Direct answer
A Christian gap year, based in California
Cross to Life is a paid, residential Christian gap year program based entirely in Pine Valley, California. Most Christian gap year and discipleship programs are based somewhere else — the Midwest, the South, the East Coast — which means a cross-country move before a student has even decided if the program is right for them. Cross to Life doesn't ask California families to do that.
A big state, one location
California is enormous. Pine Valley is reachable from most of it.
A student from Los Angeles, Orange County, the Central Valley, or the Bay Area is starting from a very different drive than a student from San Diego — that's real, and worth being honest about. Southern California families are typically a manageable drive from Pine Valley. Families further north are usually looking at a flight — commonly connecting through San Diego International or Los Angeles International (LAX) — rather than a drive. Either way, it's a shorter trip than most out-of-state discipleship programs require, and close enough that visiting before a student applies, or driving out for move-in day, is realistic.
California's church community
A state with no shortage of churches and youth groups.
California is home to thousands of churches and youth ministries, many of them actively looking for what comes next for graduating seniors. Cross to Life gives California youth pastors a nearby option to point students toward — one they can visit in person, refer students to directly, and stay connected with throughout the year, rather than handing a student off to a program a thousand miles away. See our page for pastors and church leaders for more.
Narrowing it down
Closer to home than you'd think.
If you're specifically in Southern California, see our Southern California page for more on the region. If you're near San Diego specifically, this page covers the details closest to home.
And it's paid
$12,000+ a year, without leaving the state.
No tuition — just a $100/month training fee. See the full cost breakdown or learn more about the program.
Common questions
Straight answers
Is Cross to Life based in California?
Yes. Cross to Life is based in Pine Valley, California, a small mountain community in the Cleveland National Forest about 40 minutes east of San Diego.
Do I have to be from Southern California to apply?
No. Cross to Life accepts applicants from anywhere, but the Pine Valley location means California students — from anywhere in the state — can usually get there without a cross-country move, and can fly home easily through San Diego or Los Angeles.
What if I'm from Northern California or the Central Valley?
Pine Valley is a flight away rather than a drive for most of Northern California — typically connecting through San Diego International or Los Angeles International (LAX), then a shuttle or short drive east. It's still far simpler logistically than programs based out of state.
Are there other Christian gap year programs based in California?
There are a handful, but paid, residential, discipleship-and-work programs based in California specifically are uncommon — most Christian gap year and Bible school programs are based in other states. See our full comparison of program types on the Christian Gap Year Programs page.
Does Cross to Life work with California churches?
Yes. We're glad to connect with California youth pastors and church leaders considering Cross to Life for their students — see our page for pastors for more.
Applications reviewed on a rolling basis
Ready to see what a year in Pine Valley could look like?
Applications for the 2026–2027 cohort are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Begin Your Journey