Live, Work, and Explore the Rockies in the 2026 Elevate Gap Program this Fall!

Interested in part-time work and full-time adventure? Discover Purpose and Adventure in the Colorado Rockies with the YMCA of the Rockies 2026 Elevate Gap Program!

Elevate Gap Program - Fall 2026 (08/10/2026-12/04/2026)
Registration Now Open

"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 and professional growth 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 immersive outdoor adventures, team activities, personal workshops and moments of reflection. Work in guest services (housekeeping/food service departments) alongside seasoned YMCA staff, build leadership skills through workshops, discover a greater sense of purpose through service projects, forge life-long relationships, and learn wilderness skills through hiking, backpacking, 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 and learn 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!

Compensation & Perks:

• Participants in the Elevate Gap Program are paid seasonal employees of YMCA of the Rockies. Each participant will work at least 32 hours per week, at a paid rate of $15.16/hr.

• Weekly bonus opportunities

• One day per week is an unpaid Elevate growth and adventure day.

• Elevate participants live on-site in staff dormitories as part of our Rocky Mountain Living Package (RMLP). The RMLP includes shared dormitory rooms, spacious lobbies, three buffet-style meals per day, free wi-fi, access to all staff activities, and more, at a cost of $170 per week (automatically deducted from your paycheck). Click here for more information about the benefits of the RMLP.

About Us: 

When you participate in the Elevate Gap Program at YMCA of the Rockies, you become part of something bigger than yourself. You become a key player in helping cultivate an environment of healthy living, youth development, and community impact. As a program participant, you will meet people representing all dimensions of diversity and will live each day with a greater sense of purpose. You’ll learn to lead with heart, and measure success by the impactful moments you’re able to create for yourself, guests, community members, and fellow staff. This is a place where nature inspires. The majestic surroundings of Rocky Mountain National Park provide moments of beauty (and wildlife viewing!)  throughout each day.