Gap Program Facilitator

Lead Adventures. Build Community. Change Lives.

Required Availability: July 27, 2026 – December 4, 2026

Are you passionate about the outdoors, mentorship, and helping young adults discover their potential?

Join YMCA of the Rockies as a Gap Program Facilitator and spend your season guiding backpacking trips, fostering community, mentoring participants, and creating transformational experiences in the heart of the Colorado Rockies.

This isn't a traditional outdoor leadership position. It's an opportunity to help young adults navigate one of the most important seasons of their lives while living and working in one of the most spectacular mountain settings in the country.

Why This Role Matters

The Elevate Gap Program supports young adults ages 18–23 through a unique combination of hospitality work, outdoor adventure, leadership development, and personal growth experiences.

As a Facilitator, you'll help participants:

• Build confidence and resilience

• Develop outdoor skills and leadership abilities

• Discover purpose and direction

• Navigate challenges of work, community living, and adulthood

• Create meaningful connections and lifelong memories

Your leadership, mentorship, and encouragement will have a lasting impact on every participant's journey.

What You'll Do

Lead Outdoor Adventures

• Facilitate weekly Elevate Days and experiential learning opportunities

• Lead day hikes, overnight camping trips, backpacking excursions, snowshoeing adventures, and service projects

• Plan and coordinate outdoor activities, logistics, gear, transportation, food, and reservations

• Teach outdoor skills and promote safe recreation practices

• Serve as a primary responder during outdoor activities and emergency situations

Mentor and Support Participants

• Conduct regular one-on-one check-ins with participants

• Help young adults navigate workplace challenges and personal growth opportunities

• Foster a supportive, inclusive, and intentional community

• Encourage healthy risk-taking, self-discovery, and leadership development

• Maintain professional boundaries while building meaningful mentoring relationships

Build Community

• Create opportunities for connection and engagement outside of program days

• Support positive residential living experiences within staff housing

• Promote inclusion, respect, and accountability

• Address concerns and assist participants in developing community standards

• Partner with Housing and Program leadership to ensure participant success

Support Program Success

• Evaluate participant experiences and program effectiveness

• Assist with participant recruitment and interviews

• Maintain communication through digital platforms and program updates

• Collaborate with YMCA departments and external partners

What We're Looking For

We're seeking someone who is adventurous, emotionally intelligent, highly organized, and passionate about helping others grow.

Ideal candidates will have:

• Experience in outdoor education, guiding, camps, recreation, or youth development

• Strong hiking, camping, and backpacking skills

• Confidence leading groups in outdoor environments

• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities

• High emotional maturity and sound judgment

• Strong problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

• Experience mentoring young adults or facilitating group experiences

• A valid driver's license and ability to meet YMCA driving requirements

• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays

Work Where Nature Inspires

Located outside Rocky Mountain National Park, YMCA of the Rockies provides a mission-driven environment where adventure, service, and community come together.

Every day offers opportunities to:

• Explore breathtaking mountain landscapes

• Lead meaningful outdoor experiences

• Inspire growth and confidence in others

• Work alongside passionate, purpose-driven colleagues

• Be part of a community that values service, leadership, and belonging

Ready for an Adventure with Purpose?

If you're excited to mentor young adults, lead outdoor adventures, and help create life-changing experiences in the Colorado Rockies, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and spend your season making an impact where mountains inspire growth, leadership, and lifelong memories.