A GAP PROGRAM WITH ADVENTURE
Take a Gap Semester in the mountains! Opportunity for adventure and work experience next to Rocky Mountain National Park.
The Elevate Program at YMCA of the Rockies provides young adults (ages 18 - 22 years old) with a variety of experiences designed to enjoy the outdoors while gaining work and life skills. The three components of this program are outdoor adventure, employment in the hospitality industry (rotating through departments at YMCA of the Rockies) and meaningful community service. This is a great opportunity for those interested in expanding their outdoor education knowledge while living in a genuine mountain town and gaining a greater skillset and lifelong friends along the way. Elevate participants lead with heart and thrive in our diverse, equitable, inclusive, and supportive work environment.
Elevate Gap Program includes two week-long road trips to:
- New Mexico for a service trip along the Mexico border
- Southern Utah to visit Zion National Park
(The destination of the trips may be subject to change to comparable locations. *)
Outside of these trips, activities may include hiking and snowshoeing in Rocky Mountain National Park, rock climbing, white water rafting, horseback riding, hot air balloon rides, fly-fishing and exploring all that Colorado has to offer. All Elevate participants will have the opportunity to gain free certification in Wilderness First-Aid (valued at $400), Red Cross Lifeguard Training (valued at $300), Mental Health First-Aid, Red Cross CPR, AED and First Aid, and ServSafe during their program. Start your adventure this fall at YMCA of the Rockies. Apply today!
Apply For ElevateMeet some of our team members.
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ELEVATE has given me more life and work experience, to try things out and see what I like. The people and mentors are the best part in helping me explore what I want to do.
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Being forced out of my comfort zone has helped me learn about myself and others. I have loved every minute of it.
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By the end of the first week, we all felt like family. I have been able to adapt and thrive in a new environment. It’s hard to find one word that encompasses it all.
Ready to start the ELEVATE application process?
That’s great! Learn more about our application process today.
- Fall Program Dates: August 8, 2022 - December 16, 2022
The program fee is $500.00.
$50.00 of this fee is payable at the time of application. The program fee helps to defray the costs of training sessions, activity fees, and other expenses.
Our goal is to better prepare you to face upcoming challenges such as starting/finishing college, applying for/engaging in employment opportunities and living independently. There are also a variety of training and certification opportunities (which may include CPR, WFA, etc.). You’ll live and learn as part of an intentional community within our YMCA center.
- Room & board package (housing in dormitory style building with internet, heat, water, electric, and 3 meals/day, 7 days/week)
- Access to the YMCA of the Rockies facilities, which include: an indoor pool, basketball gymnasium, fitness classes, hiking/biking/skiing trails, climbing wall, library, and Craft and Design Center
- Free passes for skiing, rock climbing, mountain biking, and golf, as well as free gear rentals (dependent on season and resort – limited number available, first come first served basis)
- Employee programming, including free or discounted staff trips, provided by the Residence Office
- Discounted nights at YMCA of the Rockies lodges (with some date restrictions based on season/occupancy)
Pet Policy—Though we would love to welcome your pets, unfortunately we cannot allow animals of any kind, with the exception of certified service animals.