Overview
“The mountains are calling and I must go.” – John Muir.
Are you between 18 and 23? Are you a high school grad seeking real-world experience or a college student craving personal development and work experience in the Guest Services industry? Join the Elevate Gap Program at YMCA of the Rockies’ Estes Park Center for an unforgettable semester of adventure, community, and growth! This is your opportunity to live, work and flourish in the heart of beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park!
Why Elevate?
YMCA of the Rockies’ Elevate Gap Program blends paid work with outdoor adventures, team activities, personal development workshops and moments of reflection. Work in guest services (housekeeping/food service departments) alongside seasoned YMCA staff, build a greater sense of self through workshops, discover purpose through service projects, forge life-long relationships, and strengthen outdoor skills through hiking, adventuring, and a multi-day trip. Expect to emerge with greater confidence, self-awareness, and purpose.
Program Fee: $500 (Non-refundable Fee. Payment terms available.)
Program Location: YMCA of the Rockies – Estes Park Center (Estes Park, CO)
Program Structure:
Learn new job skills through paid seasonal employment in the hospitality industry (housekeeping/food service)
Work a minimum of 32 hours per week
Grow through the weekly Elevate group activity days – designed with purpose
Participate in workshops to learn and understand your personal superpowers
Learn about potential career paths that fit your personality and life goals
Experience outdoor recreation in beautiful Colorado
Get certified in CPR and Wilderness First Aid
Challenge yourself on a multi-day group trip
Program Outcomes:
The program is designed to equip participants with greater self-confidence, elevated self-awareness, real world work experience, and a sense of purpose. Participants will have the opportunity to live and work alongside a diverse group of people while learning professional and life-enhancing skills.
What you’ll bring:
Heads-up, this is important stuff! In our Elevate Gap Program you’ll work hard, and you’ll play hard, all in a supportive and engaging community. We’re looking for people that are open to new opportunities, and not afraid to take some risks. Are you flexible, dependable, team-oriented, and enjoy being outdoors? Do you enjoy the camaraderie of community living, and meeting new people? If this describes you, then the Elevate Gap Program in the Colorado Rockies may just be the place for you!
About YMCA of the Rockies - Estes Park Center
At YMCA of the Rockies, we believe nature has room for everyone—and so do we. From different backgrounds and abilities to different reasons for coming, each person adds something unique to our community. This is a place where you can be yourself, connect deeply, and grow together, naturally. As the largest YMCA camp and conference center in the world, YMCA of the Rockies serves over 210,000 people/year.
