YMCA of the Rockies , Estes Park, Colorado
YMCA of the Rockies
ProfileOverview
Elevate Gap Program Facilitator
Mentor. Adventure Leader. Community Builder.
Seasonal | Full-Time | Estes Park, Colorado
Help Young Adults Discover Confidence, Community, and Purpose
Do you thrive in the outdoors? Are you passionate about mentoring young adults during one of the most transformative seasons of their lives?
YMCA of the Rockies is seeking energetic, compassionate, and adventurous leaders to join our Elevate Gap Program as Facilitators. This unique role combines outdoor leadership, mentorship, experiential education, and community building in the stunning Rocky Mountains.
As an Elevate Gap Program Facilitator, you'll guide participants (ages 18–23) through meaningful outdoor adventures, personal growth experiences, and life transitions while helping them develop confidence, resilience, and lifelong skills.
Why You'll Love This Role
Lead backpacking, camping, hiking, and snowshoeing adventures
Mentor and support young adults through personal and professional growth
Build an intentional, supportive community
Work and live in one of Colorado's most beautiful mountain destinations
Design meaningful experiences that inspire confidence and self-discovery
Make a lasting impact on participants during a pivotal stage of life
About the Elevate Gap Program
The Elevate Gap Program is designed to support young adults who are exploring what's next after high school. Participants work in hospitality roles throughout the YMCA while engaging in weekly experiential learning days known as "Elevate Days."
Through outdoor adventure, service opportunities, leadership development, mentorship, and community living, participants are challenged to grow physically, emotionally, and mentally while discovering their strengths and purpose.
What You'll Do
Lead Outdoor Adventures
Plan, facilitate, and debrief weekly Elevate Days
Lead day hikes, overnight backpacking trips, camping excursions, snowshoeing adventures, and outdoor education experiences
Coordinate logistics including transportation, food, equipment, permits, and reservations
Communicate safety expectations and manage risk in outdoor settings
Serve as a primary responder during emergencies and outdoor incidents
Mentor & Support Participants
Conduct regular one-on-one check-ins
Help participants set goals and track progress
Provide guidance through workplace and personal challenges
Foster healthy mind, body, and spirit development
Serve as a positive role model while maintaining professional boundaries
Build Community
Create and lead extracurricular activities outside scheduled program days
Foster belonging, engagement, and connection among participants
Support an inclusive community that values diverse backgrounds and experiences
Maintain an approachable and visible presence within staff housing
Assist participants in establishing community expectations and accountability
Support Program Operations
Communicate upcoming activities and participant expectations
Evaluate participant feedback and program outcomes
Assist with recruiting and interviewing future participants
Maintain outdoor equipment and gear inventories
Collaborate closely with Housing and Program Leadership teams
What We're Looking For
Required Qualifications
Must be at least 21 years old
Experience in outdoor education, recreation, camps, guiding, or similar fields
Strong outdoor skills including hiking, camping, and backpacking
Ability to lead physically demanding outdoor activities multiple days each week
Strong interpersonal, communication, and mentorship skills
Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team
High emotional intelligence and professional maturity
Valid U.S. driver's license with acceptable driving record
Ability to pass DOT physical and drug screening required for operating a 14-passenger minibus
Flexibility to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed
Preferred Qualifications
Current CPR and Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certifications, or willingness to obtain
Experience working with young adults ages 18–23
Familiarity with Canva, Slack, Microsoft Word, Excel, and other digital communication platforms
Physical Requirements
This is an active, outdoor-focused position requiring:
Hiking up to 10 miles on uneven terrain
Frequent travel at elevations above 8,000 feet
Uphill hiking and backpacking
Lifting and carrying up to 60 pounds
Working in varying weather conditions
High levels of energy, stamina, and adaptability
Our Culture
At YMCA of the Rockies, we put Christian principles into practice through programs, staff, and facilities that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.
Located just outside Rocky Mountain National Park, our team serves more than 150,000 guests annually while creating meaningful experiences that change lives.
