Work & Travel


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Learn, grow, and thrive with the Y.

At the YMCA of the Rockies, we believe we have something special—a sense of community—and that everyone should have access to it, along with the programs and services that make a positive impact. As part of our mission, the YMCA of the Rockies offers a Work & Travel program and a Camp Counselors (ICCP) program. These programs allows you to explore the United States and boost your CV by gaining valuable international work experience, it connects your enthusiasm for cultural understanding and public diplomacy to work with American businesses.

These opportunities vary at each of the YMCA of the Rockies two locations. Explore what options are available to you and learn more about our selection process for this program.

Program Eligibility

Applicants for the Work/Travel or Camp Counselor Program must already have a work visa sponsored by a company that we regularly work with. We do not offer self-placements.

SPIRIT
CCI GREENHEART
GEOVISIONS
CAMP STAFF USA

WORK & TRAVEL PROGRAM

Provides the opportunity to live, work and travel for up to 4-months in the US.. This program allows College and University student’s enrolled full time and pursuing studies at post-secondary accredited academic institutions located outside the United States come to the United States to share their culture and ideas with people of the United States through temporary work and travel opportunities.

CAMP COUNSELOR (ICCP) PROGRAM

The Camp Counselor Program enables postsecondary students, youth workers, and teachers to share their culture and ideas with the people of the United States in camp settings throughout the country.

CURRENT JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Food Service

Estes Park Center & Snow Mountain Ranch

Housekeeping

Estes Park Center & Snow Mountain Ranch

Camp Counselors

Estes Park Center, Snow Mountain Ranch, Camp Chief Ouray

Additional Information on Work & Travel/ICCP Programs

Do I get paid to participate in the International program?
Yes! International trainees, interns and summer work employees will receive housing (dormitory style) and meals plus a weekly stipend (currently $220 per week). The 40- hour work week includes some morning, evening and weekend shifts. Trainees receive their share of the Appreciation Fund (tips) given by our guests at the end of the program.
Do I get time off?
Absolutely! We want you to explore the beautiful surroundings and take advantage of the Y’s amenities and staff discounts at various local attractions. We believe in building healthy spirit, mind and body for all.
Do I have to pay for meals?
As a YMCA of the Rockies employee, you’ll receive 3 free meals per day, 7 days per week as part of the compensation packet.
Who do I contact for more information or with questions?
Please contact us at epcinternational@ymcarockies.org for more information or if you have any questions.
How long before my J1 program starts can I arrive in the YMCA of the Rockies?
You can arrive up to 3 days prior to the start date of your work agreement.
Do I need a sponsor for the Summer Work program?
Yes. The State Department designates U.S. government, academic and private sector entities to conduct educational and cultural exchange programs. To participate in the Exchange Visitor Program,foreign nationals must be sponsored by one of the State Department-designated sponsors. The program sponsors are responsible for screening and selecting eligible foreign nationals for participation in their designated exchange visitor program, as well as supporting and monitoring exchange visitors during their stay in the United States.
Do I get paid to participate in the program?
Yes! Our participants will be paid a gross (before taxes) weekly rate of $230. This rate is the amount they will be paid for a 40-hour week. If participants log less than 40 hours per week, they will receive a pro-rated amount of this rate. As part of the compensation package, our International staff receive lodging, three meals a day and free or discounted access to most YMCA facilities and area attractions (skiing and snowshoeing in the winter, climbing, hiking, biking and horseback riding in the summer). Participants will also receive their share of the Appreciation Fund (tips) given by our guests at the end of the program.
Where is the nearest airport?
The nearest airport to our location is Denver International Airport.
Do I get picked up from the airport?
Participants MUST send their arrival information to Amanda at amoulden@ymcarockies.org at least two weeks in advance of arrival. We will then schedule your shuttle depending on which location you are traveling to. Participants should not arrive more than three days before their DS-2019 start date, as their room may not yet be vacant or prepared.
What to pack?
As you get ready to start packing your bags to travel to beautiful Colorado, there are a few things to keep in mind. Below is a list of suggested items to pack for your experience at the Y. But remember to pack lightly; dorm rooms are small and you may have up to three (3) roommates.

Clothing: Temperatures in the mountains change very fast. Please make sure to pack WARM CLOTHES!
  • All Seasons: black pants/blue jeans, sweatshirts/sweaters, jacket or parka, t-shirts, swimsuit, as well as some nice clothes for special occasions.
  • Winter Season (September—May): heavy coat, scarf, gloves, boots, and hat for cold weather and snow.
  • Rain Gear: no umbrellas due to lightning
  • Good walking shoes and/or hiking boots
  • Alarm Clock
  • Shower Sandals
  • Container to carry personal items to shower room
  • Musical instrument if you play one
  • Sporting gear appropriate to the season
  • Camera
  • Adapters for electronics: American outlets are different from other countries, and there are no adapters sold near our facility.
  • Cultural Items: Bring items that represent your home country for cultural events
Our facility is 3 miles from town and there is limited transportation, so bring anything else you think you might need. Because we are located in a tourist area, items for sale in the local stores can be expensive.
Is there public transportation in the area?
The YMCA of the Rockies is located in a rural area in the Mountains, there is no public transportation in the area.
Are drugs and/or alcohol permitted?
In accordance with our healthy spirit/mind/body mission and federal law, we have a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol or drugs on property; in addition, no drug use is tolerated (including marijuana) during your employment with us whether on or off-duty. If you want to use marijuana, don’t apply for our International programs.
Who do I contact if I have more questions?
Please contact our International Department at 970-586-3341 x1214, or email epcinternational@ymcarockies.org.

Meet some of our team members.

  • Customer Testimonails

    One of the best things of working here is the opportunity to be this close to the mountains. The view is breathtaking and it makes you feel more peaceful and grateful.

    Vilma, Park Center
  • Customer Testimonails

    My favorite part of working at the YMCA is that every day is a chance to learn something new. Some days will be a little quiet and other days will be challenging.

    Miao, Estes Park Center
  • Customer Testimonails

    It was in that moment when I thought to myself that these few days can mean a lot to the kids that spend time with us and how important it is to keep this kid inside yourself.

    Maria, Estes Park Center

Meet some of our team members.

Hover to hear what our employees have to say

Vilma,
Park Center

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Miao,
Park Center

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Maria,
Park Center

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Join Us

We invite you to join us in this amazing work—to develop your skills, to realize your leadership potential and to discover a career that is so much more than a job.