a gap year can vary widely. Programs that are structured, guided, and intentional usually cost more. A quick review of many gap programs point to costs being in the $11,000-$30,000 range with outliers on either end.
REFUNDABLE SECURITY: $2500 refundable* deposit must be made to secure a position for accepted candidates. This is refunded to the student upon full and successful completion of the program.*
INITIAL ROOM AND BOARD: A room and board payment of $1,100 is due 4 weeks prior to arrival and pays for June's accommodations, covered meals, and adventure activities.
MONTHLY COMMITMENT: From July to December, each attendee is invoiced $1,100 monthly for room & board expenses for the in-person program and $350/mo from January-March for the virtual programming totalling $7,650. This is covered from earned income while at The Gap.
SPONSOR COMMITMENT: $2500 donation to The Gap in honor of the sponsored attendee (can be a shared donation from multiple sponsors) & must be coordinated by the accepted candidate and paid in full at least 2 weeks prior to arrival.
SCHOLARSHIP: The initial investment, monthly fees and sponsor commitments cover about 40% of the cost of the program. The remaining cost per attendee is provided by scholarships from donors who believe in the next generation and desire to leave a legacy of life change to them through The Gap.
*There are no partial refunds. Accepted candidates must be fully committed to the programming requirements, including the virtual component, to be eligible for the refund. Dismissal from the program is possible if unable or unwilling to fulfill program requirements.
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)
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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.
