To equip young adults for a life of growth in character, calling, and community so they may know Christ and make Him known.
Students can earn 27 fully accredited college credits through our partnership with Lancaster Bible College—ensuring your gap year is both spiritually enriching and academically valuable. Though these credits are fully transferrable to other colleges, students who choose to continue their studies at LBC will receive a $12,000 scholarship renewable for each year they continue their enrollment at LBC
The Gap Year aligns with Lancaster Bible College’s Statement of Faith. We affirm the authority of Scripture, the centrality of Jesus Christ, and salvation by grace through faith—truths that shape every aspect of the program. Lancaster Bible College maintains a commitment to “historic, orthodox” Christian doctrine grounded in the Bible as the ultimate authority for faith and life, and this same foundation guides our teaching, discipleship, and community life. All of our professors are vetted through Lancaster Bible College for both academic credentials and doctrinal consistency.
The Gap Year at Lodestar is ideal for recent high school graduates (ages 17-21) who want to deepen their faith, develop practical life skills, and gain clarity about their calling— all while forming lifelong friendships.
The program takes place at the Lodestar Mountain Inn a peaceful, scenic retreat setting that inspires rest, reflection, and meaningful learning. Throughout the year, Lodestar will host retreats that minister specifically to pastors, veterans, and first responders.
Students engage weekly in a dynamic mix of college coursework, discipleship, service, adventure activities, and intentional community life while seeing all as worship. No two weeks are exactly the same, and each one is crafted to encourage growth.
Courses follow a non-traditional, cyclical learning model. Each course is built around three one-week “loops” that include one week each in the classroom, outside the classroom in hands-on learning, and in applying and teaching back the material from the course. An additional fourth loop ties together learning from multiple courses through domestic and international travel. This format helps students absorb, apply, and live out what they’re learning.
We travel both domestically and internationally, along with a wilderness backpacking trip leading up to graduation. Past groups have explored places like Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia, hiked sections of the Appalachian Trail, and even traveled internationally to Türkiye.
Aside from living on 524 quiet acres in the mountains, our distraction-free environment is designed to help students focus on what matters most. Students intentionally limit technology use and commit to a dating fast (from new relationships), setting aside good things for a season to make space for something better—growing in Christ. Throughout the year, we also have intentional conversations about how to carry these rhythms forward and keep these priorities in the right place beyond graduation from the Gap Year.
Some graduates choose to continue their education at college, but others choose missions, workforce or military. We are excited to help them determine their next best steps!
Yes! Though we have Preview Days scheduled throughout the year, we also welcome students to schedule an individual visit for both them and their family to come and experience the Gap Year in person! Just contact our Gap Year staff and we’ll get it all set up! Or, register for a visit at the Lodestar Mountain Inn.
Students and families who request overnight housing for their visit will receive detailed information directly from the Lodestar Mountain Inn Reservations Team.
24 is the maximum number of students that we will enroll per incoming class. We will have a wait list for students who are accepted after an incoming class is “full.”
Applying is simple—start your online application, connect with our staff through an interview, submit a spiritual reference for staff to contact, and submit your high school, and previous college transcripts (if applicable). We’re here to guide you every step of the way!
Tuition for the 2025-2026 School Year is $24,900. This includes all costs related to academic courses, room (lodging), board (meals), and travel.
We’re committed to making the Gap Year at Lodestar financially accessible for students. Our team, together with Lancaster Bible College’s Financial Aid Office, walks students through every form of financial aid including institutional scholarships, state, and federal aid.
The admissions application is the first step to determining eligibility for Gap Year scholarships. Our average student scholarship package is $3,500 (not including state, federal, or outside aid).
To determine eligibility for state and federal aid, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov, and list Lancaster Bible College’s school code (003285). This FAFSA is also required for evaluation of need-based institutional aid.
We work in conjunction with the Accessibility Services Office at Lancaster Bible College ensuring students with documented learning disabilities receive necessary accommodations to help them thrive academically during their time in the Gap Year!
The program runs in a typical academic year from August to May. After move-in at the end of August, students take a one-week break at Thanksgiving, three weeks at Christmas, and one week over Easter before graduation in early May. Outside of breaks, students may take up to 3 weekends per semester to spend off-site visiting friends and family.
Yes! We love welcoming guests and getting to know the friends and family that love and support our students. There are a few limited times in the year that we will ask students to refrain from having guests to allow our community to form and help students create the lasting friendships that will carry them beyond graduation!
Once accepted, students receive a detailed packing list to help them prepare for both classroom learning, outdoor experiences, and travel.
Twin XL beds/mattresses are provided as well as a wardrobe that includes both shelves and hanging space for each student. Students will provide their own bedding and towels.
Dorm kitchens are fully equipped with necessary large and small appliances for student use, and each dorm room has a full bathroom attached. There is also a storage area in each dorm for student use.
TVs are provided in common spaces for student use.
Our team is ready to help! Contact us at gapyear@lodestarmountaininn.com or give us a call at (304) 607-2250
Gap Year Director
Assistant Gap Year Director
We understand that choosing a gap year is a significant decision, not just for students, but for parents as well. Entrusting your son or daughter to a program like the Gap Year at Lodestar is an act of trust, and we don’t take that lightly. Our heart is to come alongside you in this season, providing a safe, intentional environment where your student can grow in faith, character, and maturity. A well-spent gap year can offer clarity, direction, and a strong foundation that will serve them for years to come. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about how this program might be a good fit for your son or daughter, we would love to connect with you.
