Our Gap Programs are designed to help young adults (ages 18 – 23) grow in their personal and professional lives while creating memories that will last a lifetime. The programs are divided into two tracks; The Discover Program at Snow Mountain Ranch and the Elevate Program at Estes Park Center.
Discover Program
This program provides young adults with a variety of experiences designed to learn the non-profit hospitality industry while gaining essential life skills. This is a great program to try out a variety of fields, find your niche, and start to develop a career while supported by your facilitators, mentors, and managers at Snow Mountain Ranch
Learn more about Discover Program
Elevate Program
Our Elevate Program is for those of you who want a more immersive experience with the outdoors. We’ll provide you with the opportunity to live and work in the heart of the Rocky Mountains while also engaging in leadership and professional development workshops. You’ll work alongside seasoned YMCA staff members and gain valuable skills that will prepare you for your future career.
Learn more about Elevate ProgramAs a participant in our Gap Programs, you will have the opportunity to gain real-world work experience, build your resume, and make lasting connections with people from all over the world. Additionally, you will enjoy the many benefits of living and working in the beautiful Rocky Mountains.
We encourage you to take advantage of this unique opportunity and join our team for an unforgettable experience. Embark on a journey that will help shape your future!
Apply NowDiscover Program FAQ
Fall/Winter Session: August 15 - December 15, 2024
Spring/Summer Session: TBD
The Discover program takes place at YMCA of the Rockies, Snow Mountain Ranch. Located near Winter Park, Rocky Mountain National Park & Grand Lake, Snow Mountain Ranch offers a wholesome environment where friends, families & groups enjoy a tranquil setting, more activities than anywhere else & quality time together. Every season brings fun and excitement, whether you are looking for adventure or a relaxing stroll. Our 5000-acre property is surrounded by over one million acres of National Forest and Wilderness Areas, making it an outdoor enthusiast’s playground. Our training sessions will incorporate outdoor activities to assist in facilitating the session in a fun experiential ways.
$250
This position pays $14.42/hour with a deduction of $170/week for the Rocky Mountain Living Package which includes all activities, trainings, housing, and meals. Transportation assistance to Snow Mountain Ranch may be available.
Rocky Mountain Living Package for Discover Participants includes:
- The Discover work week is 32-36 hours and remaining paid hours are for activities, trainings, and other education opportunities. Participants will be paid for 40 hours per week if they work their schedule and participate in all Discover activities.
- Room (shared room in our staff dormitory with free Wi-Fi, laundry, and utilities)
- 3 buffet-style meals per day, 7 days a week with meals provided during outings
- Access to the YMCA of the Rockies facilities, which include an indoor pool, gymnasium, chapel, fitness classes, tennis and pickle ball courts, Nordic Center, trails, archery, roller rink, library, and a craft shop.
- Free ski passes, recreation center passes, and golf passes
- Free gear rentals for sports and outdoor recreation.
- Employee programming including staff trips.
- Discounted nights at YMCA of the Rockies lodges.
- Free in-town transportation
Drug & Alcohol Policy
- In accordance with our healthy spirit/mind/body mission, we have a zero-tolerance staff & volunteer policy for drugs and alcohol on-property. If you want to use marijuana, don’t apply for the Discover program.
Vehicle Policy
- Personal cars are highly encouraged to bring. It provides a greater sense of independence and most seasonal staff adjusts better to our rural mountain setting when they have their own car.
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.
As a Discover graduate, you will emerge with greater self-confidence, self-awareness and a sense of purpose, along with memories of great places throughout Colorado. You will learn practical job skills, such as: communication techniques, team building, leadership, conflict resolution and setting goals for where you want to go from here. Through an employment experience in a mission-based, not-for-profit organization you will gain an understanding as to how your work positively impacts our guests, and greater enthusiasm for the Rocky Mountains. You will complete the program better prepared to face upcoming challenges such as starting/finishing college, applying for/engaging in employment opportunities, living independently and exploring the world. They will live and learn as part of an intentional community within our YMCA center. Additional training opportunities or certifications may be available.
