YMCA of the Rockies

UPDATES: Registration is now open for Fall 2024 Gap Programs.

About Us: YMCA of the Rockies is a family resort, conference center, and camp with two locations in the towns outside Rocky Mountain National Park. Serving over 250,000 guests each year, YMCA of the Rockies offers lodging options, adventure activities, and space for families and groups to connect and create lifelong memories. Both staff and guests are inspired by the change of pace from daily life to the amazing mountain views, the fresh mountain air, and the recreational opportunities offered at both centers; Estes Park Center and Snow Mountain Ranch. Each fall and spring, YMCA of the Rockies offer two semester long gap programs, Elevate and Discover, provided for young adults between 18 – 23 years old, that are focused on adventure in the outdoors, gaining valuable work and life skills, and opportunity for deeper reflection and relationship-building. Learn more about the programs below and apply to today to start your adventure and shape your future.

Hiring:

Are you a high school graduate looking for an adventure this fall or a college student seeking a break from school? Reflect and recharge by taking a gap semester in the mountains.

YMCA of the Rockies offers two semester long gap programs; the Elevate Gap Program located at Estes Park Center and the Discover Gap Program located at Snow Mountain Ranch.

Located in the gateway towns of Rocky Mountain National Park, both Elevate and Discover offer opportunity for adventure, networking, resume-building, and community.

What are the program dates?

Fall/Winter Session: August 5 – December 6, 2024

Spring/Summer Session: TBD 2025

Program Fee: $500 (payment terms available)

Program Structure:

• Paid seasonal employment through Guest Service focused departments (Food Service or Housekeeping)

• Recreational opportunities (both scheduled and informal) to explore Rocky Mountain National Park and our stunning locale

• Opportunities for deeper reflection and relationship-building

• Service opportunities through impactful organizations

• A multi-day trip

• Regularly-scheduled small-group workshops and training sessions on topics of interest

• Opportunities to continue working at Estes Park Center for up to 4 additional months as a seasonal employee, or pursue a full-time opening with us

Program Outcomes:

Elevate participants are likely to emerge with greater self-confidence, self-awareness, and a sense of purpose. Participants will meet people from all over the globe. This is a place where nature inspires and quality time happens naturally. Our serene surroundings of Rocky Mountain National Park will provide moments of tranquility and a greater appreciation for the outdoors. Time management skills and learning to be a team-player will be gained.

Participants will complete the program better prepared to face upcoming challenges such as starting/finishing college, applying for/engaging in employment opportunities, and living independently. They will live and learn as part of an intentional community within our YMCA center. Our property is bordered on three sides by Rocky Mountain National Park - an outdoor enthusiast's playground.  ELEVATE is group-focused and will develop a close-knit community among participants and leaders. Participants will meet regularly in consistent small groups and will develop bonds of friendship and fellowship.

Elevate Participant Perks & Compensation: 

• This is a seasonal, hourly (based on 32 hours/week) position, paying $14.42 per hour with a $170.00 per week deduction for room and board. 

• Paid for weekly training & elevate day.

• All participants will be assigned to either Food Service or Housekeeping. 

• Room (shared room in our staff dormitory with free Wi-Fi and no bills)

• Board (3 buffet-style meals per day, seven days a week)

• Access to the YMCA of the Rockies facilities, which include an indoor pool, basketball gymnasium, fitness classes, tennis courts, mini-golf, trails, roller rink, library, and a Craft and Design Center.

• Free ski passes to check out.

• Free gear rentals for sports and outdoor recreation.

• Employee programming, including free or discounted staff trips.

• Discounted nights at YMCA of the Rockies lodges

What are the program dates?

Fall/Winter Session: July 31 – December 13, 2024

Spring/Summer Session: TBD 2025 

Program Fee: $250 (payment terms available)

Program Structure:

• Paid seasonal employment, gaining skills in our food service and housekeeping departments.

• Part of the Discover Cohort, forming a community with other young adults looking for the same outcomes.

