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Based out of

Maggie Valley, NC 

The Only Gap Year Program Designed for ADHD and Learning Differences

The GAP Year at SOAR meets the needs of students with ADHD and Learning Disabilities who have graduated from high school but are not quite ready to step into a university or work-force setting.

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Check Out Our Programs

4

College Credits

18-24

Age of GAPpers

1:5

Staff to Participant Ratio

About SOAR GAP

SOAR’s GAP Year Empowers Young Adults with ADHD and Learning Differences through Travel, College, and Volunteering

Welcome to GAP at SOAR, an outdoor adventure-based year long program. During their GAP, participants are encouraged to discover their talents, increase their self-reliance, and experience life-changing adventures all while preparing themselves for their future.

GAP at SOAR inspires participants to pursue new and existing interests and strengths, develop social skills via communal living, increase life skills through expedition planning and exploring the Eastern USA, and practice independent living in a small group setting.

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Helping Young Adults with ADHD Thrive — Is This the Program for You?

Our Participants

GAP at SOAR participants, we call GAPpers, have ADHD, and other learning disabilities (LDs) that include but are not limited to Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, and Executive Functioning challenges.

Program Dates

SOAR’s Gap Year runs from September to May, offering a full academic year of growth, exploration, and skill-building.

Independent Living

GAP at SOAR participants live in a real-world setting where they build everyday life skills like interacting with peers, cooking, doing laundry, organizing, and planning — preparing them for greater independence in the next stage of life.

Why Taking a Gap Year Is Supported by Top Universities and Benefits Your Future?

Leading universities like Harvard, MIT, and Yale encourage gap years because they help students start college more mature, confident, and prepared for challenges. Many schools now allow admitted students to defer enrollment for one year.

GAP Expeditions: Plan, Explore, Grow

Encouraging Young Explorers to Lead Their Own Outdoor Adventures

GAPpers choose their expedition destinations and activities, making every year unique and personal.

Rock Climbing

Kayaking

Fishing

Hot Springs

Backpacking

Rappelling

Hiking

Wilderness Skills

Canoeing

Rafting

Snowshoeing

Discover Diverse Landscapes and Cultures Across the Southeastern United States and Beyond

Gap Year participants explore stunning natural areas across the southeastern US, including Great Smoky Mountains National Park, New River Gorge National Park, and various state parks and forests throughout the region. These expeditions provide opportunities for personal growth, cultural discovery, and meaningful connection with the natural world.

Real-World Skills Through Expedition Planning

As part of each expedition, students actively take part in planning every detail — from researching destinations and managing budgets to making phone calls, booking reservations, and coordinating food and gear.

This hands-on approach strengthens executive functioning skills like organization, time management, communication, and adaptability — preparing them for real-life responsibilities and future independence.

What is a GAP Year? 

Taking Time to Grow Before College: What a GAP Year Really Means

A gap year is a break from formal education after high school, giving students the chance to travel, volunteer, study, or gain real-world experience before college.

Talk to a SOAR representative about program options

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Is a GAP Year Right for You? — These Might Point to a GAP Year as Your Best Next Step

You’re Not Ready for College (Yet)

Maybe you're lacking confidence or still figuring out your interests and career direction — and that’s okay.

You Need a Break from Academics

If school has left you mentally exhausted, a break can help you recharge before diving back into college life.

You Want Real-World Experience

You know your college goals, but want hands-on experience that will set you apart in future job or school applications.

You're Unsure about Your Major

You're heading to college, but you’re not sure what you’re passionate about — and don’t want to choose blindly.

You’re Reapplying to College

If you didn’t get into your top-choice school, a gap year can strengthen your application and show personal growth.

You Want to Grow Personally Before College

You’re looking to build independence, self-awareness, and life skills so you can step into the next chapter with confidence.

See yourself in one of these? We’d love to hear from you — just click below to apply!

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Why SOAR? 

A Program Designed for Confidence, Independence, and Real-World Skills

Many kids with ADHD and/or learning differences struggle in traditional settings. They may feel misunderstood, frustrated, or left behind. Through hands-on experiences and structured adventure, kids at SOAR build confidence, resilience, and real-world skills.



For 45 years, we’ve helped kids grow into their strengths at home, in school, and in life.


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SOAR has been proudly serving children and young adults with ADHD and LD since 1977.

Staff to Participant Ratio

Families Shared Their SOAR GAP Year Experience

Learn How SOAR Has Changed Lives for Families Like Yours

Joseph B.

Joseph B.

My son has been to many camps over the years, but SOAR is hands down the best! He’s now been to 4 sessions. The staff and counselors are all top notch, and really understand kids with ADHD. The program instills confidence and supports independence through engaging, exciting and challenging adventures and experiences. The bonds my son formed in one of the longer sessions (Academic Discovery) have lasted and boys from his group are regularly in touch even now. SOAR may just be the best thing I’ve ever done for my son!

Frank D.

Frank D.

Dad, can I come back next year? That’s what you want to hear when you come to pick up your kid from summer camp. They have had a great time.

Adventure camp is the most suiting description for this experience. All the experiences, guiding from the counselors and the interactions with the other kids made my son more self confident. I’ll gladly let him return next year.

Lakshmi S.

Lakshmi S.

Our son attended the Belize 10-day camp, and he was 15 at the time. As a 2e kid, who was initially reluctant to go, he did so well and connected with not only the group, but the leaders, too. Big John was an excellent mentor and really helped to build confidence with positive feedback. SOAR’s method of structured independence and earned responsibility was one in which our son thrived. We’d recommend this SOAR program!

 Read More Success Stories [journeys of success]

Is It Right for Me?

Students Who Take a GAP Year with SOAR Tend to Be:

Self-Motivated

Driven from within, they take initiative and stay engaged without constant direction.

Not Afraid of Taking a Risk

They see challenges as opportunities and are willing to step outside their comfort zone.

Not Bound by Conventions

They think independently and aren’t afraid to do things differently from others.

Open to Explore Their Interests

Curious and adventurous, they enjoy diving into new topics, places, and ideas.

Open to Discover Their Passions

They’re on a journey to understand what excites and inspires them most.

Eager to Grow Personally

They want more than a break — they seek growth, confidence, and real-life readiness.

Moments That Tell the Story — Real Smiles, Real Growth, Real Emotions

Ready To Take The First Step?

Deciding on the right path for your child isn’t easy. You want a program that truly understands their needs, builds their confidence, and gives them the tools to thrive. We’re here to help!