Apply using this application link or visit the Jobs Search section on our Career Site.
Please e-mail us at Discover@ymcarockies.org or by calling 970-887-2152 ext. 4219
Elevate Program FAQ
The Elevate program takes place at YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park Center (EPC), which sits at an elevation of 8,000 feet, is located on over 860 acres and surrounded by the natural splendor of Rocky Mountain National Park. With over 217 family cabins and 9 lodge buildings, the Estes Park Center is a premier family getaway and conference center. We are located in a deep valley surrounded by soaring mountains, including Long’s Peak. Downtown Estes Park is about 10 minutes away via car, and Boulder is an hour away. If you prefer a slightly shorter, milder winter and want to be on the border of Rocky Mountain National Park—home of endless wilderness, outstanding fly fishing, and some of the best hiking/rock-climbing in the world—but closer to a bigger town, this is the place for you.
As a graduate of the Elevate program, you will emerge with greater self-confidence, self-awareness and a sense of purpose. Through a number of trainings in the outdoor industry, you will have a resume of certifications that include WFA, CPR, LNT, and more. Through an employment experience in a mission-based, not-for-profit organization, you will gain an understanding as to how your work positively impacts our guests by working in either our Food Service or Housekeeping Department. You will learn time management skills and the responsibility that comes with it. Through both structured and free-time opportunities to enjoy the multitude of recreational activities available in our stunning location, a greater appreciation of the outdoors and the Rocky Mountains will be gained.
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. You’ll live and learn as part of an intentional community within our YMCA center, with a mentor and group of peers all there for the same purpose.
Elevate is offered during the spring & fall semester. Participants that successfully complete our program will be eligible to stay on as YMCA employees for up to 4 additional months. There is an acceptance fee of $500.
Summer Elevate Dates: August 5 - December 6, 2024
Spring Elevate Dates: TBD
This position pays $14.42/hour with a deduction of $170/week for the Rocky Mountain Living Package which includes all activities, trainings, housing, and meals.
Rocky Mountain Living Package for Elevate Participants includes:
- Room (shared room in our staff dormitory with free Wi-Fi, laundry, and utilities)
- 3 buffet-style meals per day, 7 days a week with meals provided during outings
- Access to the YMCA of the Rockies facilities, which include an indoor pool, basketball courts, mini golf, chapel, tennis and pickle ball courts, hiking trails, outdoor exercise loop, archery, roller rink, library, and a craft & design center.
- Free ski passes to nearby resorts
- Free gear rentals for sports and outdoor recreation
- Employee programming including staff trips
- Discounted nights at YMCA of the Rockies lodges
- Elevate participants get paid during their weekly, "Elevate Day" which can consist of trainings, mentoring, volunteering, or group activities
- Scholarships avaialable
Apply using this application link or under the Job Search page on our Career Site.
Please e-mail elevate@ymcarockies.org or call 970-586-3341 ex. 1352.
Drug Policy
- In accordance with our healthy spirit/mind/body mission, we have a zero-tolerance staff & volunteer policy for drugs and alcohol on-property. If you want to use marijuana, don’t apply for the Elevate program.
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.
What will you be doing?
- You will work 4 days per week in hospitality at the YMCA in our housekeeping and food service departments. On your Elevate day, you will be paid for adventure activities, trainings, and volunteer opportunities to further your career.
How much free time do I have?
- You will work 32 hours/week in your seasonal position and have one Elevate day each week. You will also have at least 2 days off. During those days off, you can explore the Rocky Mountains or participate in other activities at the YMCA, including crafts, rock climbing, mini golf, roller skating, sports and recreation, games, and more.
What sort of supervision do Elevate staff have?
- Elevate staff are assigned to cohorts led by a facilitator who will help each participate grow professionally & personally. These facilitators serve as mentors for participants, helping guide their interests and nurturing them.
Your Future Awaits
At the Y, we are all about finding the right fit. To those looking for a career, an adventure, or trying to figure out what’s next, we’ve got plenty of roles to guide you in the right direction.