We are committed to:
Caring
Honesty
Respect
Responsibility
Faith
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Every staff member contributes to our mission and helps create a welcoming environment where people can grow, connect, and thrive.
Join Our Team
If you're passionate about outdoor leadership, mentorship, and helping young adults navigate an important chapter of life, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today and spend your season making a difference in the heart of the Rocky Mountains.
Employee Experience
Working at YMCA of the Rockies is less like a traditional job and more like being part of a close-knit mountain community rooted in purpose and service. Employees are connected to a mission that focuses on building healthy spirit, mind, and body for all, and many find deep fulfillment in knowing their work directly impacts families, guests, and fellow staff every day. The experience is highly community-driven, with coworkers often becoming friends through shared work, housing, meals, and outdoor adventures. The culture is values-based and supportive, emphasizing caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility, with leaders who are approachable and mission-focused. Employees enjoy a unique mountain lifestyle with easy access to hiking, skiing, wildlife, and YMCA recreation facilities, along with opportunities to learn new skills, cross-train, and grow personally and professionally. While the work can be physically demanding and requires flexibility due to weather, altitude, and seasonal changes, many employees describe the experience as meaningful, memorable, and life-shaping—leaving with strong connections, valuable skills, and a lasting sense of purpose.
The Perfect Fit
The perfect fit for this position is someone who is mission-minded, genuinely caring about service, community, and making a meaningful impact rather than just earning a paycheck. They resonate deeply with the YMCA’s values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility, and find fulfillment in helping others feel welcome, safe, and supported. People-centered in their approach, they enjoy working with guests, families, children, coworkers, and volunteers, demonstrating patience, friendliness, and calm under pressure, while feeling comfortable connecting with individuals from all backgrounds. Adaptable and team-oriented, they thrive in fast-paced, ever-changing environments and value collaboration, strong communication, and working together to achieve shared goals.
Perks & Housing
Job Perks
Employees at YMCA of the Rockies enjoy a unique set of perks that make mountain living both affordable and rewarding. Many positions offer access to on-site housing with utilities and Wi-Fi included, along with three meals a day in the dining commons, which removes much of the cost and stress of living in a resort mountain town. Employees receive free or discounted access to YMCA facilities such as fitness centers, climbing walls, trails, courts, and recreational programs, as well as opportunities to participate in seasonal activities like Nordic skiing, tubing, canoeing, hiking, and biking depending on location and time of year. Additional perks often include discounted lodging for friends and family, employee discounts on activities and gear, and access to corporate ski passes or reduced-rate lift tickets at nearby resorts. Beyond tangible benefits, seasonal staff gain a strong sense of community, participate in staff events and outings, and build transferable skills while working in a mission-driven environment surrounded by Colorado’s Rocky Mountains.
Housing Options
Rocky Mountain Living Package It’s not just a job; It’s an experience! What is included? • Housing in dormitory style rooms • Free utilities (electric, heat, water) • Free internet • Free laundry • Free cleaning supplies and vacuums • Housing lobbies feature o Refrigerators, microwaves, & Keurig’s o large screen TV’s o cable • 3 buffet style meals daily – eat in our dining halls or take your meals to-go. • Discounted lodge room nights for friends and family. • Access to all of YMCA of the Rockies facilities, free gear rentals, free or discounted tickets to local attractions, and the ability to sign up for free passes for skiing, indoor climbing and golf.
Meal Plan
Meals Included: 3 meals per day (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner). 7 days/wk
Things To Do In The Area
Estes Park Center -Rocky Mountain National Park -Fall River Visitor Center -Estes Park Aerial Tramway -Open Air Adventure Park -National Park Gateway Stables or Jackson Stables Snow Mountain Ranch -Nordic Skiing & Snowshoeing -Winter Tubing & Ice Skating -Canoeing & Paddleboarding -Archery & Indoor Climbing -Whitewater Rafting
RV / CamperVan Space
RV/Camper Spots have limited availablabillity depending on season at Snow Mountain Ranch
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