What a joy it was to welcome our gap year family back to the Lodestar Mountain Inn for Homecoming Weekend! Thirty-one former students and staff were in town, along with many of their plus-ones, for a wonderful weekend of reconnecting, reminiscing, and celebrating relationships that endure long after graduation. Some alumni stayed at Lodestar, while others returned to town and stayed with local friends they made during their time in the program – a beautiful reminder of the lasting bonds built within this community!
Throughout the weekend, alumni from all five Gap Year classes, including our current students, came together to catch up and make new memories. Many attended the Pendleton County High School football game on Friday night, while the rest of the weekend was filled with conversations around the fire, board games, laughter, and stories from years past. We were also delighted to have our former resident leaders, Ellie and Carson, join us! Seeing students from different classes connect, share experiences, and encourage one another was a special reminder that being part of the Lodestar family doesn’t end when the program does.
We wrapped up the weekend at Living Faith Church’s annual Chili Cook-Off, an event many of our alumni already look forward to attending each year. We intentionally planned Homecoming Weekend to coincide with the cook-off so everyone could enjoy both! From familiar faces and old stories to new friendships spanning all five classes, it was an incredible weekend of fellowship and gratitude. We thank the Lord for the lives He continues to bring together through Lodestar and for the friendships that endure long after students leave the mountain. Once you’re part of the Lodestar family, you’re always part of the Lodestar family!