Elevate Gap Program – Fall 2026

Part-Time Work. Full-Time Adventure. A Semester That Changes Everything.

August 10 – December 4, 2026

What if your next semester wasn't spent in a classroom—but in the Colorado Rockies?

Imagine spending your days working alongside a supportive team, exploring mountain trails, discovering your strengths, building lifelong friendships, and gaining real-world experience that prepares you for whatever comes next.

Welcome to the Elevate Gap Program at YMCA of the Rockies.

Designed for young adults ages 18–23, Elevate combines paid employment, outdoor adventure, personal development, leadership training, and community living into one unforgettable experience in the heart of the Rocky Mountains.

Why Choose Elevate?

This isn't just a job. It's not just a gap year program.

It's a chance to:

• Gain valuable hospitality and customer service experience

• Live and work in beautiful Estes Park, Colorado

• Explore Rocky Mountain wilderness through hiking, backpacking, and outdoor adventures

• Discover your strengths, passions, and future career possibilities

• Build confidence, leadership skills, and independence

• Create lifelong friendships with people from around the world

• Be part of a community that values purpose, growth, and service

Work, Learn, and Grow

Participants work a minimum of 32 hours per week in YMCA guest service departments such as:

• Housekeeping

• Food Service

You'll gain hands-on professional experience while developing workplace skills employers value, including teamwork, communication, responsibility, and customer service.

Adventure Built Into Every Week

Unlike a traditional seasonal job, Elevate includes dedicated weekly growth and adventure days designed to help you learn more about yourself and the world around you.

Program experiences include:

• Mountain hiking and outdoor recreation

• Multi-day wilderness adventure trip

• Leadership and personal development workshops

• Community service opportunities

• Strengths and personality discovery activities

• Career exploration and life planning sessions

Compensation & Benefits

• Earn $15.16 per hour

• Work a minimum of 32 paid hours each week

• Weekly bonus opportunities

• Live on-site with other participants

• Three buffet-style meals daily

• Free Wi-Fi

• Access to staff activities and recreation programs

• Experience an unmatched Rocky Mountain lifestyle

Housing, meals, and amenities are provided through our Rocky Mountain Living Package.

Who We're Looking For

You don't need to have all the answers.

You simply need to be willing to grow.

We're seeking individuals who are:

• Ages 18–23

• Open to new experiences and challenges

• Dependable and hardworking

• Team-oriented and community-minded

• Excited about outdoor adventure

• Looking for purpose, growth, and real-world experience

• Ready to step outside their comfort zone

Ready to Elevate Your Future?

The mountains are calling.

Spend a semester gaining work experience, exploring the outdoors, building confidence, and discovering what's next.

Join the 2026 Elevate Gap Program and turn one season into a lifetime of growth, adventure, and purpose.