• Weekly “Discover Days” designed to enhance life skills, increase workforce preparedness, explore identity formation and possible career trajectories, and explore the local and surrounding areas

• Recreational opportunities (both scheduled and informal) on our 5,200 acres of open space and surrounding public lands.

• Service opportunities

• Small-group workshops and training sessions

• Opportunities to continue working at Snow Mountain Ranch for up to 4 additional months as a seasonal employee, or pursue a full-time opening with us

Program Outcomes:

Discover participants will likely emerge with greater self-confidence, self-awareness and a sense of purpose. Participants will have the opportunity to work with a diverse workforce and learn professional, life enhancing and team building skills. Snow Mountain Ranch is a place where we bring together family and friends. Our inspirational surroundings provide moments of tranquility while intentionally building relationships - with yourself, those around you and nature. Discover is group-focused and will develop a close-knit community among participants and leaders.

Discover Participant Perks & Compensation: 

• This is a seasonal, hourly position, paying $14.42 per hour with a $170.00 per week deduction for room and board

• All participants will be assigned to either Food Service or Housekeeping

• Room (shared room in our staff dormitory with free Wi-Fi).

• Board (3 buffet-style meals per day, seven days a week)

• Access to YMCA of the Rockies facilities

• Free ski passes to check out to nearby resorts (Winter Park Resort is only 15 minutes from Snow Mountain Ranch)

• Free or discounted gear rentals for sports and outdoor recreation (Ski shop on property with great discounts for YMCA of the Rockies staff & gap program participants)

• Employee programming, including free or discounted staff trips

• Discounted nights at YMCA of the Rockies lodges for family & friends

Additional Information About YMCA of the Rockies

Rocky Mountain Living Package:

All seasonal staff and volunteers receive the option to opt-in to our exclusive Rocky Mountain Living Package! YMCA of the Rockies strives to offer an unforgettable staff experience for people who dream of working and living in the Rocky Mountains. We offer incredible perks that can’t be matched.

• Proximity to Colorado mountain adventures

  • Both centers are close to Rocky Mountain National Park.

  • Access to a variety of terrain for outdoor activities (trails, National Forest, alpine lakes).

  • Both centers offer walkability between housing, dining, work sites, and fun.

• Lifelong friendships

  • Our experienced year-round staff and hundreds of seasonal employees offer great networking opportunities and friendships.

• Meeting People from All Around the World

  • We host staff from over 25 different countries and celebrate each other’s heritage through engaging cultural events.

• Inclusive Environment to Grow Professionally and Personally

  • YMCA of the Rockies is a place where all are welcome and can be their best selves. We welcome and support all staff who are looking to grow and expand their horizons.

  • Professional growth opportunities are available through YMCA of the USA trainings.

• Wildlife Viewing

  • Our proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park means we have a lot of wildlife in our backyard! This includes elk, moose, deer, and bear.

• Serve the YMCA Mission

  • The work you do here matters! As a non-profit organization with a mission to build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all, staff have the opportunity to play a key-role in helping cultivate our impact.

• Hassle-Free Living

  • YMCA of the Rockies seasonal employees live on-grounds for a base-fee per week. No credit check or rental agreement required. This includes:

    • Housing in dormitory style rooms

    • Utilities (electric, heat, water)

    • Internet

    • Laundry

    • Cleaning supplies and vacuums

    • Housing lobbies with refrigerators, microwaves, Keurig’s, large screen TV’s, and cable

    • 3 buffet style meals daily – option to eat-in dining room or take meals to-go.

    • Access to all YMCA of the Rockies facilities, free gear rentals, free or discounted tickets to local attractions, and the ability to sign-up for ski passes, indoor climbing, or golf.

  • Access to the Staff Experience Team who provide:

    • Individual support to you

    • Daily activity options

    • Excursions like hikes, concerts, sport games, cultural experiences, seasonal adventures, and more!